ROOKIE WATCH – WEEK 3

By Steve Uetz

Week 3 was apparently rookie WR breakout week, and as the kids say; I am here for it! Several of the rookies stayed on track in their progress, few went backwards, and some big names did not suit up!

Cam Akers, Zack Moss, Henry Ruggs, and Jalen Reagor highlight those that did not suit up. Let’s take a look at who stayed on course and who took a step back in Week 3…

QB Joe Burrow: In week 3 Burrow didn’t lose, he also didn’t win. Shockingly the Bengals/Eagles contest ended in a rare tie. Bizarrely, this was also the result of their matchup back in 2008. Burrow had a decent showing as he threw for 312 yards and 2 TDs! His rushing ability was not on display; Philadelphia contained the rushing attack and also sacked Burrow 8 times. The progress is steady which I will consider a big positive for a rookie.

QB Justin Herbert: The Chargers entered week 3 with a juicy matchup against the defensively struggling Carolina Panthers but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Herbert threw for 330 yards and 1 TD and rushed for 15 yards, Herbert was sacked twice and had 2 turnovers; 1 INT and 1 fumble lost. It was a close game, perhaps the collective turnovers made the difference in the end. Herbert took a slight step back but still turned in a solid fantasy day despite the turnovers.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire: CEH continues to have elite usage in an elite offense. His 25 touch-134 yard performance was dwarfed due to Patrick Mahomes stealing the show in the highly anticipated Kansas City-Baltimore showdown on Monday Night Football. CEH had 20 carries for 64 yards and what is even better is that he had 5 catches on 6 targets for 70 yards.

RB Jonathon Taylor: The Colts were well in control of this game from early on. This seemed as if it would set up nicely for Taylor to get a heavy workload but the game got so out of hand that the Colts didn’t even need to feature him. He had good game but left greedy GMs wanting more, can’t blame the Colts though given all the injuries that have been occurring, keep him fresh – keep him healthy. Taylor totaled 1 TD with 59 yards on 13 carries and 1 catch for 3 yards. Taylor continues to look impressive; he remains a weekly RB1 in all league formats!

RB JK Dobbins: Dobbins was part of the losing side of the MNF contest. The Ravens were simply outplayed and outclassed in this game as their offense was stifled. Dobbins finished with only 1 carry for 6 yards but surprisingly led Baltimore in receiving with 4 catches for 38 yards. A clear step back for Dobbins as we have likely seen the Ravens low point for the season.

RB James Robinson: After Week 2 I called James Robinson a FLEX play in all league types. After Week 3 Robinson now enters RB2 territory! In Jacksonville’s losing effort Robinson was the clear star with 11 rushes for 46 yards and 2 TDs and catching all 6 of his targets for 83 yards. Robinson is curious case in dynasty; he is everything you want! If you have him you are very happy; as he is difficult to sell if you are trying to win now and he is difficult to sell if you are rebuilding. I hope he can keep it up, huge riser!

RB D’Andre Swift: we know the talent and pass catching upside is there but in this contest he only received 2 targets catching 1 of them for 19 yards without any rushing attempts. The usage in this game was concerning; I would consider it a step back, but as he is in the mix of a running back committee the best bet is to be patient and look to the future.

RB Antonio Gibson: In Washington’s losing effort Gibson totaled 12 touches, 3 catch for 11 yards on targets and rushed 9 times for 49 yards and 1 TD! Very efficient, 2nd week in a row with a TD, things continue to looking up for Gibson! He continues to be a weekly FLEX option, he seems like he is the guy, I’d keep lowish expectations because of the teams’ offensive limitations.

RB Joshua Kelley: Like QB Herbert, the juicy matchup ended up in disappointment in larger part to turnovers. Kelley took a step back this week with a fumble that put a damper on his overall efficient rushing with 8 carries for 43 yards. He also caught both of his targets for 9 yards. Kelley takes a step back from this performance, but I remain bullish on him because of his usage and his efficiency so far.

RB La’Michal Perine: Perine ended this disaster of a game with 7 carries for 24 yards and 2 catches for -1 yards. The Jets continue to look abysmal…a team that is lost, led by a head coach whose job security is as about as strong as wet paper. Injuries have piled up to only make matters worse. Right now Perine looks to be a hold in dynasty but unfortunately with low expectations since the jets are so bad that offensive touches are looking to be of the lowest quality. This looks to be a lost rookie season on a team in need of a compass. We can only hope for a coaching change at this point.

WR Tee Higgins: I ended Tee Higgins week 2 review like this: “…it is clear that this season will be a defensive struggle for Cincinnati which can setup big comeback efforts like this one; benefitting Higgins!”… As bizarre as the game against Philadelphia was, Tee Higgins broke out for 5 catches on 9 targets for 40 yards and 2 – I REPEAT – 2 TDS! This is so beyond exciting! Higgins and Burrow is literally shaping up to be the duo that I had hoped for; Andy Dalton and AJ Green 2.0!  Clam down…calm down…calm down… Excellent game, now let’s do it again. Deal? Cool.

