Fantasy football rookie watch: Nix, McConkey, Harrison Jr. come up big
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Eric Moody, ESPN
The performances of Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (28.9), Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (29.1) and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (29.7) gave fantasy managers a big boost in their Week 8 matchups. But things didn’t go as smoothly for other rookies.
So, what statistical tidbits should you know about, and which rookies deserve your attention moving forward?
Quarterbacks
Top performers
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (36.7% rostered, 22.9% started)
Nix had his best fantasy day yet, racking up 29.7 points against the Panthers on Sunday. He took advantage of a favorable matchup and became just the fourth quarterback in Broncos history to record three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in a game, joining John Elway, Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler. Nix has scored 20 or more fantasy points in three of his last four games, showcasing both his accuracy and rushing ability. Props to Sean Payton for setting him up for success. Looking ahead, Nix has a great matchup in Week 9 against a Ravens defense that’s allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (97.7% rostered, 33.4% started)
Despite a rib injury leading up to Sunday’s game against the Bears, Daniels delivered for those who started him, scoring 22.2 fantasy points. He’s now scored 19 or more fantasy points in six of his eight games this season. This performance was particularly significant as it marked his first career 300-yard passing game. Also, Daniels is 3-of-3 for 174 yards and a touchdown on pass attempts of 50 or more air yards this season, tying for the most such completions in a season since ESPN began tracking air yards in 2006. The Commanders face the Giants in Week 9, a team whose defense allows the eighth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Given all this, Daniels remains a must-start high-end QB1.
Keep ’em rostered
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (60.1% rostered, 21.1% started)
Williams and the Bears offense crashed back to Earth against the Commanders on Sunday. After scoring 23 or more fantasy points in two straight games before Chicago’s bye, he put up just 9.3 fantasy points against Washington. Heading into the bye, Williams had been sharp under pressure, accurate, and effective on deep passes over 15 air yards-but none of that showed up Sunday. Notably, he had an off-target percentage of 50%, with Williams recording 10 passes that resulted from an overthrow or underthrow. This marks just the 10th time since 2006 that a player has had at least a 50% off-target percentage with a minimum of 10 attempts. The Bears offensive line struggles also aren’t helping the rookie. Now Williams faces a Cardinals defense that’s allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to QBs (entering Week 8). We’ll see if he can capitalize on the matchup; consider him more of a QB2 for Week 9.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (13.6% rostered, 2.9% started)
Maye took a hard hit in the second quarter against the Jets and had to visit the blue tent for an examination. He went to the locker room, Jacoby Brissett stepped in, and Maye was ultimately ruled out. It’s a shame because he was already showing off his skills as both a passer and runner with 11.5 fantasy points before the injury. Maye had also put up 19 or more fantasy points in his last two games before this one. He’ll need to clear the concussion protocol to be ready for the Titans in Week 9. Maye can continue to be viewed as a solid QB2 or QB3 option in superflex leagues.
Others to watch
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (0.6% rostered)
For Penix to see playing time, Kirk Cousins would need to underperform or get injured. The veteran quarterback delivered another epic performance against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Cousins finished with 28.6 fantasy points. The Falcons face a Cowboys defense in Week 9 that’s allowed the fifth most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (entering Week 8). Keep Penix Jr. on your watch list.
Running backs
Top performers
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (68.2% rostered, 13.4% started)
Irving had 16 touches and scored 15.4 fantasy points against the Falcons on Sunday. While Rachaad White had 11 touches, but thanks to a receiving touchdown, he ended up with 15.7 fantasy points. Sean Tucker only had three touches, adding up to 2.5 points. This Buccaneers backfield remains a committee. But with Tampa Bay’s favorable schedule after their Week 11 bye-including two games against the Panthers in Weeks 13 and 17-Irving is looking like a solid flex option for the rest of the season.
Keep ’em rostered
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills (16.8% rostered)
Davis finished with six rushing attempts on Sunday against the Seahawks while James Cook finished with 20 touches and 28.3 fantasy points. If Cook misses time, Davis could become a league winner in the high-octane Bills offense. Remember back in Week 6 with Cook inactive Davis finished with 18.2 fantasy points on 23 touches.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets (24.7% rostered, 1.4% started)
Allen’s role was shaky against the Vikings, Bills, and Steelers, but he saw a boost against the Patriots, with 12 touches and 9.2 fantasy points. That’s progress, especially considering Breece Hall finished with 17 touches and 9.9 points. Hall was on the field for 42 offensive snaps and Allen was on the field for 19. The Jets could be on the verge of changes, too-they’re the only team this century to drop five straight games without being underdogs of at least three points in any of them. For now, Allen’s a smart bench stash for those needing Hall insurance.
