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.
Without further ado, here are some NFL rookies to watch in the Divisional Round of the 2017 season.
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Rookies Worth Your Attention
The Stud Youngsters
Leonard Fournette, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (From Week 18)
In a season that had its fair share of injuries, Leonard Fournette was still able to break the 1,000 yard rushing barrier with one of the largest workloads at the position this season. Despite carrying a niggling injury for the majority of the second half of the season, Fournette was still able to be successful and find the end-zone ten times throughout. With a game against the Steelers that is expected to be focused on the run, Fournette should see a very large workload and power his way to a high yardage total as well as a good chance of scoring at least one touchdown. Fournette is a very solid option because he is propped up by such a large rushing volume and a reasonable receiving floor - he is a true stud at the position.
DraftKings: $6,900
FanDuel: $8,900
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints (From Week 18)
With 81 receptions in his rookie season to go along with over 120 carries, Alvin Kamara has been purely electrifying and has earned himself a spot in the Pro Bowl for his efforts. Kamara comes into the playoffs with over 1500 total yards as well as 13 touchdowns as the second option in a terrifying tandem with fellow running back Mark Ingram. Kamara has averaged over six yards a carry and over ten yards per reception, making him the ideal mismatch weapon and big-play threat for the Saints. After being used against the Carolina Panthers, Kamara see the field frequently in relief of Mark Ingram in what projects to be a high scoring game against the Vikings. It is likely that we will see fireworks from the young running back this weekend and as long as the Saints are in the playoffs.
DraftKings: $7,800
FanDuel: $7,900
Juju Smith-Schuster, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
The rookie wide receiver undeservingly was not picked as one of the candidates for rookie of the year despite having 58 receptions for over 900 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. Playing opposite of Antonio Brown has given Smith-Schuster the opportunity for many open looks; he has certainly made the most of his opportunity this season. The young USC receiver finished off the season with several successful performances and should be considered a very decent option at the position in DFS formats because of his big-play potential and solid reception floor. The playoffs could be Smith-Schuster's time to officially break out and establish himself as a top level receiver, and with a matchup against a tough Jaguars defense the team will need all the help it can get on offense.
DraftKings: $6,000
FanDuel: $7,000
Honorable Mentions
Dede Westbrook, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
After coming off of injured reserve and playing the second half of the season, Westbrook has emerged as a favorite target for quarterback Blake Bortles. With high expectations placed on the young wide out, Westbrook has delivered some solid performances mixed with some duds. However, with a good price on both formats, Westbrook could be a slate-winner if he is able to deliver on the big-play potential fans have been expecting of him in the past few weeks. Keep Westbrook on your radars as he has the potential to surprise us with his performance against the Steelers this weekend.
DraftKings: $4,400
FanDuel: $6,100
Corey Davis, WR, Tennessee Titans
In what has to be considered a disappointing season for first round pick Corey Davis, the rookie receiver had less than 400 receiving yards and no touchdowns. However, Davis was the most targeted receiver in the Titans' Wild Card win last week, making him an intriguing option at his price point this weekend. Davis is a risky pick given his lack of production in the end zone this season. He should be considered nothing more than a high-upside play in a week where there are better options at the position.
DraftKings: $3,400
FanDuel: $5,400
