The 2021 NFL rookie class made a splash in Week 1. The top rookie wide receivers showed up, and so did some surprise rookie running backs. Now let’s take a look at where things stand heading into Week 2.
1.) Ja’Marr Chase (CIN @ CHI)
Previous Rank: 5
The WR1 of the 2021 class did not disappoint in his debut. Ja’Marr Chase’s preseason drops are nothing but a figment of our imagination now, and he looks to be the new favorite target for his quarterback, Joe Burrow.
Advice: Start
2.) DeVonta Smith (PHI v SF)
Previous Rank: 6
DeVonta Smith’s week 1 performance was what fans hoped for this season. Smith shot out of gates with a 6/71/1 line and showed he may now be Jalen Hurts’ favorite target. The Eagles have a tougher week 2 matchup against the 49ers, but Smith looks ready to take on the challenge.
Advice: Start
3.) Jaylen Waddle (MIA v BUF)
Previous Rank: On the Bubble
Jaylen Waddle spent last week on our power rankings bubble, and now he finds himself at #3. He had a solid game against a tough New England defense. Waddle will now look to build off his 4/61/1 line in week 2 against another stout defense in Buffalo. Will Fuller also returns for Miami, so let’s see how that affects Waddle.
Advice: Sit
4.) Najee Harris (PIT v LV)
Previous Rank: 2
Najee Harris had a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but one thing is clear: He’s Pittsburgh’s feature back, and he’s going to get opportunities. Harris played every offensive snap and had 16 carries for just 45 yards. His stat line is disappointing, but his snap percentage is not. Look for a bounce-back in week 2 against the Raiders.
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Advice: Start
5.) Kyle Pitts (ATL @ TB)
Previous Rank: 3
Ignore the box score for Kyle Pitts. The entire Falcons offense struggled on Sunday. Here’s the one thing to focus on for Pitts: He saw just as many targets (8) as Calvin Ridley. Unfortunately, he now gets the Buccaneers in Week 2.
Advice: Start
6.) Mac Jones (NE @ NYJ)
Previous Rank: Unranked
Mac Jones was the best part of the Patriots on Sunday. He looked solid in his pro debut by throwing for 281 yards and a touchdown. Look for him to be trusted more in this offense, especially while the running backs have ball control issues.
Advice: Start (Superflex)
7.) Javonte Williams (DEN @ JAX)
Previous Rank: 4
Javonte Williams is someone I expect to climb these rankings soon, but just not yet. He’s still in a timeshare with Melvin Gordon. The two backs split duties, but Williams out-carried Gordon 14 to 11. Despite the timeshare, Denver takes on Jacksonville in Week 2, and that’s a matchup you want to exploit.
Advice: START
8.) Elijah Mitchell (SF @ PHI)
Previous Rank: Unranked
Elijah Mitchell brought in the most jaw-dropping performance of week 1 for any rookie. Not only was he not expected to be the RB2 in San Francisco, but he took the lead role once Raheem Mostert went down. Mitchell then put on a phenomenal performance running for 104 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
Advice: FLEX Start
9.) Kenny Gainwell (PHI v SF)
Previous Rank: Unranked
Kenny Gainwell was a fun surprise for week 1. He not only beat out Boston Scott for the RB2 job in Philadelphia, but he took and ran with it. Pun intended. Gainwell finished with a 9/37/1 line and recorded 4.1 yards per carry with a nice 35% snap rate. He also saw three targets and had a receiving touchdown nullified. Let’s give him some more time to grow.
Advice: FLEX Start (if needed)
10.) Trevor Lawrence (JAX v DEN)
Previous Rank: 1
Jacksonville had a rough start to 2021, and Trevor Lawrence threw three interceptions. It was a tough outing for the number one pick. Denver’s defense is up next, and they could be an issue.
Advice: SIT
** On the Bubble **
Terrace Marshall Jr.
Previous Rank: 10
Embed from Getty ImagesIf Terrace Marshall is able to keep Robby Anderson at bay and become the Panthers’ WR3 (CMC, DJ), then he may be in for a major workload. The Saints defense is what’s keeping Marshall out of the top 10 this week.
Zach Wilson
Previous Rank: 7
Jets fans should be encouraged. Zach Wilson came around against the Panthers, but his O-Line is atrocious. The Patriots will look to keep the pressure on the rookie.
Trey Sermon
Previous Rank: 8
He’s not finished in San Francisco. No one knows what Kyle Shenanigans is doing, but Sermon will eventually reappear.
** Be sure to check back each week for updated rankings!
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