RADIO
Dolphins running back and wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. had the best game of his career last week. After being used sparingly for much of the season, his role in the offense has steadily increased over the last three weeks, culminating in a seven-reception, 82-yard performance last week against the Chiefs. The rookie from Kentucky has finally gained some traction after a tough start to his career.
Why am I mentioning Bowden? While he has been a hot waiver target this week, I actually wrote about him last week as a rookie to watch. His teammate Myles Gaskin being placed on the COVID reserve list only solidified Bowden's breakout opportunity versus Kansas City. A lot of luck is involved in projecting sleepers, but Bowden certainly panned out for me last week.
Every week I name five rookies to watch in this column. Some are already well-known fantasy options who have intriguing opportunities in this week's games, but others have yet to reach their full potential. Whether you are fighting for the championship in your league's playoffs or gearing up for next year in a dynasty league, you can benefit from identifying the next big rookie. This week's article will begin with an exciting passer in Philadelphia.
The Dual Threat
Jalen Hurts (QB, PHI)
Two weeks ago, Eagles coach Doug Pederson made the move to Jalen Hurts mid-game against the Green Bay Packers. Then-starter Carson Wentz was struggling, so Hurts was put in to give the offense a spark. Against the Saints last Sunday, Hurts delivered that spark in his first career start. He threw for 167 yards, ran for another 106, and threw for a score as Philly stunned the favored Saints 24-21. Hurts finished as the QB13 for the week, answering any questions about how he would perform as a fantasy option. The fact that it came against a solid defense makes his performance even more impressive.
.@JalenHurts delivers a strike to Jeffery on 4th down!#NOvsPHI | #FlyEaglesFly
?: FOX pic.twitter.com/o6GFAFOG14
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 13, 2020
Hurts's rushing ability is what sets him apart from other QBs in the league. Lamar Jackson may have him beat speed-wise, but his 4.59 40-yard dash time is no joke. Hurts was frequently able to use this speed and his agility to take advantage of holes in the New Orleans defense. It's possible that the Cardinals could do a better job containing him this week given that they'll have more film to use for preparation. Even if they do, though, Hurts looked very competent as a passer, especially on his back-shoulder touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery that you can see above. If Hurts puts up a second-consecutive top-15 QB performance, his stock will continue to rise in all formats.
The Volume King
Brandon Aiyuk (WR, SF)
When Aiyuk gets the ball in his hands, he can make a lot happen. Fortunately, the 49ers get the ball in his hands a lot. Over his last four games, Aiyuk has seen 49 passes go his way, including a career-high total last week. His 16 targets against Washington were the most in the league last Sunday, and he put up 10 catches for 119 yards with them. That was the second 100-yard game of his career and his first with 10 catches, but expect those totals to grow quickly. Over his last five games, Aiyuk is averaging a stat line of seven catches, 99 yards, and a touchdown. That is remarkable production for any player, let alone a rookie.
Brandon Aiyuk is a baller pic.twitter.com/r2THV7nkUT
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) December 11, 2020
Aiyuk will have a good chance to surpass last week's showing this Sunday against Dallas. The Cowboys are yielding the second-most fantasy points to receivers this season, and Aiyuk is the clear-cut top wideout on San Francisco with Deebo Samuel injured. The rookie from Arizona State could see another massive target share, and with his solid average of 5.2 YAC he should deliver. Start Aiyuk as a borderline WR1 this week and watch him go to work once again.
The Forgotten Prospect
Van Jefferson (WR, LAR)
Van Jefferson has been the odd man out in this year's crop of receivers. Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr., and Chase Claypool were all drafted in the second round with Jefferson, but they have produced and he has not. The rookie out of Florida has just two games with at least five targets, and he has finished as a top-60 receiver just once. Why has the talented young wideout not been able to produce? The biggest roadblock has been the presence of Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, both of whom have eaten up a lot of targets.
All is not lost for Jefferson, though. Head Coach Sean McVay said this week that Jefferson "is going to be a real star" for the Rams. The question is when. With a game against the hapless New York Jets on tap, Jefferson could have a solid opportunity to make some plays this week. The Jets secondary has struggled this year, and Jefferson could take advantage of that for his first big performance. If the Rams bust out to a big lead, Jefferson would likely also get some more playing time. This is his best shot to make a statement this season, so dynasty managers should be watching closely.
The Under-Utilized Option
Ke'Shawn Vaughn (RB, TB)
Many were surprised last week when Tampa Bay running back Leonard Fournette was announced as a healthy scratch. The former Jaguar has been overshadowed by Ronald Jones in the Buccaneers backfield, which led to his inactive status versus the Vikings. Now, though, Jones is on the COVID reserve list. With his availability in doubt, Fournette is being prepped as the starter. But given his absence from the lineup last week, other options could be more intriguing. Enter Ke'Shawn Vaughn.
Vaughn was a third-round pick out of Vanderbilt this year, and he was widely touted as a sleeper before Fournette arrived in Tampa. Now, he may have a chance to finally live up to the hype. Fournette is averaging just 3.9 yards per carry, and the bulk of his production came way back in Week Two. Vaughn has had very limited opportunities, but he did have two top-35 finishes early in the season on limited volume. If Arians shies away from giving Fournette a full workload in Jones's absence, Vaughn would be the likely beneficiary. There is LeSean McCoy to contend with, but with the season winding down Tampa will want to see what they have in their rookie. Watch to see if Vaughn can capitalize on this opportunity this Sunday against the Falcons.
The Healthy Stash
Devin Asiasi (TE, NE)
Asiasi suffered an injury early in the season that caused him to miss seven consecutive games, but he had a quiet return to action last week against the Rams. He saw his first target in that game, and he played 39 percent of the team's snaps. Asiasi was quite the receiving threat at UCLA, as he put up 44 receptions and 641 yards in 2019. Bill Belichick clearly drafted Asiasi in the third round for a reason, and it's tough to imagine it being much longer until he factors into the passing game.
With Patriots QB Cam Newton desperate for viable targets, Asiasi is a key name to keep an eye on. Teammate Ryan Izzo is on IR, and the only other tight end of note on the roster is fellow rookie Dalton Keene. With little competition at his position, impressive receiving ability, and a head coach that loves to use tight ends (see: Rob Gronkowski), Asiasi is a very intriguing dynasty stash. He is very unlikely to be fantasy-relevant for the last few weeks of 2020, but watch to see how he is used against the Dolphins this Sunday.
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