RADIO
Each week, we will look at rookies who have either performed well the previous few weeks or who have a favorable matchup in the upcoming week. These may be high-profile names or under-the-radar depth players; the only thing that matters is that they are first-year pros ready to make a name for themselves.
Hopefully, by the time the season ends, many of them will be household fantasy names and be remembered for their performances in the 2017 season.
For a long-term perspective on rookie values, look no further than our Dynasty League Rookie Round-Up for Week 2.
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Rookies Worth Your Attention
The Stud Youngster
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Back again to occupy the same position two weeks in a row, Kareem Hunt is not only the top rookie performer through two weeks, but is the top scoring fantasy option across all positions. Hunt followed up his record-breaking Week 1 performance with an impressive Week 2 outing where he amassed over 100 yards from scrimmage and scored two rushing touchdowns. Hunt is becoming one of the premier backs to own in all of fantasy football, rookie or not, and should be considered a weekly RB1 from this point forward. This especially holds true given the Chiefs' tendency to run the ball early and often. Go out and get Hunt if you can - barring injury, he looks destined for a top-five finish at the position this season.
The One Week Wonder
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
The young receiver from Pittsburgh made headlines with his unique touchdown off of a shovel pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Smith-Schuster recorded three receptions for 16 yards including his touchdown grab. Although the USC wideout has been highly touted as a potential future star that will break the curse of USC receivers in the NFL, he is currently buried behind top receivers Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant as well as veterans Darrius Heyward-Bey and Eli Rogers. There is little room for Smith-Schuster to see significant playing time this season, so owners should temper their expectations of immediate production following his performance in Week 2.
The Locked-In Starter
Chris Carson, RB, Seattle Seahawks
It's clear that there is only one tailback to own on the Seattle Seahawks at the moment. Seventh round pick Chris Carson has successfully beaten out veterans Eddie Lacy and Thomas Rawls for the early down work for the Seahawks, as seen by his performance in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers: 20 carries for 93 yards and one reception for seven yards. Carson looked to be the most impressive back throughout training camp and has continued to be the top back into the season. With the Seahawks playing the Titans in Week 3, Carson should be one of the top waiver pickups in every league. Even though it's not the most enticing matchup, every fantasy owner should have little hesitation to put Carson into their lineups as the Seahawks have maintained a run-based offense despite suggestions that they would air the ball out more often. C.J. Prosise will still see the majority of third-down work, but if Carson develops his pass-blocking he could become a true three-down workhorse.
The Under-The-Radar Sleeper
David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns
Another week, another tight end as an under the radar pickup. Although Njoku has a fair amount of hype in the real world as the starting tight end for the Cleveland Browns, he is still not regarded as one of the tight ends many owners are plugging into their lineups. Njoku had a great game last week, recording three catches for 27 yards and a touchdown (that he caught from backup quarterback Kevin Hogan). It is unlikely that Njoku will become a leading tight end this season, as the transition for tight ends from college to the NFL is often harsh. However, his next three games have a lot of potential for him to continue his success: Colts, Bengals, Jets. None of those teams have intimidating defenses this season, and there should be plenty of room for Njoku to outperform his first two weeks of production and return temporary TE1 status. With this first round pick, the sky is truly the limit.
The One To Stash
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
After leading the Saints in rushing attempts in Week 1, Kamara was limited to one attempt in the Saints Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots. However, he also snagged three receptions for 51 yards, including a 38 yard catch that is sure to make his highlight reel. If Kamara can resume being in the mix for early down rushing work and maintain his effectiveness in third down situation, he could become the one to own in the three-headed monster including Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson. Although it will be difficult to predict which running back of the trio receives the most carries, Kamara has the potential to fully occupy a third-down role in a very pass-heavy offense and therefore should be stashed by fantasy owners who want a high-upside play for later in the season. Watch out for Alvin Kamara - he truly is a human highlight reel.
