👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


NFL Rookies To Watch In Week 13

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 Week 13 of the 2017 season.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Rookies Worth Your Attention

The Stud Youngster

Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Mixon finally broke out in a big way last week, scoring a touchdown and generating more than 160 yards from scrimmage. The touchdown is his his third in his last four games, and he has received over 20 carries in the last two games as well, making him a volume-based stud at the position with big play upside. Despite the suspect nature of the Bengals offensive line, Mixon is still producing and seems to be one of the few reliable pieces on the offense, making him a must-start in every fantasy format for the rest of the season. If Mixon continues to heat up and make use of the vast opportunities being handed to him, he could be a top-tier RB for the rest of the season.

 

The One-Week Wonder

Zay Jones, WR, Buffalo Bills

Despite scoring two touchdowns in his last four games, rookie wide receiver Zay Jones still remains an inconsistent option at the wide receiver position. This is in part due to competition from fellow wide receivers Jordan Matthews and Kelvin Benjamin (who was recently injured), but also due to the running-based nature of the Bills offense that is centered on running back LeSean McCoy. Furthermore, the questions at quarterback for the Bills make it difficult to guarantee sufficient volume on a weekly basis for the young slot receiver, making him nothing more than an upside dart throw play on a weekly basis. It is hard to trust Jones in most formats, and he should be kept out of the majority of lineups.

 

The Locked-In Starter

Samaje Perine, RB, Washington Redskins

Although running backs seem to be falling left and right, there are still several quality starting rookie running backs that should be in most lineups. One of them is Samaje Perine, who has had two consecutive 100+ yard rushing games as part of a significantly underrated Redskins offense. Perine should be considered a locked-in starter at a position known for its scarcity because he has received consistent volume and has made the most of his opportunities, clearly carving out a role as the lead back for the Redskins. Perine is more appealing in standard leagues due to his modest receiving numbers, but he can realistically be started in any format given the lack of competition for touches in the backfield with Chris Thompson injured.

 

The Under-The-Radar Sleeper 

Ricky Seals-Jones, TE, Arizona Cardinals

After scoring three touchdowns in his first two games, undrafted rookie tight end Ricky Seals-Jones appears to be the player with the most chemistry to quarterback Blaine Gabbert at this point in the season. Although his performances are realistically unsustainable, the fact that Seals-Jones continues to make plays for his team gives him some upside in a horrendous year for tight ends. Seals-Jones shouldn't be considered a locked in option at the position just yet; however, if he continues to produce at the level he has been, fantasy owners shouldn't feel bad about slotting him into their lineups regardless of the format.

 

The One To Stash

Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp appears to have one of the safest floors at his position given the amount of passes being thrown his way from quarterback Jared Goff. He turned those targets into production last week, hauling in eight passes on 11 targets for 116 yards. Although Kupp is likely not on the majority of waiver wires this late in the season, he should not be dropped as he presents a stable floor with big-play potential, making him a decent flex option come the fantasy playoffs. Furthermore, if the Rams are able to continue their streak of good performances, Kupp could have some very favorable game scripts that lend themselves to fantasy production. Keep Kupp on your roster; regardless of the format, he should produce for you when it matters most this season despite playing with Sammy Watkins and breakout receiver Robert Woods. The offense is high-powered enough to share the wealth, and Kupp has been taking advantage of his opportunity so far this season.

 

More Fantasy Football Analysis




RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

John Metchie III

Poised for Breakout Season with New Team in 2026?
Jalen Milroe

Is Jalen Milroe Still Worth Stashing in Dynasty Formats Entering 2026?
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Is Kyle Pitts Sr. a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Coming Off Breakout Season?
Nico Collins

Agrees to Contract Adjustment with Texans
Chris Brooks

Carries Buy-Low Dynasty Appeal into 2026
Ben Griffin

Looking to Repeat This Week at Colonial
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Player to Avoid at Charles Schwab Challenge
Hideki Matsuyama

Needs Solid Driving Week at Charles Schwab Challenge
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of Charles Schwab Challenge
Akshay Bhatia

Lacking Driving Prowess Needed at Colonial Country Club
NFL

NFL Unlikely to Expand to 18 Regular-Season Games by 2027
Sahith Theegala

Searching For Swing at Charles Schwab Challenge
Lamar Jackson

in Attendance at OTAs This Week
Bucky Irving

Expected Back in the Summer or Fall
CFB

DJ Lagway Looking to Rebound at Baylor
CFB

Josh Hoover Tasked With Leading Indiana Back to the Playoffs
CFB

Braylon Staley the Next 1,000-Yard Tennessee Receiver?
Jalen Tolbert

Does Jalen Tolbert Have Short-Term Dynasty Appeal?
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Return Timeline Remains Unclear
Travis Etienne Jr.

