RADIO
RotoBaller Erin Lee takes stock of where some rookies stand in the overall fantasy landscape. She breaks down exactly what you can expect from them going forward and which ones to watch out for as the season progresses.
2013 Fantasy Football Rookie Updates for Week 7
Geno Smith, (QB, NYJ): Talk about an emotional roller coaster! Geno Smith has been up and down all season, but his up weeks are proof that there is plenty of potential here. Unlike some of his fellow rookies, he’s managed to stay healthy and has had several successful weeks against teams like Atlanta and Buffalo. He’ll have a rough matchup with New England this weekend, but some recent defensive injuries for the Patriots could work in Smith’s favor. When given enough time to throw this season, he’s been successful. Against the Falcons on Monday night in Week Five, Smith finished with an 80% completion percentage, but facing the high-pressure Steelers defense in Week Six, that number fell to 50%. If Smith can learn to work better under pressure going forward, he’ll find more consistent success under center.
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Giovani Bernard, (RB, CIN): When it comes to Bernard, things keep getting better and better. Plenty of other rookies have been unpredictable, with big weeks coming out of nowhere followed by weeks full of mistakes, but Bernard has been the exception. Each week he is getting more involved and has yet to take a step back. He’s a dual threat, catching passes in addition to his abilities on the ground, and he has been as elusive as any RB in the league. He’s still sharing action with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, but it hasn’t stifled Bernard's growth so far, and I expect him to keep moving forward as the season progresses.
Keenan Allen, (WR, SD): I have to admit– this guy was barely on my radar early in the season, but he has certainly made his presence known. Philip Rivers’s new favorite target is no longer any kind of secret after back-to-back games with over 20 fantasy points. He’s got finesse, and the ability to get open for Rivers undeniably makes him a top target. With Rivers playing at the top of his game and the Chargers dealing with several injuries to other receivers, Allen has been getting plenty of opportunity to show what he can do. He’s managed to seize that opportunity and he will continue to do so throughout the year. Get him on your roster if you can.
Jordan Reed, (TE, WAS): He hasn’t had any huge weeks yet, but don’t be fooled– Jordan Reed is becoming the number-one guy for the Redskins, and he's on the brink of putting up some big numbers. He’s outplaying Fred Davis, and with talent like Reed has, the breakout is most often just a matter of getting the right opportunities. He was in Davis's shadow early on, but those days are behind him. The only game in which Reed didn’t see at least six targets was Week Two against Green Bay, and he still managed to reel in a touchdown in that game. RGIII will find him in the end zone again soon and his matchup with the Bears this weekend could be the first of many games in which you will love having Reed on your roster.
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Don’t forget to check back at RotoBaller.com for up-to-date waiver wire pickups and fantasy football analysis. Good luck with your decisions in Week Seven!
