X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Football Rookies to Watch in Week 13: Jaylen Waddle, Rondale Moore, and more

jaylen waddle fantasy football rankings news NFL DFS lineup picks

Every week, this column will spotlight the first-year players who are ripe for a breakout performance. Oftentimes, rookies can provide some of the most value as under-the-radar options.

Week 12 saw many rookies step up and show out for their teams. Miami wide receiver Jaylen Waddle posted nine receptions for a career-high 137 yards, plus a score. San Francisco running back Elijah Mitchell returned from injury in a big way, tallying 168 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, good for the RB3 finish in PPR leagues. Finally, New England quarterback Mac Jones continued his strong first season by passing for a personal-best 310 yards and finishing as the QB7 for the week. From this discussion, it's clear that rookies can be valuable sources of fantasy points.

For dynasty leagues, this column should help identify ideal trade targets and prized stashes. For redraft managers, this column could provide the edge necessary for a championship run. This week's article boasts a solid mix of well-known assets and sneaky sleepers.

Featured Promo: Get any full-season NFL and DFS Premium Pass for 50% off. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, Premium articles, Matchup Rating projections, 15 lineup tools, DFS cheat sheets, Research Stations, Lineup Optimizers and much more! Go Premium, Win More!

 

The Face of the Franchise

Trevor Lawrence (QB, JAX)

When Jacksonville took former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick this past April, they probably envisioned a more successful rookie season from their prized passer. Lawrence has thrown just nine touchdowns, a mark that seems even worse when compared to his 32 interceptable passes, second-most in the NFL. Moreover, despite having thrown the eighth-most passes, Lawrence has gained just the 22nd-most yards among all QBs. The first-year gunslinger has been extremely inefficient.

However, Lawrence has also been the victim of some bad luck and poor support. His top wideout, D.J. Chark, suffered a season-ending ankle injury early in Week 4. Moreover, Lawrence has had more of his passes dropped than any other QB except Justin Herbert, a situation likely exacerbated by Chark's absence. Ultimately, his supporting cast efficiency ranks just 29th among qualifying passers. While Lawrence has had his struggles, it is definitely too early to cast judgment here. Lawrence should not be considered in starting lineups outside of two-QB or Superflex leagues, but he remains a strong dynasty asset. Check out his game Sunday against a Rams squad that is now on a three-game losing streak.

 

The Eager Beaver

Jermar Jefferson (RB, DET)

A seventh-round pick from Oregon State, this former Beaver was largely an afterthought in fantasy circles this preseason. However, Jermar Jefferson suddenly finds himself in an interesting situation this week with Detroit's starting RB, D'Andre Swift, out with a shoulder injury.

Jamaal Williams should serve as the lead back in Swift's absence, especially considering Jefferson had no touches even after Swift's early exit on Thanksgiving. However, a few factors make Jefferson worth a brief look in this article. The first is that in Week 10, the most recent game in which he touched the ball, the rookie gained 41 yards on just three carries, including a 28-yard score. Secondly, on Sunday Detroit will have had 10 days since their last game to bring Jefferson up to speed with an increased role. Finally, Jefferson will at the very least be a tantalizing insurance option should Williams get banged up also; the Lions target their tailbacks at a higher rate than any other team except the Saints. Jefferson's game this weekend against Minnesota could be his breakout.

 

The Rocket Returner

Kene Nwangwu (RB, MIN)

Speaking of Minnesota, the Vikings have an interesting sleeper at running back as well. Kene Nwangwu, a fourth-round rookie from Iowa State, has already gotten some recognition this season for his performance as a kick returner. Nwangwu has scored two touchdowns off of kickoffs this season, whereas the rest of the league has managed to combine for just four. The rookie has displayed his exciting skillset on these opportunities, of which he has had only eight. That's right, Nwangwu has scored on two of his eight kickoff returns this year.

