Rookie Report 2021 – Week 10

By Steve Uetz

For the purposes of this season-long article series, I will take you through how all the fantasy-relevant rookies from the 2021 class are performing on a week-to-week basis. I will break down their weekly statistics and offensive role regarding their real-life development and fantasy football outlook.

Let’s look at how the most notable players from the 2021 rookie class fared in the 10th week of NFL action!

Breakout Performance of the Week

RB Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

With RB teammate Damien Harris ruled out in week 9, Stevenson took FULL advantage of his opportunity with an increased workload. Stevenson handled a total of 24 touches; he gained 100 rushing yards with 2 TDs on 20 carries and caught 4 of 5 targets for 14 receiving yards! This monster performance came with a dominant Patriots 38-point win over the Browns. I think Stevenson enters matchup dependent FLEX territory moving forward.

QB Mac Jones, New England Patriots

In the dominant win over the Cleveland Browns, Jones had a near perfect performance. He completed 19 of 23 pass attempts for 198 yards and 3 TDs! Jones did not commit any turnovers but did take 2 sacks. I still consider him as a QB3 option for Super Flex leagues but as he is shaping up to be a clear franchise QB, he has earned more confidence as a dynasty buy target from a career longevity standpoint.

QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Lawrence and the Jaguars struggled offensively once again as they lost to their division rival Indianapolis Colts. Lawrence completed 16 of 35 pass attempts for 162 yards without TDs or turnovers but did take 3 sacks. He was able to gain 33 yards on 5 rushing attempts. The Jaguars feel like a lost cause right now but I remain optimistic about Lawrence’s long-term prospects as a franchise QB; seeing his upside become realized may require more patience than I was initially anticipating.

RB Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers

Another week another monster workshare for Najee Harris. Harris totaled 30 touches while gaining 133 all-purpose yards. Harris gained 105 yards on 26 carries and caught all 4 of his targets for 28 yards. Harris remains an high-end RB1 option for the rest of the season!

RB Michael Carter, New York Jets

In the tough loss to the division rival Buffalo Bills, Carter handled a solid work-load as he earned 20 total touches. He was inefficient as a rusher against the tough Bills defense as he gained only 39 yards on 16 carries but did score a rushing TD! He also caught 4 of 6 targets for 43 yards. Carter is a low-end RB2-strong FLEX option for the rest of the season.

RB Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers

Mitchell handled another impressive workload as he led the 49ers in rushing yards. He handled 27 carries and gained 91 yards in the dominant winning effort against the division rival Rams. Mitchell sustained a broken finger in this contest but should remain a starting option for your lineup as long as he is active on game day.

RB Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos

Williams was very efficient as runner as he unfortunately handled only 10 total touches. He caught 2 of 3 targets for 1 yard but gained 48 yards on 8 carries for a strong 6.0 yards per carry average. Williams and veteran RB teammate Melvin Gordon continue to split the workload evenly, which unfortunately limits his weekly upside. I would still consider him as Flex option but perhaps may be more of a matchup dependent play. Williams and Broncos will be on bye in week 11.

WR Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins

Waddle delivered another solid outing in the primetime contest against the Ravens. He totaled 4 catches on 6 targets for 61 yards. Waddle is showing a satisfactory return on investment and should be considered a Flex option for all leagues types

WR DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

Smith had a strong performance as he led the Eagles in receiving yards. He totaled 4 catches on 6 targets for 66 yards and 2 TDs! He remains a must-start WR option for all league formats and looks to have WR1 upside for his professional career and for his future fantasy outlook.

WR Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens

Bateman led the Ravens in receiving yards in the unexpected loss to the Miami Dolphins in the Thursday Night Football primetime contest. He caught 6 of 8 targets for 80 yards, including one catch for a 30-yard gain! Bateman should be considered a Flex option for all league types.

WR Elijah Moore, New York Jets

Moore found the endzone for the second week in a row! He totaled 3 catches on 6 targets for 44 yards and a TD. Moore is at least a strong bench stash for redraft leagues and should be considered a deep league Flex option for the rest of the season.

WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions

In the unexpected tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Brown led the Lions in receiving yards! He caught 4 of 6 targets for 61 yards and has emerged as the clear-cut go-to option among the Detroit WRs. I think his career upside as a professional is a solid team WR2, and for fantasy purposes may peak as a deep league FLEX option.

TE Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

In the despicable 40-point loss the Dallas Cowboys, Pitts was tied for the lead in targets and led the Falcons in receiving yards. He caught 4 of 7 targets for 60 yards. He remains a TE1 option for the rest of the season as he is the clear-cut focus of the Falcons passing game!

TE Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers

In the bizarre result of a tie against the Detroit Lions, Freiermuth commanded a very solid 9 targets. With backup QB Mason Rudolph leading the Pittsburgh offense, Freiermuth totaled 5 catches for 31 yards. He remains a TE1 option for the rest of the season, especially if Ben Roethlisberger can return to the field!

Bring on Week 11!

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