RADIO
Each week, we will look at rookies who have either performed well the previous few weeks or who have a favorable matchup in the upcoming week. These may be high-profile names or under-the-radar depth players; the only thing that matters is that they are first-year pros ready to make a name for themselves.
Hopefully, by the time the season ends, many of them will be household fantasy names and be remembered for their performances in the 2017 season.
Without further ado, here are some NFL rookies to watch in Week 13 of the 2017 season.
Rookies Worth Your Attention
The Stud Youngster
Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Mixon finally broke out in a big way last week, scoring a touchdown and generating more than 160 yards from scrimmage. The touchdown is his his third in his last four games, and he has received over 20 carries in the last two games as well, making him a volume-based stud at the position with big play upside. Despite the suspect nature of the Bengals offensive line, Mixon is still producing and seems to be one of the few reliable pieces on the offense, making him a must-start in every fantasy format for the rest of the season. If Mixon continues to heat up and make use of the vast opportunities being handed to him, he could be a top-tier RB for the rest of the season.
The One-Week Wonder
Zay Jones, WR, Buffalo Bills
Despite scoring two touchdowns in his last four games, rookie wide receiver Zay Jones still remains an inconsistent option at the wide receiver position. This is in part due to competition from fellow wide receivers Jordan Matthews and Kelvin Benjamin (who was recently injured), but also due to the running-based nature of the Bills offense that is centered on running back LeSean McCoy. Furthermore, the questions at quarterback for the Bills make it difficult to guarantee sufficient volume on a weekly basis for the young slot receiver, making him nothing more than an upside dart throw play on a weekly basis. It is hard to trust Jones in most formats, and he should be kept out of the majority of lineups.
The Locked-In Starter
Samaje Perine, RB, Washington Redskins
Although running backs seem to be falling left and right, there are still several quality starting rookie running backs that should be in most lineups. One of them is Samaje Perine, who has had two consecutive 100+ yard rushing games as part of a significantly underrated Redskins offense. Perine should be considered a locked-in starter at a position known for its scarcity because he has received consistent volume and has made the most of his opportunities, clearly carving out a role as the lead back for the Redskins. Perine is more appealing in standard leagues due to his modest receiving numbers, but he can realistically be started in any format given the lack of competition for touches in the backfield with Chris Thompson injured.
The Under-The-Radar Sleeper
Ricky Seals-Jones, TE, Arizona Cardinals
After scoring three touchdowns in his first two games, undrafted rookie tight end Ricky Seals-Jones appears to be the player with the most chemistry to quarterback Blaine Gabbert at this point in the season. Although his performances are realistically unsustainable, the fact that Seals-Jones continues to make plays for his team gives him some upside in a horrendous year for tight ends. Seals-Jones shouldn't be considered a locked in option at the position just yet; however, if he continues to produce at the level he has been, fantasy owners shouldn't feel bad about slotting him into their lineups regardless of the format.
The One To Stash
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp appears to have one of the safest floors at his position given the amount of passes being thrown his way from quarterback Jared Goff. He turned those targets into production last week, hauling in eight passes on 11 targets for 116 yards. Although Kupp is likely not on the majority of waiver wires this late in the season, he should not be dropped as he presents a stable floor with big-play potential, making him a decent flex option come the fantasy playoffs. Furthermore, if the Rams are able to continue their streak of good performances, Kupp could have some very favorable game scripts that lend themselves to fantasy production. Keep Kupp on your roster; regardless of the format, he should produce for you when it matters most this season despite playing with Sammy Watkins and breakout receiver Robert Woods. The offense is high-powered enough to share the wealth, and Kupp has been taking advantage of his opportunity so far this season.