Granted, Nwangwu has just two touches on offense through 12 weeks. However, his flashes as a return man, coupled with star running back Dalvin Cook's shoulder injury, will lead to more involvement offensively against Detroit on Sunday, as confirmed by coach Mike Zimmer. While Alexander Mattison figures to handle most of the duties in the backfield, Nwangwu will finally have a real chance to shine as a running back. That makes him more than interesting enough to be included in this article.

 

The Record Chaser

Jaylen Waddle (WR, MIA)

In the introduction to this article, I mentioned that Dolphins rookie Jaylen Waddle had an outstanding game last weekend. His 28.7 PPR points made him the WR1 for Week 12. Although this was undoubtedly Waddle's best professional outing to date, it should have come as no surprise given the remarkable season he has been having. The Alabama product has 77 receptions through 12 games, a pace that puts him on track to break Anquan Boldin's record for receptions in a rookie season.

With at least four receptions and six targets in each of Miami's past seven matchups, Waddle has firmly entrenched himself as an integral part of the offense. In fact, he has run the most routes of any receiver in the NFL. Moreover, he has been extremely dependable when targeted, as his 102.7 percent true catch rate means he has caught more of his targets than were deemed catchable. That figure remains very impressive even though his average target distance is just 6.2 yards. Watch if Waddle can continue his strong play against the Giants this week.

 

The Small Speedster

Rondale Moore (WR, ARI)

Arizona's Rondale Moore had a very strong performance in Week 2, catching seven passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Since that WR6 finish, though, he had not finished in the top-25 receivers in any week in PPR leagues. Emphasis on "had," as in Week 11 Moore fittingly had 11 catches on 11 targets, both career highs. It is important to note that he gained just 51 yards on those catches, but those numbers were still enough for him to finish as the WR21 in PPR formats.

At just 5'7", 181 pounds, Moore will never be Calvin Johnson, but his 4.32 40-yard-dash demonstrates his deadly speed, and his impressive shiftiness can make defenders pay. His average target distance is a paltry 3.5 yards, but that figure is not too worrisome considering 250 of his 413 receiving yards have come after the catch. With six red zone catches but just one total touchdown, we can also expect some positive regression in the scoring department. Moore has a favorable matchup on deck against the Chicago Bears, who have yielded the seventh-most half-PPR points to receivers this season.

 

The Long-Term Stash

Kylen Granson (TE, IND)

While Atlanta's Kyle Pitts and Pittsburgh's Pat Freiermuth have garnered most of the attention among this year's crop of rookie tight ends, it is important to show some love to the other members of the group as well. This week, that means taking a look at Colts rookie Kylen Granson. Granson has caught just nine passes for 94 yards in 2021, so as the TE67 in PPR formats he should be nowhere near redraft rosters at the moment. First-year tight ends rarely are fantasy-relevant though, so this lack of production is not a dealbreaker for his dynasty value.

In two seasons at SMU, Granson made 78 catches for 1,257 yards and 14 touchdowns, so it's clear that he is a competent pass-catcher rather than a mere blocking tight end. Indianapolis QB Carson Wentz also loved targeting his tight ends in Philadelphia, so if Wentz remains the starter in future seasons, admittedly a big if, then Granson would have an opportunity to establish an excellent rapport with him over time. The fourth-round rookie has seen little usage thus far, but perhaps that changes against Houston on Sunday. The Texans have been the ninth-most forgiving defense to tight ends in fantasy in 2021.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!




