The ebbs and flows of monitoring a fresh rookie class can inject a considerable amount of uncertainty into fantasy football. While it is undoubtedly thrilling to have new shiny players to insert into lineups, their immediate impact and trends may not exactly have fantasy managers doing cartwheels of joy just yet. In this riveting report, I endeavor to provide you with an update on the performances of rookies and how they are affecting fantasy values. A monthly rundown will offer an in-depth analysis on these rising stars, with this month’s edition delving into the top performers in terms of fantasy potential at each position.
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Let’s kick things off with the Quarterback Tracker:
According to stats from Pro Football Reference (updated through the Nix-Rattler showdown in Week 7), Jayden Daniels has been a consistent performer for the 4-2 Commanders, emerging as the standout rookie quarterback of the season. Leading in every metric among rookies, Daniels has solidified himself as a top-five fantasy quarterback this season. Coach Kliff Kingsbury has Daniels making precision throws and hitting his targets, while also showcasing his ability to scramble and deliver on the run. Daniels and Terry McLaurin have formed a dynamic duo, with McLaurin matching his impressive 2020 fantasy production. Fantasy managers who have Daniels on their roster are undoubtedly thrilled with the returns they are getting from him by October.
Making the most significant leap from month one to month two among rookie quarterbacks is Caleb Williams. Initially struggling in a stagnant offense, Williams has now transformed into a playmaker, putting up 530 passing yards, six touchdowns, and consecutive top-seven fantasy finishes in his last two outings. With a passer rating above 100 for three straight weeks and the Bears sitting at 4-2, Williams has improved his downfield passing significantly, doubling his yards per attempt from the early weeks of the season. Williams has propelled himself back into the conversation as a low-end QB1.
On the flip side, the Broncos’ offense has been lackluster, ranking in the bottom four in total yards per game as of Week 6 due to questionable throws and a stagnant aerial attack. While Bo Nix remains the starting quarterback, his performance is slipping dangerously close to the level of Will Levis and Aidan O’Connell. Nix had the lowest yards per attempt among rookie quarterbacks until a recent surge in production against the injury-depleted Saints. With his rushing ability, Nix still manages to hold on to a weekly low-end QB2 status for now.
In other quarterback news, Drake Maye and Spencer Rattler have also seen some action. Maye tossed three touchdowns and two interceptions in a loss to the Texans in Week 6, showcasing his potential to enter the QB2 mix for fantasy managers. Rattler is merely a placeholder until Derek Carr makes his return, so fantasy managers can view him as a fantasy QB3 amidst the Saints’ injury woes.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the exciting rookie class lighting up the fantasy football landscape.