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals (16.5% rostered, 0.6% started)
Benson remains the backup to James Conner, who’s been outstanding this season. Conner has had 19 or more touches in six out of eight games. Benson’s value hinges on Conner’s health, though Conner has yet to play a full season in his career. Benson would likely share the workload with Emari Demercado if Conner were to miss time.
Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers (59.1% rostered)
Brooks began the season on the PUP list and became eligible to return in Week 5, but the Panthers haven’t cleared him to practice. With how well Chuba Hubbard has played, there’s no rush. Hubbard has logged 14+ touches in seven of eight games this season. Brooks has the talent to force a timeshare, so he should be rostered in all leagues. For now, it’s smart to wait and see how his role develops. The Panthers face the Saints in Week 9.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (47.5% rostered, 11.3% started)
Will update after Monday Night Football.
Others to watch
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins (7.0% rostered)
The Dolphins offense looked reenergized with Tua Tagovailoa back under center. De’Von Achane led Miami’s backfield with 16 touches and 26.7 fantasy points on Sunday against the Cardinals. He has scored 23 or more fantasy points in every game Tagovailoa has played this season. Mostert finished with 10 touches and 16.0 fantasy points. Wright is a stash in deeper formats, but his fantasy value depends on the health of Achane and Raheem Mostert.
MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers (7.7% rostered)
The Packers placed Lloyd on injured reserve in mid-September due to an ankle injury. Unfortunately, he has been dealing with injuries all season. To add some depth, Green Bay promoted Chris Brooks from the practice squad. Head coach Matt LaFleur is yet to decide when to remove Lloyd from IR. Emanuel Wilson is the No. 2 back behind starter Josh Jacobs and that is unlikely to change when Lloyd returns. Jacobs has had 20 or more touches in three of his last four games and scored 20 or more fantasy points in two of those. For now, keep Lloyd on your watch list rather than on your fantasy roster.
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams (16.8% rostered)
The Rams’ backfield centers around Kyren Williams, who has had 20 or more touches in six out of seven games this season. Los Angeles has an offensive line that ranks 11th in run block win rate. Corum’s fantasy relevance really depends on Williams’ availability, so be sure to keep the rookie on your watch list. Williams has scored 14 or more fantasy points in every game this season including three with 20 or more points.
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers (6.6% rostered)
Vidal played behind J.K. Dobbins on Sunday against the Saints. He finished with six touches compared to Dobbins’ 21. Vidal’s fantasy value depends on Dobbins’ health. The duo faces a Browns defense in Week 9 that is stingy against the run.
Carson Steele, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (6.6% rostered)
Steele is currently taking a back seat to Kareem Hunt in the Chiefs’ backfield. In the last three games, he’s had just 14 touches and scored 5.3 fantasy points. Meanwhile, Hunt has had 22 or more touches in three consecutive games. Steele is sharing snaps and touches with Samaje Perine. His best chance for fantasy relevance comes if Hunt misses time. Even then, Steele is likely to handle early downs and short-yardage situations, while Perine takes care of third downs. Steele should be on your watch list rather than your roster.
Wide receivers
Top performers
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (98.0% rostered, 57.4% started)
Harrison finally came alive in the second half Sunday, scoring his first career second-half touchdown against the Dolphins. He had been quiet in every quarter except the first this season, so this shift was big. Harrison finished with seven targets, 23.1 fantasy points, and looked in sync with Kyler Murray. He’s put up 17+ fantasy points in three of the four games where he’s seen at least seven targets. Harrison’s start percentage took a hit from Week 7 to Week 8, but this performance should reassure his fantasy managers. He’s firmly in WR2 territory for Week 9 against the Bears.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (89.6% rostered, 55.9% started)
Thomas has been one of the best players offensively for the Jaguars this season. He scored 15.0 fantasy points on Sunday against the Packers on just four targets. Thomas had his fifth receiving touchdown of the season, matching Marvin Harrison Jr. for the most by any rookie this year. He’s scored 15 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games. But here’s a concern: Thomas did leave Sunday’s game against the Packers with a chest injury. Keep an eye on his status moving forward. The Jaguars face an Eagles defense in Week 9, so watch his status — if active, Thomas is a solid WR2.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (75.2% rostered, 20.5% started)
McConkey made waves against the Saints on Sunday with six targets and posted a season-high 29.1 fantasy points. He also became the first Chargers rookie wide receiver to amass 100 receiving yards and score a touchdown in a game since Keenan Allen did it three times back in 2013. McConkey really took advantage of a favorable matchup this week. However, he faces a tougher challenge in Week 9 against the Browns. He’s a solid flex option to consider.
