Dynasty Fantasy Football Week 5 Rookie Review

Every week I will be checking in on the rookies to give a quick overview of your fantasy and dynasty needs. This should give you a roundup of everything you need to know about the newest additions to your dynasty fantasy football leagues.

Rookie Quarterbacks

Trevor Lawrence (JAC) is making weekly improvements. He completed 23 of 33 passes for 273 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against the Titans. Lawrence also added 28 yards and one touchdown rushing. His 2:1 ratio of touchdowns to picks is a positive sign even though the Jaguars have lost 20 straight games.

Zach Wilson (NYJ) completed 19 of 32 passes for 192 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception in the loss to Atlanta. Wilson was a dog in the first half as he could only get 42-yards in the air with the interception. In the second half, he turned things around as he led the Jets on two touchdown drives and a field goal.

Justin Fields (CHI) was held in check by the Raiders passing defense that has been difficult for quarterbacks not named Justin Herbert to throw against. Fields passed for 111-yards and a touchdown. Most importantly, he didn’t throw an interception. He also ran for his lowest total of just four yards on three attempts.

Mac Jones (NE) completed 23 of 30 passes for 231 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. Jones wasn’t impressive in the stat column but is a methodical passer who spreads his targets to seven different players. His touchdown went to Hunter Henry. Over the last five games, Jones seems to be a better NFL quarterback than fantasy with just five touchdowns and hasn’t topped 300-yards.

Davis Mills (HOU) was on fire against a coach known for obliterating rookies – Bill Belichick. Mills threw for 21 of 29 passes for 312-yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. Mills took care of the ball and went deep by connecting with Chris Moore and Chris Conley. Also, his touchdowns came from 67, 37, and 11-yards out.

Trey Lance (SF) struggled against the Cardinals’ defense in a 17-10 loss. He completed over 50% of his passes (15-29) for 192-yards with zero touchdowns and one interception. Lance was much better on the ground with 89-yards on 16 carries.

Neither Kellen Mond (MIN) nor Kyle Trask (TB) has seen the field.

Rookie Running Backs

Not many surprises have risen out of the rookie running backs aside from Elijah Mitchell and Chuba Hubbard. Najee Harris, Javonte Williams, and Michael Carter lead the group.

Najee Harris (PIT) dominated the ground game again with 122-yards on 23 carries and a touchdown. He also padded his stats with two receptions for 20-yards. Harris has been fantasy gold for managers and is currently the RB3 on the season.

Javonte Williams (DEN) rushed eight times for 61 yards and caught all three targets for 25 more yards. Williams continues to share the load with Melvin Gordon as they both got 11 touches. Williams outproduced Gordon, but overall, Williams and Gordon have been equitable. On the season, Williams is the RB30 compared to Gordon’s RB19 status.

Michael Carter (NYJ) rushed 10 times for 38 yards and a touchdown. Carter also added three receptions for 20 yards. He has averaged around 11 carries per week over the last four weeks, but his yards have been disappointing (3.5 YPC). Also, Carter is a good receiver out of the backfield but has only caught nine passes this season. He is an RB38 for the season.

Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) rushed twice for 16 yards and caught one of his three targets for eight yards. It was a disappointing performance coming off his 3-31 and a touchdown against the Chiefs. It appears that the Eagles still want to get Miles Sanders going as Gainwell’s attempts have decreased from a total of 15 in the first two contests to 10 in the last three games. Also, he had his lowest reception day this season with one.

Trey Sermon (SF) was only on the field for two offensive snaps and received one carry for seven yards. While it was Elijah Mitchell, who was the lead back.

Elijah Mitchell (SF) only received nine carries, but he ran for 43-yards against Arizona. Mitchell also caught two passes for 19-yards on two targets. Also, he operated as the primary back, but his overall rushing totals were compromised by Lance and his 16 carries.

Khalil Herbert (CHI) was more active than many thought against the Raiders as he carried the ball 18 times for 75-yards. Now, he may get his first start as Damien Williams was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Larry Rountree (LAC) did not receive a snap against Cleveland. It was the first time Rountree did not get a carry and has 24 for 61-yards on the season.

Kylin Hill (GB) had one reception for five yards against the Bengals. On the season, Hill has seven carries for 22-yards and zero touchdowns.

Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) was heavily involved for the first time this season. Stevenson carried the rock 11 times and went just 23-yards against the Texans front. Stevenson was used because Damien Harris was dealing with chest and rib injuries. Also, his longest rush was just nine yards, and he was not involved in the passing game. The good news is that Stevenson may get a chance to demonstrate his capabilities if Harris continues to suffer from his injury or continue to fumble the ball.

Chris Evans (CIN) secured his targets for 15 yards and only played seven of the Bengals’ 67 offensive snaps. An ankle injury limited Joe Mixon, and Samaje Perine took 40 snaps with 11 carries and caught four passes.