Win More With RotoBaller

Be sure to also check out all of our other daily fantasy football articles and analysis to help you set those winning lineups, including this new RotoBaller YouTube video:

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Quentin Johnston16 mins ago

A Full Participant At Practice
Keenan Allen22 mins ago

Sits Out On Wednesday
C.J. Stroud34 mins ago

Practices Fully
Dalton Schultz42 mins ago

Unable To Practice On Wednesday
Devin Williams43 mins ago

Wins NL Reliever Of The Year Award
Félix Bautista49 mins ago

Felix Bautista Named AL Reliever Of The Year
Luis Severino55 mins ago

Mets, Luis Severino Finalizing One-Year Deal
Marcus Smart56 mins ago

Ditches Walking Boot
Anthony Edwards1 hour ago

Unlikely To Suit Up Thursday
Brandon Miller1 hour ago

Questionable Against Nets
Cam Thomas1 hour ago

Expected To Return Thursday
Jimmy Butler1 hour ago

Heat List Jimmy Butler As Questionable
Trey McBride1 hour ago

Misses Practice On Wednesday
Kelly Olynyk1 hour ago

Jordan Clarkson, Kelly Olynyk Upgraded To Probable
Shohei Ohtani2 hours ago

Expected To Sign Before End Of Winter Meetings
Keegan Murray2 hours ago

Remains Out Against Clippers
Dylan Cease2 hours ago

Trade Talks For Dylan Cease Have Intensified
De'Von Achane3 hours ago

Listed As Limited Wednesday
Ville Husso3 hours ago

Back In The Crease Wednesday
Raheem Mostert3 hours ago

Absent From Wednesday's Practice
Tyreek Hill3 hours ago

Sitting Out With Ankle Injury
Charlie Lindgren3 hours ago

Starting Versus Kings Wednesday
Jordan Greenway3 hours ago

To Return Thursday
Kenneth Walker III3 hours ago

Listed As Doubtful For Thursday
Cleveland Browns4 hours ago

Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward Not Practicing
Chicago Bulls4 hours ago

