Rookie Roundup Week 5 showcases some new faces, while others may have their spots taken.
Welcome to Rookie Roundup Week 5! The year is in full throttle, and both joy and misery come along with it. De’Von Achane is dealing with an injury, but Puka Nacua continues to shine even with Cooper Kupp back in the lineup. We also have a surprise guest in the Arizona Cardinals backfield, as James Conner has been placed on IR due to a knee injury. All of that covered and more, in our Rookie Roundup from Week 5, below.
Thursday Night Football
Bears @ Commanders
The Chicago Bears are taking full advantage of a light schedule, just like I mentioned in my plead for everyone to Buy Low on DJ Moore. With that being said, Roschon Johnson hasn’t had his time to shine, yet. With Khalil Herbert likely to miss time, Johnson should be in the spotlight, as long as he stays healthy.
- Roschon Johnson: 3 CAR, 19 YD
Sunday Slate
Jaguars @ Bills (London)
The rookies noted from this game are Tank Bigsby and Dalton Kincaid. This is the 5th week in a row of not being able to dive deeper into their roles or expand on what’s to come in the future. Until further notice, or a breakout game occurs, I will likely sideline myself from breaking down their games. Just know they didn’t do enough for a game breakdown.
Titans @ Colts
I wanted to start off this sub segment with hoping Anthony Richardson returns to the field sooner rather than later. He’s a fascinating player whose play style is likely to see him injured often. With that being said his draft mate Josh Downs continues to capitalize on whatever work is thrown at him. I’m unsure of my stance as Gardner Minshew takes over, but it’s safe to stash him on your bench. I would even move a 2nd round pick for him in dynasty.
Tyjae Spears is a player I’ve been highlighting since we started this series. He’s been a must grab for me since week one and his value keeps driving up. He’s on par with Derrick Henry in terms of opportunities and snaps played, and has been the more efficient player on the year.
- Josh Downs: 6 REC, 97 YD
- Tyjae Spears: 7 CAR, 34 YD, 1 TD | 4 REC, 35 YD
Saints @ Patriots
Saints rookie running back Kendre Miller is starting to fit the mold of a future starter. He saw 40% of the running back touches, including a 33 yard reception. He’s a dynasty buy for me, but likely not worth rostering in redraft leagues, as the New Orleans backfield is crowded.
Kendre Miller is a massive buy in Dynasty right now.
— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) October 10, 2023
Kendre Miller’s elusiveness was one of the biggest attention grabbers coming out of TCU.
He'll fill big shoes when AK leaves, but I'm excited about his versatility, power, and elusiveness.#Saints pic.twitter.com/7DilphZeyS
Ravens @ Steelers
a continues to be the number one wide receiver for the Ravens offense, but the team as a whole continues to struggle. Flowers is a fine flex play with high volume upside.
- Zay Flowers: 5 REC, 73 YD
Texans @ Falcons
Bijan Robinson‘s day was saved by an electric touchdown. This game was hindered with an overall lackluster offensive performance from both teams.
Behind the back, crossover, touchdown! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ir4APtKNKR
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 9, 2023
The CJ Stroud to Tank Dell combo came to screeching halt Sunday afternoon against the Falcons. Stroud still hasn’t turned the ball over, but he was capped in his playmaking abilities. Tank Dell made the most of his opportunities, catching 75% of his targets.
- CJ Stroud: 20/35, 249 YD, 1 TD
- Tank Dell: 3 REC, 57 YD
- Bijan Robinson: 14 CAR. 46 YD | 2 REC, 12 YD, 1 TD
Panthers @ Lions
Bryce Young had his best statistical game to date, although he threw two interceptions. Most of these stats came in garbage time, as he fed his top wideout Adam Thielen. Jonathan Mingo continue to make way as the secondary wide receiver on this team, coming in second with seven targets.
Jahmyr Gibbs was out this game, so Jared Goff turned to his favorite target in Sam LaPorta for two touchdowns. He currently leads all tight ends in yards and touchdowns, and is top five in receptions.
- Bryce Young: 25/41, 247 YD, 3 TD, 2 INT
- Jon Mingo: 5 REC, 48 YD
- Sam LaPorta: 3 REC, 47 YD, 2 TD
Giants @ Dolphins
De’Von Achane continues to be lightning on the field. He is averaging over 11 yards per touch on the year, while consistently finding the endzone. According to NextGenStats, Achane also has three of the top to fastest ball carriers on a play so far this year. De’Von Achane is currently battling a lower leg injury, so keep an eye on how much time he will miss. Check out our Week 6 Waiver Wire to find out who’s available to replace him.
- De’Von Achane: 11 CAR, 151 YD, 1 TD | 1 REC, 14 YD
DEVON ACHANE IS SO FKN FAST HOLY SHIT 😭😭😭 #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/ydtKz8LEgy
— 𝖇𝖔𝖓𝖊𝖘🦴 (@Demar305) October 8, 2023
Bengals @ Cardinals
The only rookies to acknowledge from this game were Michael Wilson, who didn’t do much, and Emari Demercado. Demercado took over full time running back duties as soon as James Conner went down with injury. He is a priority pick up this week and should be a plug-and-play flex player for your lineups.
- Emari Demercado: 10 CAR, 45 YD, 1 TD | 1 REC, 12 YD
Eagles @ Rams
Puka Nacua continues to be an absolute bomb shell, finding the end zone once again. Even with Cooper Kupp back in the lineup and having a full workload, Nacua is a lock in fantasy lineups.
- Puka Nacua: 7 REC, 71 YD, 1 TD
Jets @ Broncos
Jaleel McLaughlin has been what everyone hoped Javonte Williams would be coming into the year. He hasn’t earned a full workload yet, but he has had back to back games with touchdowns. He’s a must pick up on the waiver wire.
- Jaleel McLaughlin: 9 CAR, 68 YD | 3 REC, 21 YD, 1 TD
Chiefs @ Vikings
Rashee Rice and Jordan Addison are two receivers who showed up in this game. Both caught touchdowns are seeing consistent work throughout each week. Keep an eye on a true Jordan Addison breakout with Justin Jefferson likely landing on IR.
- Rashee Rice: 4 REC, 33 YD, 1 TD
- Jordan Addison: 6 REC, 64 YD, 1 TE
Cowboys @ 49ers
There were no rookies to highlight from the Sunday Night Football matchup.
Monday Night Football
Packers @ Raiders
During an unenthusiastic Monday Night Football game, we did not see much action from the rookies. Luke Musgrave led the way with seven targets, and fellow draft class tight end Michael Mayer finally saw some action. He caught a 20 yard pass during the night from Jimmy Garoppolo. With the resurgence of Christian Watson, Jayden Reed took a backseat.
- Luke Musgrave: 6 REC, 34 YD
- Jayden Reed: 1 REC, 7 YD
- Michael Mayer, 2 REC, 39 YD