Keep ’em rostered
Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears (58.0% rostered)
Williams and the Bears’ offense hit some roadblocks against the Commanders, and Odunze was no exception. It feels like ages since he posted a season-high 11 targets and 23.4 fantasy points in Week 3 against the Colts. Odunze led the Bears in receiving yards Sunday, but it was frustrating to see offensive coordinator Shane Waldron struggle to get him, DJ Moore and Keenan Allen involved with simpler play calls. Odunze had six targets, Allen saw seven, and Moore had four. All three receivers are active in this offense, but with Williams’ up-and-down performances, it’s hard to trust Odunze in starting lineups right now. He’s still worth keeping on your roster.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills (57.8% rostered, 12.5% started)
Coleman is making waves for the Bills, especially with Amari Cooper drawing attention from defenses. This past Sunday against the Seahawks, Coleman showcased his potential, finishing with seven targets and a season high 18.0 fantasy points. He even drew a long defensive pass interference penalty, showing how aggressive quarterback Josh Allen is in targeting him downfield. Coleman led all Bills receivers in air yards on Sunday. With that kind of momentum, he’s definitely on the flex radar as the Bills gear up to face the Dolphins in Week 9.
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (99.3% rostered, 89.2% started)
Will be updated following Monday Night Football.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (85.6% rostered, 19.1% started)
Worthy had a solid game against the Raiders, finishing with eight targets and 13.7 fantasy points. His target and reception totals rank second on Kansas City, and his four catches mark a career high. Worthy should keep benefiting from favorable matchups, especially with DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce drawing defensive attention. He’s had eight targets in each of his last two games, which is promising. Looking ahead to Week 9, he’s on the flex radar against a Buccaneers defense that allows the fifth most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. However, this outlook could shift if JuJu Smith-Schuster returns from his hamstring injury.
Others to watch
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (24.0% rostered)
Legette had a solid outing against the Broncos, catching a touchdown pass from Bryce Young. He finished with four targets and 13.4 fantasy points, especially with Diontae Johnson out. However, Johnson is generating trade interest, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. If Johnson gets traded, it could significantly impact Legette’s fantasy value for the remainder of the season. While Legette is worth adding to your roster, I wouldn’t rush to start him just yet. He’s best considered as a flex option in deeper leagues. The Panthers are set to face the Saints in Week 9, so keep an eye on how this situation develops.
Ja’Lynn Polk, New England Patriots (9.1% rostered)
The Patriots’ offense has improved with Maye at quarterback, but Polk hasn’t yet taken advantage. He scored just 1.4 fantasy points in Week 6, zero in Week 7 and Polk was inactive on Sunday against the Jets due to a concussion. Despite playing a high number of snaps this season, Polk hasn’t found chemistry with Maye or Jacoby Brissett, which has limited his fantasy production. For now, he should be on your watch list, not your roster.
Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts (7.9% rostered)
Mitchell saw four targets on Sunday but finished with just 1.9 fantasy points in the Colts’ game against the Texans. Indianapolis’ receiver rotation continues to revolve around Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. This trio continues to dominate offensive snaps and routes run. Keep Mitchell on your watch list. If any of those three receivers miss time, he might see a slight boost in fantasy value, though it would likely be minimal given Anthony Richardson‘s current struggles.
Luke McCaffrey, Washington Commanders (1.5% rostered)
McCaffrey has just 13 total targets this season and 23.1 fantasy points. He also ranks near the bottom of the team in routes run. McCaffrey should be on your watch list. He’ll need Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown or Olamide Zaccheaus to miss time in order to become fantasy relevant.
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (41.7% rostered, started 14.4%)
The Bucs were hit hard last week, losing both Chris Godwin and Mike Evans in the game against the Ravens. This put McMillan in the spotlight Sunday against the Falcons. He saw seven targets and scored just 9.2 fantasy points, but he didn’t fully deliver. There were clear signs he and Baker Mayfield weren’t quite in sync, especially on a route miscommunication that could’ve turned into a big touchdown. McMillan looks like a flex option in deeper leagues heading into Week 9 against the Chiefs.
Tight end
Top performer
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (97.4% rostered, 87.3% started)
Bowers is on fire, with four straight games of 10+ fantasy points, and three of those over 16 points. But this Sunday against the Chiefs, he saw just five targets, a drop from his 10+ targets in the previous three games. Week 9 brings a great matchup, though — he faces the Bengals, who allow the fourth most fantasy points per game to tight ends. With Jakobi Meyers back, Bowers should still be a big part of the Raiders’ passing game. He’s a strong TE1 option.