Chicago's Core Could Face Shake-Up This Year
Corey Perry4 hours ago

Has Contract Officially Terminated
Shea Theodore4 hours ago

Week-To-Week Following Surgery
Fred VanVleet4 hours ago

Out For First Time This Year
Joe Flacco4 hours ago

Now The Backup In Cleveland
Gordon Hayward4 hours ago

Teams Inquiring About Gordon Hayward's Availability
Nic Claxton4 hours ago

Nets View Nicolas Claxton As Building Block
Dorian Thompson-Robinson4 hours ago

In Concussion Protocol
Kareem Hunt4 hours ago

Won't Practice Wednesday
Bailey Zappe4 hours ago

Seeing First-Team Reps At Practice
Pascal Siakam4 hours ago

Hawks Keeping An Eye On Pascal Siakam
Marquise Brown4 hours ago

Michael Wilson Miss Practice
Aaron Jones5 hours ago

AJ Dillon Both Missing From Practice
CJ McCollum5 hours ago

Says He Will Play Wednesday
Randy Arozarena5 hours ago

Being Shopped By Rays
Hayden Hurst5 hours ago

Remains Out Of Practice
Bo Bichette5 hours ago

Likely Staying Put
Demario Douglas6 hours ago

In Concussion Protocol
Noah Brown6 hours ago

Returns To Practice On Wednesday
Tank Dell6 hours ago

Missing Practice Wednesday
Emilio Pagán6 hours ago

Emilio Pagan Agrees To Two-Year Pact With Reds
Andrei Svechnikov6 hours ago

Doesn't Play Tuesday Due To Illness
Zach Hyman6 hours ago

Misses Tuesday's Game With Illness
Mark Giordano6 hours ago

To Miss Extended Time After Blocking Shot Off Hand
Jonathan Taylor6 hours ago

Undergoing Thumb Surgery Wednesday
Dougie Hamilton6 hours ago

Leaves Game Early Tuesday, Undergoing Evaluation
Jacob Markstrom7 hours ago

Back At Practice Wednesday
Filip Forsberg8 hours ago

Maintains Momentum With Game-Winner
Seth Jarvis9 hours ago

Continues Hot Spell With Ninth Goal
Connor McDavid9 hours ago

Notches Three Points In Tuesday's Win
Jake Oettinger9 hours ago

Posts First Shutout Of Season
Brock Boeser9 hours ago

Hits Two Goals In Tuesday's Win
Michael Carcone9 hours ago

Nets Two Goals Against Tampa Bay
Jamal Murray9 hours ago

Considered Questionable Wednesday
Kelly Olynyk9 hours ago

Questionable Wednesday
Jordan Clarkson10 hours ago

Questionable For Wednesday's Action
Trey Murphy10 hours ago

III Listed As Doubtful Wednesday
Jonathan Isaac10 hours ago

Questionable For Wednesday
Cam Reddish10 hours ago

Likely Returning For Lakers On Wednesday
Anthony Davis10 hours ago

Probable On Wednesday
Mathew Barzal19 hours ago

Has Three-Point Night In Loss
Dylan Cease19 hours ago

Dodgers "Among Most Aggressive" Teams For Dylan Cease
Jack Hughes19 hours ago

Contributes With Three Points In Victory
Shohei Ohtani19 hours ago

Yoshinobu Yamamoto "Above All Other Options" For Giants
Akira Schmid19 hours ago

Picks Up Victory In Relief Appearance
Juan Soto19 hours ago

"Almost Certain To Be Traded"
Cody Bellinger20 hours ago

Earns NL Comeback Player Of The Year Award
Liam Hendriks20 hours ago

Earns AL Comeback Player Of The Year Award
Anthony Beauvillier20 hours ago

Blackhawks Acquire Anthony Beauvillier
LeBron James22 hours ago

Uncertain For Wednesday
Jackson Chourio1 day ago

Brewers Discussing Deal With Top Prospect Jackson Chourio
Jake Walman1 day ago

To Return On Wednesday
Tyler Glasnow1 day ago

Cubs In Trade Talks For Tyler Glasnow
Shane Bieber1 day ago

Cubs, Reds Looking At Shane Bieber
Jason Heyward2 days ago

Reportedly Re-Signs With Dodgers Monday
Lucas Giolito2 days ago

Dodgers Interested In Lucas Giolito This Offseason
Steven Matz2 days ago

Available Via Trade
Tyler Glasnow2 days ago

Reds Showing Interest In Tyler Glasnow
Alex Bregman2 days ago

Could Be Moved This Offseason

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Tyler Lockett - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Who Should I Start? TNF Fantasy Football Lineup Decisions for Week 13 - Tyler Lockett, Brandin Cooks, Zach Charbonnet, Rashee Rice, Puka Nacua, Nico Collins, Jayden Reed, more

It's almost time for Thursday Night Football. Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Set you optimal fantasy football lineups for Thursday Night Football and Week 13 of the 2023 NFL season. Our free Who Should I Start? tool will help make your fantasy football lineup decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and... Read More


Week 13 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Analysis: Running Backs, Tight Ends Booms and Busts

Check out our top 2023 fantasy football Start/Sit analysis for Week 13 of the NFL season! Matt Donnelly discusses his top Start/Sit decisions at the Running Back and Tight End positions that will have an impact in Week 13. The 2023 fantasy football season is here - win big with RotoBaller in 2023! Be sure... Read More


Jordan Love - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Targets, NFL Injury News

Week 13 Quarterback Rankings for Fantasy Football: Jordan Love, Sam Howell, Gardner Minshew, Russell Wilson, Geno Smith

Welcome, RotoBallers! With six teams on a bye, there will be a lot of lineup holes to fill in Week 13. The Ravens, Bills, Raiders, Bears, Giants, and Vikings are off this week. Between injuries and changes, the quarterback position has recently become very hit-or-miss for fantasy football. We are here to guide you through... Read More


Brandin Cooks - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Week 13 Half-PPR FLEX Rankings for Fantasy Football: Zach Charbonnet, Jaylen Warren, Brandin Cooks, Josh Downs, more

What Appears In This Article? hide 1. Week 13 FLEX Fantasy Football News and Injuries 2. Week 13 Fantasy Football FLEX Rankings Hey, RotoBallers! Week 13 has arrived and kicks off with the Cowboys and Seahawks on Thursday. We have two weeks left in the fantasy football regular season, and this could be the last... Read More


