RADIO
We have reached the midway point of the season. It is at this stage where we can begin to identify which NFL teams will be in championship contention, and which will be preparing for the offseason. However, what is often less clear is which rookies will surge later in the year and which will not.
One rookie that broke out last week was Bills running back Zack Moss. His 14 carries yielded 20.1 fantasy points, and his efforts were a key component of Buffalo's victory over New England. Plenty of other rookies will join Moss in having excellent performances this week, and the next, and the next. This column attempts to identify who these players will be.
This week's article will take a further look at Moss as well as four other promising rookies. All five of the players below will return value in both redraft and dynasty leagues, so continue reading regardless of your league's format. Without further ado, let's get to the analysis.
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The Unstoppable Force
Zack Moss (RB, BUF)
As stated above, Moss finally came through for fantasy managers last week. The third-round pick from Utah gained 81 yards and two touchdowns, marking career highs in both categories. Particularly impressive was his ability to keep his legs churning for a score in the second half of that game against New England. His power and ferocity certainly bode well for his future in the league.
Zack Moss scores his 2nd TD of the day! @buffalobills
?: #NEvsBUF on CBS
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/J6oAb5WnGm pic.twitter.com/BnWN8T1393— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2020
Moss will still have to contend with Devin Singletary for touches in the Buffalo backfield. His skill at evading tackles will make it difficult to keep him off the field, though. His juke rate of 38.8 percent ranks third in the NFL, and 2.12 yards created per touch rank fourth. Singletary is talented in these areas as well, but not to that extent. It will only be a matter of time before Moss becomes the clear cut number one back in this offense. The split in touches between the two will be a storyline to watch in their game against the Seahawks this week.
The Diamond in the Rough
Darnell Mooney (WR, CHI)
Mooney was an afterthought in fantasy circles after he was taken in the fifth round of this year's draft. The Tulane product has shown some flashes for the Bears, and he had a nice showing last week with a career-high 69 receiving yards. Mooney's 17.9 PPR points last Sunday against the Saints were quite solid, but it remains to be seen if he can cement himself as Chicago's number two option behind Allen Robinson II. Also of intrigue for dynasty managers is the fact that Robinson will be a free agent next offseason.
But can Mooney capitalize on the opportunity? He has been used a lot in the deep passing game this season; his 12 deep targets rank 10th at his position. He has also had the 11th highest average target distance at 15.4 yards. More consistently parlaying these targets into production could lead to some gaudy statistics that can help his case and help fantasy managers. He certainly has a higher ceiling than he has shown, considering that his 419 unrealized air yards rank seventh in the league. Keep an eye on Mooney this week against a tough Tennessee Titans Defense.
The Fast Flyer
Henry Ruggs III (WR, LV)
Ruggs is extremely fast. Unfortunately, that speed has not shown up in the stat sheet the last few weeks. In his last two games, Ruggs has just had four receptions and 43 yards total. The rookie from Alabama has shown off his 4.27 wheels before though, most notably in a 118-yard showing against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ruggs is averaging 2.94 yards of separation on his targets, which is the highest figure in the NFL among wideouts. His 22.0 yards per reception rank second in the league, and his 18.9 yards per target rank third. Clearly, Ruggs has been able to use his speed effectively at times. What fantasy managers will be hoping for is more week-to-week consistency. Watch to see if he can get back on track this week against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Game Winner
DeeJay Dallas (RB, SEA)
Dallas is reportedly a big fan of board games, and while he may not have a Monopoly on this backfield, he could come close this Sunday. With Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde still hampered with injuries, Dallas has a real shot at matching his 18 carries from last week. Travis Homer will see a few touches as well, but Dallas certainly appears to be the main man for the time being.
The fourth-rounder out of Miami has been fairly inefficient thus far (49 yards on 20 carries), but he did have two scores last week. If Dallas can improve on his YPC, he will have a shot to gain a role even when Carson and Hyde return. Carson and Hyde will both be free agents in 2021 too, so Dallas could be aiming for a starting spot in the coming seasons as well. A lot of this will hinge on how he performs against Buffalo this week.
The Great Chance
Eno Benjamin (RB, ARI)
Cardinals back Kenyan Drake will miss some time with an ankle injury, leaving the door open for other Arizona tailbacks to step up. Chase Edmonds should take over as the squad's number one option in the backfield, but Benjamin could factor into the offense as well. The seventh-rounder from Arizona State has been inactive for all seven of the team's games thus far, but with Drake absent, his time to shine could come this week.
With no snaps played in the NFL yet, it's tough to project how well Benjamin could do. His performance in college is encouraging though, especially his 92nd percentile target share out of the backfield. With the ability to run and catch, Benjamin could carve out a role next to Edmonds, who will likely be too talented to surpass completely. Keep an eye on how much work Benjamin sees this week versus the Dolphins.
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