Is Travis Etienne Jr. Still a Dynasty RB1 Following Change of Scenery?
Breece Hall

Extension Solidifies His Dynasty Outlook
Devin Singletary

Faces a Difficult Path to Relevance
Jordan Whittington

Does Jordan Whittington Have Any Dynasty Value Left?
Caleb Williams

Bears Want Caleb Williams to "Do Less"
Xavier Worthy

Has Xavier Worthy Become a Post-Hype Dynasty Sleeper?
DeMario Douglas

A Playing-Time Blockage Could Make DeMario Douglas a Dynasty Drop Candidate
Elijah Sarratt

Can Elijah Sarratt Emerge From the Middle Rounds of Dynasty Rookie Drafts?
Antonio Williams

a Borderline First-Round Pick in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Joe Flacco

a Low-Cost Dynasty Handcuff with Immense Upside
Evan Mobley

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 15 Points
James Harden

Wants to Stay in Cleveland
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Committed to Cavaliers
Mikal Bridges

Cools Off in Game 4 Against Cavaliers
OG Anunoby

Active on Both Ends in Blowout Win
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads Knicks in Scoring During Series-Clincher
Jalen Brunson

Named Eastern Conference Finals MVP
Ivan Demidov

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Lane Hutson

Records Power-Play Goal in Game 3 Loss
Frederik Andersen

Enjoys Another Easy Night at the Office in Game 3
Shayne Gostisbehere

Scores First Postseason Goal
Taylor Hall

Ends Four-Game Goal Drought
Andrei Svechnikov

Scores Game 3 Winner in Overtime
Gage Jump

Athletics to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Gage Jump to Major Leagues
Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Falling Out of Favor Already in Dynasty Formats?
Roman Wilson

Worth Holding in Dynasty Leagues After Offseason Additions?
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder is Ruled Out for Game 4 on Monday
Michael Porter Jr.

Nets Could Trade Michael Porter Jr.
Ajay Mitchell

is Ruled Out for Game 5
Jalen Williams

is Tagged as Questionable for Game 5
Valeri Nichushkin

Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin Uncertain for Game 4
Oliver Kapanen

Sitting as Healthy Scratch Monday
Max Domi

Out Indefinitely Due to Offseason Surgery Complications
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Daniel Suarez

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Devon Toews

Logs Two Assists In Game 3 Defeat
Brett Howden

Nets 10th Postseason Goal
Mitchell Marner

Delivers Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Mark Stone

Returns With Multi-Point Effort
Valeri Nichushkin

Exits Early Sunday
Nathan MacKinnon

Hurt in Game 3 Loss
Isaiah Hartenstein

Provides Steady Production in Defeat
Chet Holmgren

Has a Quiet Offensive Night on Sunday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Held Under 20 Points in Game 4
Stephon Castle

Hands Out Six Assists in Game 4 Win
Devin Vassell

Tallies 13 Points in Game 4 Win
De'Aaron Fox

Records Double-Double as Spurs Even Series
Victor Wembanyama

Sets Tone Early as Spurs Force a Pivotal Game 5
Jamal Murray

Earns First Career All-NBA Selection
Kevin Durant

Becomes First Player to Make All-NBA Team With Five Franchises
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Victor Wembanyama Lead All-NBA First Team
Taylor Hall

Enjoying Life in Carolina
Mark Stone

Returns to Action Sunday
Cale Makar

Rejoins Avalanche Lineup Sunday
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
Phillip Danault

Extends Point Streak to Three Games
Josh Anderson

Nets Two Goals in Painful Loss
Jalen Chatfield

Delivers Two Assists in Crucial Win
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Robby Snelling

Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Jackson Merrill

Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early