The 10 Best Rookies in Fantasy for Week 3

The rookies have arrived, and many have found themselves in a good chunk of starting lineups. Here’s where they stack up against each other heading into week three.

1.) Ja’Marr Chase (Previous Rank: 1)

The WR1 of the 2021 class stays on top heading into week 3. His fantasy value definitely took a dip in week 2, but he did salvage the day with a 42-yard touchdown. Joe Burrow will continue to sling it against the Steelers, so Chase should be fine. Let’s hope Burrow will get enough time in the pocket. 

Advice: START @ Steelers

2.) DeVonta Smith (Previous Rank: 2) 

Devonta Smith should be in store for a fun week three matchup against the Cowboys on Monday Night Football. His week two performance was flat-out ugly from a fantasy perspective, but he still saw seven targets. Jalen Hurts will continue to look at Smith through the air. Get your popcorn ready for this divisional showdown.  

Advice: START @ Cowboys

3.) Rondale Moore (Previous Rank: Unranked)

Rondale Moore has officially made his connection with Kyler Murray known to the football world, and it could be the shortest QB/WR combo ever. Which is fun. But that’s not the only reason to be excited. There are plenty of things to get excited about with Moore:

• – AZ offense is 2nd in the league with 36.0 ppg. 
• – Snap percentage up from 29% to 46% in week two
• – 2nd in the NFL in yards per route run (4.82)

Advice: START @ Jaguars

4.) Jaylen Waddle (Previous Rank : 3)

Jaylen Waddle’s fantasy value could continue to decrease if Tua continues to miss time. However, Waddle still saw eight targets against a tough Buffalo defense with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. Will Fuller should also return to the lineup for Miami this week, so this may be an excellent time to sit and wait on Waddle. 

Advice: SIT @ Raiders

5.) Kyle Pitts (Previous Rank: 5)

I don’t think I could sum up Kyle Pitts’ first two weeks better than this tweet:

Kyle Pitts through two weeks per PFF:

– played in ~80% of total pass plays
– ran a route on ~82% of dropbacks
– lined up in the slot or out wide on ~67% of his snaps

9 catches on 12 targets for 102 may not seem like much but when combined with the above, it’s very exciting.

— Michael (@MiKeMeUpP) September 20, 2021

6.) Elijah Mitchell (Previous Rank: 8)

The 49ers’ backfield suddenly belongs to the rookie. Injuries to Trey Sermon & JaMycal Hasty have made Elijah Mitchell the default ‘feature back’ in San Francisco if he’s healthy to play. If he can’t go and Trey Sermon can, just flip their names in this description. San Fran’s week three game against the Packers is in prime time, so anything is possible. 

Advice: START (either) vs. Packers

7.) Javonte Williams (Previous Rank: 7)

We’re all still awaiting the Javonte Williams breakout. It’ll come, so stay ready. Last week against the Jaguars, it was a 50-50 timeshare with Williams & Melvin Gordon recording 13 carries each. Stay patient; keep the faith. 

Advice: START vs Jets

8.) Najee Harris (Previous Rank: 4)

This week could be a tough matchup for the rookie. The Cincinnati front has been surprisingly effective through two weeks, and there’s no reason to believe they won’t keep it up. In week one, the Bengals held Dalvin Cook to 61 rushing yards, and in week two, they held David Montgomery to the same amount. Najee Harris can/could be effective through the air, but you may want to sit him if you have better options. 

Advice: SIT (if possible) vs Bengals

9.) Kenny Gainwell (Previous Rank: 9)

Kenny Gainwell has scored more than seven fantasy points in both games so far this season, and that’s a great way to start a pro career. He’s also been effective enough to hold Boston Scott to *ZERO* opportunities. Again, the Eagles play the Cowboys on Monday night so keep him ready. 

Advice: START @ Cowboys

10.) Mac Jones (Previous Rank: 6)

Mac Jones and the Patriots are still looking to find their rhythm on offense, but so far, it has been mistake-free football for Jones. He does only have one touchdown pass. It’s best to keep Mac on the bench for now. 

Advice: SIT vs Saints

** On The Bubble **

Trey Sermon

(See Elijah Mitchell description)

Justin Fields

Justin Fields will get his first career start in week three. If he is able to get another, there should be little doubt that he finds himself in the top 10 of these rankings. Let the Fields Era in Chicago begin?

Trevor Lawrence 

Zach Wilson

Both rookie quarterbacks have 5 INT’s through two games. Let’s continue to keep them on the bench in all formats. 

Be sure to check back each week for our weekly rookie power rankings!

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