WR Justin Jefferson: Fortunately for everyone’s sake the Vikings performance did not include Kirk Cousins vomiting all over himself like he did in week 2. Cousins bounced back in a big way which benefitted Justin Jefferson the most in this contest. Jefferson absolutely exploded for 7 catches on 9 targets for 175 yards and 1 TD, including a 71 yard TD catch and run…W-O-W! You love to see it! This breakout performance was truly incredible, now let’s do it again. Deal? Cool.

WR Brandon Aiyuk: Aiyuk entered his 2nd week of NFL action without Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. With this opportunity he certainly capitalized with 5 catches on 8 targets for 70 yards; all of which categories led the team. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: he was also given 3 carries for 31 yards and 1 TD, including a 19 yard rush which resulted in the TD! What is he – a Deebo Samuel clone? Yikes!! Yikes – in a good way. Imagine trying to defend both of them and George Kittle?! Loved to see this breakout performance. Now let’s do it again. Deal? Cool.

WR Devin Duvernay: Week 3 was rough for the Baltimore offense but the lone bright spot was Duvernay as he showcased his coveted speed during a 93 yard punt return TD! Beyond that highlight, he caught 2 of 3 targets for only 7 yards. When you make plays you get involved in the game plan; I hope it continues because after the down week 3 performance he could provide the spark to re-ignite the upside in that offense!

WR Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler: Poor QB play was the story for the Broncos dreadful week 3 offensive performance. Lock is still nursing a shoulder injury, Driskel was benched, and Rypien wasn’t much better when he was granted his opportunity. Jeudy caught 5 of 9 targets for 55 yards and Hamler caught 3 of 5 targets for 30 yards and lost 2 yards on his rushing attempt. I love the rushing attempt for Hamler; look for the Broncos to get him the ball in creative ways! Jeudy is clearly the alpha in Sutton’s absence. Better days ahead…I hope.

WR CeeDee Lamb: The Week 3 Cowboys-Seahawks contest was a fantasy delight! This defensive struggle allowed nearly 1000 yards of total offense and a combined 69 points. Nice. CeeDee Lamb continues to be heavily involved in the Dallas offense; catching 5 of 7 targets for 65 yards and gained 1 yard on 1 carry. His progress is extremely encouraging as he remains in weekly FLEX consideration.

WR Michael Pittman Jr: This game got out of hand quickly in the Colts favor. Despite the limited opportunity that was presented from game-flow, Pittman caught 3 of 4 targets for 26 yards. I figured Pittman’s opportunity would increase in Parris Campbell’s absence but now Pittman will be expected to out until week 10 after requiring surgery on his leg. A scary situation needed a remedy so we will have our eyes shifted towards his development for the back half of the season.

WR Bryan Edwards: The Raiders continue to spread the ball around; Edwards caught 2 of 3 targets for 48 yards, including one for 34 yards! Without Ruggs able to suit up this was a little disappointing. Edwards may be in line to be the X but Derek Carr is passing to the whole dang alphabet! Moving forward patience will be key as he has been effective with his opportunities.

WR Lavishka Shenault: Shenault entered the Thursday island contest without Chark in the lineup… this left GMs with very interesting decision to make. The mouth-watering thought of “Lavishka unleashed” had an unfortunate conclusion with Minshew playing his worst football of the season. Perhaps Chark’s presence just helps the entire team. In Chark’s absence Shenault caught 5 of 6 targets for 33 yards and gained 1 yard on 1 carry. A good day for his continued development despite leaving GMs wanting more.

WR Chase Claypool: Claypool takes a step back and returns to Earth in week 3, catching 1 of 4 targets for 24 yards. We like the big play ability, but target share wasn’t quite there in this one. With week 4 looming; Diontae Johnson may not suit up due to concussion issues, giving Claypool a potential big opportunity to further establish rapport with Big Ben.

IDP

Chase Young: Chase Young exited week 3 early with an injury that will make him week to week for an unknown amount of time. We just can’t have nice things in 2020 apparently. Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Patrick Queen: Queen didn’t produce as well as the first two weeks of the season as he only totaled 4 tackles in week 3. Not much went right for Baltimore in the Monday Night Football contest. He is still in an excellent role in an excellent situation!

Kenneth Murray: This LB on the rise contributed 5 tackles in the Chargers losing effort; similar to Patrick Queen, he didn’t produce quite as well as the first two weeks but he remains in an excellent role in an excellent situation.

K’Lavon Chaisson: Totaling two tackles for the 3rd week in a row, it seems that Chaisson is being limited by his lingering hamstring issue. Patience will be necessary for this future defensive center piece.

Isaiah Simmons: Simmons tallied only 1 tackle for the 2nd week in row. Patience will be necessary for this highly athletic prospect.

Krys Barnes: Against New Orleans in prime time, Barnes bounced back totaling 9 tackles (4 solo). The undrafted rookie is looking to make himself a permanent part of Green Bay’s defensive plans!

Antoine Winfield: Winfield continues to live up to expectations with another stout performance! 6 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, and 1 pass defended. He is playing like an absolute stud!

Jeremy Chinn: Chinn erupted for 12 tackles (6 solo) including 1 tackle for loss! This gives him 27 tackles on the season so far! Get him on your roster if you are able!