Fantasy Football: Rookie Power Rankings (Week 3)
Week 2 of the NFL was, for lack of a better term, a bloodbath. Injuries decimated many elite fantasy players, causing absolute panic. Christian Mccaffrey, Saquon Barkely, Raheem Mostert, and others are out for an extended period of time. Luckily, the injury bug hasn’t really hit that hard in terms of rookies. The rookie class of 2020 may have to step up in some spots now that more heralded veterans have been taken out. it will be interesting to see who can rise to the challenge going forward. Let’s take a look at this week’s top 10.
1. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs Last Week: 1
Week 1 saw CEH display his rushing ability. Coming into week two, we all were wondering when he was gonna get involved in the passing game. Edwards-Helaire was again the starting back, seeing 10 rushes for 38 yards. A slight step back in rushing from week 1, but where he shined was the passing game. He caught six balls for 32 yards. If he can put together a complete game, he will be a fantasy stud.
2. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts Last Week: 2
There was plenty of excitement coming into week 2 for Taylor. The injury to fellow running back Marlon Mack opened the door for him to receive the majority of the rushing attempts, and he did not disappoint. He was a bulldozer against the Vikings, carrying the ball 26 times for 101 yards and a touchdown. If he can chip in a few catches with that many carries, he will soon see the #1 spot in the rankings.
3. Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals Last Week: 4
Joe Burrow seems to be acclimating extremely well to the NFL. The rookie threw for three touchdowns and 316 yards on 61! attempts passing. He also had seven rushing attempts for 19 yards. He offers some dual threat ability, and his offense is able to help him out when he needs it. His newfound connection with TE Drew Sample should only help to increase his comfort level, which would spell big things for his value. Burrow’s upcoming contest against an Eagles team that made Dwayne Haskins look good is another step I the right direction, and he should have a big game.
4. Laviska Shenault Jr, WR, Jaguars Last Week: 5
Shenault caught 3 targets for 35 yards and had five carries for 37 yards in Week 2 action. This continues this trend of him being used as a multi-purpose weapon for the Jaguars. Expect him to be featured more in the passing game, especially if D.J. Chark is hobbled by injury. The added bonus of rushing might eventually give him som dual eligibility, which would be a boon for his fantasy owners.
5. James Robinson, RB, Jaguars Last Week: 8
Love our content? Check out the GoingFor2 Live Podcast Network!
In Robinson, we have back to back Jags, as Jacksonville seems to have hit well in the draft class. Robinson notched his first 100 yard game in the NFL, doing so on only 16 carries. If he can become more involved in the backfield, we might be seeing the makings of a bonafide RB1 happening before our eyes. While many did not hear of Robinson before the season, he is absolutely on the fantasy radar now.
6. Joshua Kelley, RB, Chargers Last Week: 6
Kelley continues to impress in his opportunities in the LA backfield. The rookie rushed 23 times, out carrying Austin Ekeler 23-16. He took those 23 carries and put up 64 yards with a pair of catches for 49 yards. Perhaps not surprisingly, Kelley looks to be established in the Melvin Gordon role, working in tandem with Austin Ekeler that has proven to be good for his development. If he continues along this path, he will see every week fantasy relevance soon.
7. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys Last Week: 7
CeeDee Lamb has taken his opportunity and ran with it. Literally. In just 2 short weeks, he has manged to entrench himself as a bonafide weapon in the Dallas offense. Lamb somewhat surprisingly tied for the team lead in wide receiver targets with nine in Week 2. He too kthose targets and turned them into 6 catches for 106 yards. He seemingly has leapfrogged Michael Gallup in the Reciever pecking order, and his chances will only grow from here on out.
8. Chase Claypool, WR, Steelers Last Week: Unranked
Chase Claypool caught three balls for 88 yards and a touchdown. He made a nice move down the sideline and smoked his defender, outrunning him for the score. It seems that Claypool is adjusting well to NFL life. While he is still low on the WR depth chart, his big play ability and strong hands may catch the eye of Ben Roethlisberger sooner rather than later. If he can establish consistent playing time, expect big things in the future.
9. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos Last Week: Unranked
Jerry Jeudy caught four of his seven targets for 62 yards in the loss to the Steelers. Even though Jeudy has yet to find the endzone so far this season, he was tied for the team lead in catches and targets in week 2. Fellow WR Courtland Sutton has landed on IR, so this will provide a golden opppurtunity for JEudy to use his superior route running to make a major impact. If Jeudy can establish a rapport with backup QB Jeff Driskel, he could end up emerging as the Broncos’ #1.
10. D’Andre Swift, RB, Lions Last Week: Unranked
Swift came into the league as a top 3 RB prospect. HIs name being called on draft night by the lions and the subsequent singing of RB Adrian PEterson put a samper on the prospects of Swift making a huge impact this season. He has a chance in week 1 to win the game, and dropped the pass, and it was fair to wonder what kind of usage he would see the next week. He turned out to be a rock solid PPR option, as Swift made five catches for 60 yards. If he can establish himself as the primary receiving back, his upside will shoot skyward, and he will have some good RB2 potential.
ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.