Pat Freiermuth - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Week 13 Half-PPR Tight End Rankings for Fantasy Football: Pat Freiermuth, Trey McBride, Taysom Hill, Gerald Everett, more

Howdy RotoBallers! The 2023 fantasy football regular season is rapidly approaching, and it may be fantasy managers' last shot for a playoff push. Week 13 could be a make-or-break week for some managers, and it will be challenging as six teams are on the bye. At RotoBaller, we are to help and guide you through... Read More


Rashee Rice - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL wr, Draft Sleepers

Week 13 Half-PPR Wide Receiver Rankings for Fantasy Football: Rashee Rice, Puka Nacua, Nico Collins, Tyler Lockett, more

RotoBallers, we are coming to the home stretch of the fantasy football regular season with just two weeks left. The player pool for Week 13 will be slim compared to other weeks, with six teams on the bye. The Giants, Vikings, Ravens, Bills, Raiders, and the Bears are off this week. There will be tough... Read More


Week 13 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Analysis: Wide Receiver, Quarterback Booms and Busts

Check out our top 2023 fantasy football Start/Sit analysis for Week 13 of the NFL season! Matt Donnelly discusses his top Start/Sit decisions at the Wide Receiver and Quarterback positions that will have an impact in Week 13. The 2023 fantasy football season is here - win big with RotoBaller in 2023! Be sure to... Read More


Zack Moss - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Week 13 Half-PPR Running Back Rankings for Fantasy Football: Zack Moss, Kyren Williams, Joe Mixon, James Conner, more

Welcome back, RotoBallers, to more fantasy football rankings. Amazingly, Week 13 is already here. There are only two weeks left in the fantasy football regular season, so it's time to set those winning lineups and make that final push for the fantasy playoffs. We are here as always to help you guide you and are... Read More


Jaguars Defense - Fantasy Football DST, Defense Streamers, Waiver Wire IDP

Week 13 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts - 2023 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

Week 12 is now in the books leaving the majority of fantasy leagues with only two regular-season games remaining. We also move on from another plentiful week with no byes directly into a week with six teams on bye. Playoff spots in many leagues will be decided this week, as well as playoff seeding and... Read More


Zack Moss - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Fantasy Football Matchups to Target, Avoid (Week 13) - Offensive Line Champs and Chumps

The fantasy playoffs are just around the corner and every week matters. Teams who have already locked up a playoff spot need to keep optimizing their roster to push for a championship. Teams on the cusp of earning a playoff bid need to secure crucial wins to stay alive. Finding an edge in matchups can... Read More


Tyler Higbee - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Are You For Real? Jordan Love, Rashee Rice, Tyler Higbee - Fantasy Football Outlooks

Week 12 of the NFL is behind us and it's time to look ahead to next week's action. There were some surprising performances in the 10th week of the season, but were those surprising performances a sign of things to come for players? Every week, I'll be looking at three to five NFL players whose... Read More


Kyren Williams - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Updated Fantasy Football Staff Rankings

      Fantasy Football Rankings by NFL Position ALL - QB - RB - WR - TE - DEF Above you will find all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings, tiers, player news and stats for your 2023 fantasy football leagues. Our Ranking Wizard displays our staff's fantasy football rankings for various league formats, all in one easy place. Here's what you'll find: Fantasy Football... Read More


Zach Charbonnet - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS and Betting Picks

Sleeper.com NFL DFS Prop Picks - Over/Under Props for Week 13 Thursday Night Football

Welcome to our Sleeper NFL DFS prop picks for Week 13 Thursday Night Football: Seahawks vs. Cowboys. Each week we’ll highlight three top props for Thursday’s game and track how our picks do over time.  Sleeper offers some of the best and easiest-to-win NFL DFS games in the industry. Sleeper DFS works just like regular... Read More