The Rookie Roundup Week 3 is here for all your rookie player needs.
Week 3 of the NFL season has come and gone, and we had an absolutely nuclear week of football. From major upsets to 50 point losses, Week 3 continued to show us we have no idea what is going to happen each and every game and with it, we’re able to see how your favorite NFL rookies performed with the Rookie Roundup for Week 3.
What is the Rookie Roundup?
For those who haven’t checked out the series yet, Rookie Roundup displays all the information you need to keep up with this year’s rookie picks. From the simplistic nature of stats, to the breathtaking world of advanced analytics, this will be your one-stop shop for getting any rookie-related information. We’ll break it down game-by-game and cover everything you need to know from Week 3.
Rookie Roundup Week 3 Recap
Thursday Night Football
Giants @ 49ers
No rookies of note from this game. Jalin Hyatt did not have a single target.
Sunday’s Slate
Colts @ Ravens
Josh Downs has already become the Colts WR2 this year. Downs led the Colts in targets this week. He should be stashed on every team’s bench if possible. Zay Flowers, on the other hand, has becomes the Ravens WR1, even with Mark Andrews back in the lineup. He should be rostered everywhere as well.
- Josh Downs: 12 TGT, 8 REC, 57 YD
- Zay Flowers: 10 TGT, 8 REC, 48 YD
Titans @ Browns
Tyjae Spears out snapped Derrick Henry 56% to 38% as Henry nurses a toe injury. Although the production was not ideal, Spears is a top waiver priority pickup due to his increasing role.
- Tyjae Spears: 4 RUSH, 6 YD | 4 TGT, 4 REC, 3 YD
Broncos @ Dolphins
This game was a sight to see. De’Von Achane went nuclear with over 200 total yards and four scores. His twitchy speed fits perfect in Mike McDaniel’s offense, as showcased on Sunday Afternoon. Marvin Mims currently leads the league in yards per route run, but is 200th in routes run. Get him the dang ball!
- De’Von Achane: 18 RUSH, 203 YD, 3 TD | 4 TGT, 4 REC, 30 YD, 2 TD
- Marvin Mims: 5 TGT, 3 REC, 73 YD
Current Leaders in YPRR
— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) September 26, 2023
1. Marvin Mims (7.22)
2. Tyreek Hill (5.09)
3. Brandon Aiyuk (3.66)
4. Keenan Allen (3.59)
Current Leaders in Routes Run
1. Justin Jefferson (141)
2. KJ Osborn (130)
175. Noah Brown (36)
194. Latavius Murray (30)
200. Marvin Mims (27)
Patriots @ Jets
No rookies to properly highlight from this game, but Demario Douglas continues to receive a few targets each game.
Bills @ Commanders
Dalton Kincaid was not reliable in this blowout game by the Bills. Dawson Knox is still the clear TE1, so far.
Falcons @ Lions
The first and second overall running backs from the 2023 NFL Draft faced off in what we hoped would be an electric game. Both were not up to par, but were serviceable for your team. The real star from this game was Lions’ rookie tight end, Sam LaPorta. He is turning himself into a must-play tight end and a top five option in dynasty.
- Bijan Robinson: 10 RUSH, 33 YD | 6 TGT, 4 REC, 27 YD
- Jahmyr Gibbs: 17 RUSH, 80 YD | 2 TGT, 1 REC, 2 YD
- Sam LaPorta: 11 TGT, 8 REC, 84 YD, 1 TD
Sam LaPorta shadow realm pic.twitter.com/utMuV24qB3
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 26, 2023
Saints @ Packers
Kendre Miller got his time to shine, and while he lead the team in carries, he left more to be desired. Jayden Reed and Luke Musgrave continue to excel in this offense, putting up reliable numbers to push your fantasy football team forward. They look like steals for the Green Bay Packers.
- Kendre Miller: 9 RUSH, 34 YD
- Jayden Reed: 7 TGT, 3 REC, 63 YD
- Luke Musgrave: 8 TGT, 6 REC, 49 YD
Texans @ Jaguars
The CJ Stroud and Tank Dell show continues to wreak havoc on NFL teams. There was a reason CJ Stroud told the Houston Texans’ front office to draft Mr. Dell. There was no meaningful work for Tank Bigsby on the other side of the ball.
- CJ Stroud: 20/30, 280 YD, 2 TD
- Tank Dell: 7 TGT, 5 REC, 145 YD, 1 TD
Chargers @ Vikings
Two rookie wide receivers from this game have promise going forward. Jordan Addison was mediocre from a production standpoint, but he saw his most targets to date. Quentin Johnston, although not a performer, has his chance to shine with teammate Mike Williams going down with a torn ACL.
- Jordan Addison: 8 TGT, 6 REC, 52 YD
- Quentin Johnston: 3 TGT, 2 REC, 10 YD
Panthers @ Seahawks
I was hopeful Jonathan Mingo would see more work with veteran QB Andy Dalton stepping in for Bryce Young. That did not pan out, as Adam Thielen continued to be the star receiver for this team. This year’s highest drafted receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, still hasn’t made his mark. He continues to be the WR3 for his team.
- Jon Mingo: 6 TGT, 3 REC, 21 YD
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 3 TGT, 1 REC, 10 YD
Bears @ Chiefs
Rashee Rice bounced back to have the second most targets on the day for the Chiefs. He is a deep stash and is likely not playable until he becomes more consistent. Roschon Johnson of the Bears surpassed Khalil Herbert in total touches on the day. This may be because of the Bears being blown out by half time, but it’s worth noting for dynasty leagues.
- Rashee Rice: 7 TGT, 5 REC, 59 YD
- Roschon Johnson: 8 RUSH, 38 YD | 2 TGT, 2 REC, 11 YD
Cowboys @ Cardinals
In what was this week’s biggest upset, Michael Wilson had the longest play of the day. I still don’t think you can roster him, but keep him on your watch list because this guy is a playmaker.
- Michael Wilson: 2 TGTS, 2 REC, 86 YD
Sunday Night Football
Steelers @ Raiders
The Steelers somehow ended up on primetime again, and they played the Raiders. Michael Mayer is the only name you may know, and he did nothing on one target.
Monday Night Football
Eagles @ Buccaneers
Sean Tucker and Trey Palmer were non-existent in this game. I like the talent of both rookies, but not much to go off of right now.
Rams @ Bengals
Puka Nacua came back down to Earth this game, but still made the most of the work he got. We hoped he had fell into the end zone on his final catch, but Matt Stafford threw the ball slightly short.
- Puka Nacua: 7 TGT, 5 REC, 72 YD
