The Fantasy Football Rookie Roundup Week 7 has a plethora of skill-position players breaking out of their shells and into the mold known as stardom.
The Fantasy Football Rookie Roundup continues with our massive rookie redemption arc. Players like Dalton Kincaid and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, two widely-praised prospects, finally took steps forward in Week 7. Whereas others didn’t quite make the cut, or play at all (you know who I’m talking about.) Without further ado, let’s get this show started.
Quarterbacks
The couple of names below says it all…
Tyson Bagent – 21/29, 162 YD, 1 TD
Tyson Bagent filled the void which was the absence of Justin Fields. Although Bagent wasn’t a threat on the ground, he was efficient through the air and led the Chicago Bears to a big win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Aidan O’Connell – 10/13, 75 YD, 1 TD
Aidan O’Connell was lackluster in his Week 7 start in the same game as the aforementioned Tyson Bagent. Albeit efficient, there just wasn’t enough volume to provide fantasy relevance from O’Connell.
Running Backs
An overall disappointing week for rookie running backs. Thanks Arthur Smith!
Emari Demercado – 13 ATT, 58 YD | 4 REC, 17 YD
The waiver priorities and FAAB spent on Emari Demercado have seen pedestrian return on investment so far, up until Week 7. His snap count jumped from 43% to 80% and he saw 18 total opportunities. He’s a flex play in fantasy football until James Conner comes back.
Jahmyr Gibbs – 11 ATT, 68 YD, 1 TD | 9 REC, 58 YD
Jahmyr Gibbs scored his first touchdown and showed his pass catching prowess in the absence of David Montgomery. I expect to see the full breakout happen over the next few weeks.
Honorable Mentions
- Bijan Robinson – Dealt with migraines; Held to one rush.
- Chris Rodriguez – Seven rushes, but still not involved enough to make note of.
- Jaleel McLaughlin – Rotational player unless someone gets injured.
Wide Receivers
Breakout galore! We have plenty of wide receivers to talk about this week.
Puka Nacua – 8 REC, 154 YD
Puka Nacua continues to be a revolutionary fantasy football player. There isn’t much to say that hasn’t been said already. Continue to play him regardless of any scenario.
Jordan Addison – 7 REC, 123 YD, 2 TD
Jordan Addison debuted his true skillset in the absence of Justin Jefferson. The only wide receiver with more touchdowns then Addison is Tyreek Hill. My only concern going forward his next four matchups: Jaire Alexander, AJ Terrell, Marshon Lattimore, and Pat Surtain II.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba – 4 REC, 63 YD, 1 TD
JSN caught his first career touchdown in Week 7 with the absence of DK Metcalf. I’m ecstatic we finally got to see a bit of a breakout, but I’m unsure of his status going forward with a healthy lineup.
Zay Flowers – 4 REC, 75 YD
Zay Flowers continue to be a top option for Lamar Jackson in the Ravens new offensive system. Although no one will truly take over Mark Andrews as the number one receiving threat, Flowers is an excellent PPR flex option going forward in 2023.
Josh Downs – 5 REC, 125, YD, 1 TD
Josh Downs is seemingly Gardner Minshew‘s favorite target going forward. He torched what is supposed to be an elite Browns’ defense. Downs is a player who might sneakily still be on you waivers, as he is only rostered in 37% of Yahoo Fantasy Football Leagues. Grab him if you can.
Rashee Rice – 5 REC, 60 YD, 1 TD
Rashee Rice is now the number one wide receiver for the Chiefs, and it’s not close. The chemistry built between him and Patrick Mahomes is undeniable. His target share has increased steadily week over week; He has seen 5+ targets in four out of his last five games as well.
Demario Douglas – 4 REC, 54 YD
Demario Douglas pops up as a highlight player every so often. The lack of pass catching options in New England makes this possible for him. He saw a season high snap count of 62%. Let’s keep our eyes peeled for more consistent form.
Jake Bobo – 4 REC, 61 YD, 1 TD
In similar fashion to rookie teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jake Bobo found himself excelling in the absence of DK Metcalf. With career highs in snaps played, targets, receptions, and yards, Bobo could be seen as a legitimate threat in this offense
Honorable Mentions
- Jalin Hyatt – A couple fantastic catches.
- Jayden Reed – Scored but otherwise not relevant.
- Michael Wilson – Still seeing work, but his 26-point game seems more like a fluke at this moment
Tight Ends
Dalton Kincaid rises, as others fall in his place.
Dalton Kincaid – 8 REC, 75 YD
The Dalton Kincaid breakout is finally upon us. Unfortunately, Dawson Knox will be missing an undisclosed amount of time after wrist surgery. Kincaid should be a primary target going forward.
Sam LaPorta – 6 REC, 52 YD
Sam LaPorta has come back down to Earth, but still retains fantasy football value. He will continue to be a must play option at the tight end position.
Luke Musgrave – 4 REC, 30 YD
Luke Musgrave was knocked out of the contest early, but still managed to put up a respectable line.
Michael Mayer – 2 REC, 13 YD
Michael Mayer misses Jimmy Garoppolo more than most. The sheer lack of passing volume is not to be trusted in this offense run by Aidan O’Connell.