Jaret Patterson (WFT) carried the ball four times for 13-yards. It was the most carries he has received this season and has gotten at least one attempt in three of five weeks.

Jake Funk (LAR) did not record a snap.

Gary Brightwell (NYG) did not record a snap.

Rookie Wide Receivers

As with the running backs, there isn’t a wide receiver that hasn’t surprised. Rondale Moore appears to be under drafted and should be a first-round selection. At the same time, Kadarius Toney finally had a breakout game.

Ja’Marr Chase (CIN) caught six of 10 targets for 159 yards and a touchdown. Chase has been the best rookie wide receiver in almost every start and has shown great chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow. Also, Chase is the WR9 on the season.

De’Vonta Smith (PHI) caught seven of eight targets for 77 yards but lost a fumble. Smith had a touchdown nullified but did catch a two-point conversion. However, he led Philadelphia across the board in receiving, building on last week’s seven-catch, 122-yard showing. Smith is currently the WR33 on the season.

Rondale Moore (ARI) put together a strong game by catching five passes for 59-yards on six targets. Moore came about three inches away from scoring for the second time, but his foot stepped out of bounds. Also, he was highly efficient. The Cardinals produced 332 yards from scrimmage, and Moore had 97 of those. Also, he rushed for 38-yards on three carries. It showed a bounce back after two miserable performances where he caught three balls for 28-yards and Week 3 when he had one yard on two receptions. It has been since Week 1 the last time Moore crossed the goal line. Moore is a WR37 this season.

Jaylen Waddle (MIA) caught two of six targets for 31 yards and added a two-yard run. Waddle ranked third on the team in targets behind running back Myles Gaskin (10) and tight end Mike Gesicki (seven), with fellow wide receiver DeVante Parker (shoulder) inactive. Waddle is the WR42 this year.

Kadarius Toney (NYG) went nuclear with a 10-catch, 189-yard effort on 13 targets against Dallas. Unfortunately, his day came to an end when he threw a punch. The Giants face multiple injury dilemmas to their receiving crew, and Kenny Golladay also left early Sunday. Toney was used in the running game, as a passer, and in the Wildcat. Now he just needs to remain level-headed.

Terrace Marshall (CAR) caught two of three targets for 14 yards. Marshall has only 16 receiving yards over the last two contests but has seen at least three passes in four of five games. However, he is still looking for his first touchdown.

Elijah Moore (NYJ) failed to catch either of his two targets after returning from his concussion injury. Moore played 23 of a possible 56 offensive snaps, clocking in fourth among New York’s wide receivers. Until now, Moore has had a reception in every game, and he is still looking for his first touchdown.

Dyami Brown (WAS) was out due to a knee injury. On the season, Brown has five receptions for 14 yards on 14 targets.

Josh Palmer (LAC) caught two of his three targets for 12 yards. Palmer played 16 offensive snaps but was once again was not a big part of the game plan. With Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Jalen Guyton, Palmer will need an injury to those above him on the depth chart.

Anthony Schwartz (CLE) Schwartz did not catch his lone target in nine offensive snaps. Schwartz has been more utilized on kick returns and went four weeks without a catch.

Demetric Felton (CLE) played just three snaps on offense and returned two punts. Felton did not have a catch or target for the first time since Week 1. Felton has been a portion of the offense before Week 5, as he has had multiple targets and catches.

Michael Strachan (IND) did not receive a target.

Nico Collins (HOU) continues to be injured.

Amari Rodgers (GB), Jaelon Darden (TB), and Dax Milne (WFT) have only one catch on the season. However, Tylan Wallace (BAL), Ihmir Smith-Marsette (MIN), Tutu Atwell (LAR), Marquez Stevenson (BUF), Shi Smith (CAR), Simi Fehoko (DAL), Tre Nixon (LAR), Frank Darby (ATL), and Ben Skowronek (LAR) do not have a reception.

Rookie Tight Ends

It’s a surprise to see two tight ends do well in their rookie season. Kyle Pitts finally had his breakout game, and Pat Freiermuth continues to make plays.

Kyle Pitts (ATL) finally had the game his blow-up game. For the second straight week, Pitts had heavy volume but was in a position to put up nine receptions on 10 targets for 119 yards and one touchdown. He torched the Jets’ secondary for hefty gains of 39, 22, 18, and 16 yards and scored two yards out.

Pat Freiermuth (PIT) hauled in both of his targets for seven yards. Friermuth recorded at least 11 yards in each of his first four appearances while sharing time with Eric Ebron.

Tommy Tremble (CAR) found the end zone for the first time through the air. Tremble’s first score came on the ground. Also, Tremble caught two of four targets for 12 yards.

Noah Gray (KC) did not play.

Hunter Long (MIA), Brevin Jordan (HOU), Tre’ McKitty (LAC), John Bates (WFT), Matt Bushman (LV), Zach Davidson (NYG), and Sammis Reyes (WFT) do not have a reception.