Eric Moody, ESPN
The performances of Jacksonville Jaguars extensive receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (23.2), Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (23.5) and Las Vegas Raiders tight finish Brock Bowers (23.7) gave fantasy managers a giant increase in their Week 5 matchups. But issues did not go as easily for different rookies.
So, what statistical tidbits ought to you understand about, and which rookies deserve your consideration transferring ahead?
Quarterbacks
Top performers
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (44.7% rostered, 11.4% began)
Williams had his greatest sport of the season, each on movie and in the field rating, scoring a season-high 23.5 fantasy factors. He was glorious towards the blitz, finishing eight of 10 passes for 128 yards and a landing. Williams additionally shined on cross makes an attempt of at the very least 15 air yards; he accomplished all 4 of his makes an attempt for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Both of those have been areas he had struggled in earlier this season, and his efficiency towards the Panthers on Sunday was a serious enchancment. Williams will face a Jaguars protection in Week 6 that has given up essentially the most fantasy factors to quarterbacks (getting into Week 5) to this point this season.
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (96.7% rostered, 80.6% began)
Daniels had a powerful efficiency towards the Browns with 19.7 fantasy factors. He's scored 19 or extra factors in 4 of his first 5 video games. Daniels additionally made historical past as simply the third participant to file over 1,000 passing yards and 300 dashing yards by means of three video games of a season, becoming a member of the ranks of Lamar Jackson and Mike Vick who every did it a number of occasions. Daniels has additionally excelled towards the blitz, finishing 75% of his passes for 10.0 yards per try. With his robust play, he is a must-start, high-end QB1 towards the Ravens in Week 6. This is very true after they allowed Joe Burrow to attain 33.7 fantasy factors final week.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (8.0% rostered, 2.4% began)
The Broncos dismantled the Raiders on Sunday, and Nix had his greatest fantasy efficiency so far. He accomplished 70.4% of his passes and completed with 23.1 fantasy factors, together with a dashing landing. It's thrilling to see the rookie evolving into the Broncos' franchise quarterback earlier than our eyes. With no bye week till Week 14, now is a good time to stash Nix in deeper superflex codecs should you want a 3rd QB.
Others to look at
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (1.7% rostered)
The Patriots have misplaced their final 4 video games, and the excitement round a possible quarterback change is rising. New England ranks close to the underside of the league in each cross makes an attempt and passing yards per sport. Jacoby Brissett has struggled, averaging simply 7.4 fantasy factors per sport. Compounding the problem, the offensive line can be struggling, rating close to the underside of the league in each run block and cross block win fee. Keep Maye in your watch checklist because the Patriots put together to host the Texans in Week 5. If a change is made, he might present a much-needed spark for the offense.
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (0.8% rostered)
For Penix to see the sector, Kirk Cousins must both underperform or get injured. The veteran quarterbacks seems to be wholesome and delivered an epic 34.3-fantasy level efficiency towards the Buccaneers on Thursday evening. The offseason union of Cousins and new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is coming collectively properly, because of playmakers like Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts. If Penix have been thrust into the beginning lineup, he'd be well-positioned for achievement.
Running backs
Top performer
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (57.4% rostered, 20.2% began)
Irving completed with 11 touches and 5.6 fantasy factors towards the Falcons on Thursday evening. He's seen 11+ touches in 4 of 5 video games however misplaced a crucial fumble that led to additional time. It was additionally the primary time this season that Rachaad White out-rushed Irving. While the Buccaneers' backfield stays balanced, White has performed extra snaps. Fantasy managers might fear about Irving's fumble affecting his position, however I do not suppose it's going to damage his alternative share. He stays a stable flex possibility towards the Saints in Week 6.
Keep 'em rostered
Carson Steele, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (26.1% rostered, 5.8% began)
This shall be up to date following Monday evening's sport.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets (41.9% rostered, 8.2% began)
Allen had simply six touches and three.8 fantasy factors, whereas Breece Hall had 12 touches for six.7 factors in Sunday's sport towards the Vikings. Hall has performed extra snaps this season, particularly on third downs and two-minute drills. With the Jets trailing many of the sport, Hall noticed extra motion. Allen ought to get extra work in video games the place the Jets are enjoying with a lead or going through simpler matchups. Up subsequent, he'll face a Bills protection that is given up essentially the most fantasy factors to operating backs (getting into Week 5). Allen must be rostered in most leagues and may very well be a thought of a flex possibility in deeper leagues.
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals (25.1% rostered)
James Conner continues to have an enormous workload in the Cardinals' backfield. He has had 19 or extra touches in 4 of 5 video games. Conner has additionally scored 14 or extra fantasy factors in these 4 video games. If Conner finally ends up lacking time, Benson might step in and deal with a good portion of the workload. We noticed a glimpse of that in the Cardinals' blowout loss to the Commanders in Week 4 when Benson relieved Conner. He completed with 50 dashing yards on 9 makes an attempt. Benson is value stashing in your bench if he is out there in your league.
Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers (62.5% rostered)
Brooks began the season on the PUP checklist and was eligible to return in Week 5, however the Panthers have not cleared him to observe but. He's nonetheless recovering from a torn ACL he suffered final November at Texas. With Chuba Hubbard enjoying well-logging 17+ touches and 17 fantasy factors in three straight games-there's no rush to carry Brooks again. While Brooks must be rostered in all leagues, it is good to take a wait-and-see strategy till his position turns into clearer.
Others to look at
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins (8.0% rostered)
Wright completed robust with 86 yards on 13 dashing makes an attempt after De'Von Achane suffered a concussion late in the primary quarter and did not return. This opened the door for Wright to get extra touches. The rookie leads the group in yards per carry and excels at avoiding tackles. The Dolphins have a bye subsequent week, which might enable Achane to clear the league's concussion protocol. However, if Achane misses time, Raheem Mostert will lead the Dolphins' backfield, with Wright additionally enjoying a task. If you might have the roster house, Wright is value stashing.
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams (19.8% rostered)
Corum had six touches and scored 4.3 fantasy factors towards the Packers on Sunday, coming near scoring his first profession landing. The Rams' backfield remains to be centered round Kyren Williams, who has recorded 19 or extra touches in 4 of 5 video games this season. Corum's fantasy relevance actually depends upon Williams' availability, so be sure you hold the rookie in your watch checklist.
MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers (9.6% rostered)
The Packers positioned Lloyd on injured reserve, bringing in Chris Brooks from the observe squad so as to add some depth. While Lloyd is predicted to return in Week 7 towards the Houston Texans, Emanuel Wilson has stepped up because the No. 2 again for now. Starter Josh Jacobs remains to be dealing with a hefty workload, with 18 or extra touches in three of the 5 video games this season. For now, Lloyd is one to maintain in your watch checklist reasonably than your fantasy roster.
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills (7.3% rostered)
Davis had a quiet sport towards the Texans, managing only one reception for 1.4 fantasy factors. With Josh Allen's inconsistent play, the Bills leaned closely on James Cook, who completed with 22 touches and 17.9 fantasy factors. Cook has had 15+ touches in three of 5 video games and has scored 18+ fantasy factors in three video games this season. As lengthy as Cook stays wholesome, Davis is unlikely to have a lot fantasy relevance going ahead.
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers (0.9% rostered)
The Chargers have been on a bye in Week 5. As a reminder, Vidal was for the earlier 4 video games (coach's choice), however there's nonetheless potential for the rookie in the Chargers' run-heavy offense. The best path to fantasy relevancy could be if J.Okay. Dobbins or Gus Edwards miss time. Keep Vidal in your watch checklist. The Chargers face the Broncos in Week 6.
Wide receivers
Top performers
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (81.4% rostered, 44.0% began)
Thomas Jr. had a breakout sport with eight targets, 122 receiving yards and 23.2 fantasy factors towards the Colts. He leads the Jaguars in targets and confirmed his explosive skill with an 85-yard touchdown-reaching a high pace of twenty-two.1 MPH, second solely to DK Metcalf in the final two seasons. Thomas Jr. brings that very same elite athleticism and will ship Metcalf-like fantasy manufacturing. With a positive Week 6 matchup towards the Bears, he is firmly on the WR2 radar and properly positioned for an additional large efficiency.
Keep 'em rostered
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (99.4% rostered, 95.4% began)
Harrison had a disappointing sport in the Cardinals' upset win over the 49ers, ending with simply 5.6 fantasy factors. This is shocking, on condition that he had scored 15 or extra fantasy factors in every of the earlier three video games. What stands out most is Harrison's dominance in the primary quarter. He leads all gamers, no matter place, with 53.9 fantasy factors in the primary quarter this season. However, he has solely managed 15.0 fantasy factors in the remaining quarters, tying him with Parris Campbell for 215th (amongst QB/WR/RB/TE). It's shocking how little he is been concerned after the primary quarter, however I'm assured the Cardinals will handle this.
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (98.4% rostered, 19.1% began)
Nabers remains to be in the league's concussion protocol and was dominated out for Sunday's sport towards the Seahawks. In the video games he is performed this season, he is had 12 or extra targets and scored over 23 fantasy factors in three out of 4 outings. With Nabers sidelined, Darius Slayton and Wan'Dale Robinson stepped as much as fill the hole. Slayton completed with 11 targets and racked up 26.2 fantasy factors, whereas Robinson had 9 targets and 16.0 fantasy factors. Once Nabers clears the concussion protocol, he'll be again on the WR1 radar because the Giants face the Bengals in Week 6.
Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears (67.6% rostered, 12.5% began)
Odunze noticed six targets on Sunday, ending with 9.0 fantasy factors. He tied Keenan Allen for the second most targets, whereas DJ Moore led the group with eight targets and 27.5 fantasy factors. The constructive takeaway is Odunze is operating virtually as many routes (28) as Moore (28) and Allen (27). Heading into Week 6, Odunze shall be on the flex radar in deeper leagues towards a Jaguars protection that has given up the fifth most fantasy factors to extensive receivers this season.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (72.3% rostered, 1.4% began)
The Chargers have been on a bye in Week 5. As a reminder, McConkey had his greatest fantasy day of the season again in Week 4, scoring 17.7 factors on seven targets. Only Quentin Johnston ran extra routes than the rookie in that sport. McConkey is productive when he will get the seems to be. However, the Chargers are one of many high groups in dashing makes an attempt per sport. McConkey is greatest considered as a flex possibility in deeper leagues towards the Broncos in Week 6.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (90.7% rostered, 48.2% began)
This shall be up to date following Monday evening's sport.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills (57.3% rostered, 9.0% began)
Coleman had 4 targets and posted a season-high 11.9 fantasy factors towards the Texans. Only Dalton Kincaid ran extra routes than him. While it is unclear if this utilization will maintain as soon as Khalil Shakir returns, Coleman's position is increasing. Josh Allen struggled in the sport, with simply 131 passing yards and a 30.0% completion fee (the bottom in a sport for a QB with at the very least 30 cross makes an attempt in the final 30 seasons). If Coleman retains enjoying extra snaps, he might develop into a dependable fantasy possibility, however Allen's enchancment is vital. For now, he is a boom-or-bust play, greatest stored in your bench, although his upside makes him value beginning in deeper leagues.
Others to look at
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (35.4% rostered)
Legette had a standout Week 4 with 10 targets and 19.6 fantasy factors towards the Bengals, however he was a non-factor in Sunday's sport towards the Bears, ending with only one goal and 1.8 factors. Legette left in the second half with a shoulder harm. With Adam Thielen on IR on account of a hamstring harm and Tommy Tremble coping with a concussion, the Panthers are skinny at receiver. Legette is value holding in deeper leagues as we look forward to extra information on his harm standing.
Ja'Lynn Polk, New England Patriots (12.6% rostered)
The Patriots' extensive receiver rotation remains to be evolving, however Polk has six or extra targets in back-to-back video games. He additionally leads New England in routes run throughout that stretch. However, the Patriots rank close to the underside of the league in cross makes an attempt and passing yards, making Polk's fantasy relevance arduous to see except issues change. For now, he is only a participant to maintain in your watch checklist.
Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts (11.0% rostered)
Mitchell noticed a season-high seven targets on Sunday, ending with 9.1 fantasy factors in the Colts' sport towards the Jaguars. Joe Flacco's 44 cross makes an attempt boosted the worth of many Colts receivers. Early on, Mitchell cut up snaps with Alec Pierce in 11 and 12 personnel. However, as the sport progressed, Pierce stayed on the sector extra and made some large performs, catching all three of his targets for 22.4 fantasy factors. Who is aware of if Flacco will stay underneath heart in Week 6 or if the Colts will flip again to Anthony Richardson. Either method, with the passing sport primarily operating by means of Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs, it is best to maintain Mitchell in your watch checklist.
Luke McCaffrey, Washington Commanders (2.3% rostered)
McCaffrey has simply 10 whole targets this season and 19.8 fantasy factors. On Sunday towards the Browns, he ran the third-most routes on the group. McCaffrey must be in your watch checklist, however it's robust to belief him in fantasy lineups, even in deeper leagues.
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2.1% rostered)
McMillan missed his second consecutive sport on account of a hamstring harm. In the three video games earlier than that, he performed an analogous variety of snaps and ran about the identical variety of routes as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. However, he is not getting the targets. Evans and Godwin mixed for simply 13 targets Thursday evening towards the Falcons in a sport the place Baker Mayfield solely had 24 cross makes an attempt. It's robust for McMillan to be fantasy related except one in all them misses time. Keep him in your watch checklist.
Tight finish
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (94.0% rostered, 68.9% began)
Bowers had a standout efficiency towards the Broncos on Sunday, ending with a season-high 12 targets and racking up 23.7 fantasy factors. His spectacular 57-yard landing was not solely the longest receiving landing by a Raiders tight finish since 2009, but additionally the longest by a rookie tight finish since 2019. The Raiders are in the highest 5 for tight finish targets in the league, and with the potential of Davante Adams being traded in the approaching weeks, Bowers might see much more alternatives. He's firmly on the TE1 radar for his or her matchup towards the Steelers in Week 6.
