🖥 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE THANKS
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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

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.

Featured Promo: New Novig users get a $25 purchase match (50% discount up to $25) on your first Novig deposit, and a free month of RotoBaller's "Big-4" Premium Pass (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) which includes exclusive tools for Betting, Props, DFS and more! CLAIM IT 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




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

RANKINGS

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

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Al Horford

on Track to Return Thursday
Jaden McDaniels

Iffy for Christmas Day
Brandon Williams

Expected to Play on Christmas Day
P.J. Washington

at Risk of Missing Second Straight Game
Klay Thompson

Likely to Play on Christmas Day
Max Christie

Probable for Christmas Day
Ajay Mitchell

Out on Christmas Day
Chet Holmgren

Available on Christmas Day
Lonzo Ball

Available Against Knicks
Evan Mobley

Listed as Questionable for Christmas Tilt
OG Anunoby

Returns to Action Thursday
Jalen Brunson

Available on Christmas Day
David Montgomery

Questionable to Play With Illness
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Questionable, Expected to Play on Thursday
Rashee Rice

Chiefs Place Rashee Rice on Injured Reserve
T.J. Hockenson

Ruled Out for Week 17
Pete Fairbanks

Marlins Agree on One-Year Deal
Josh Johnson

to Start at QB on Thursday Against Dallas
Brooks Koepka

Leaving LIV Golf
Davante Adams

Could Sit Out Final Two Regular-Season Games
Brock Bowers

Placed on Injured Reserve Due to Lingering Knee Injury
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Expected to Play on Christmas Day Against the Vikings
Connor McDavid

Finishes Battle of Alberta With Five Assists
Karel Vejmelka

Battling Upper-Body Injury
Alexandre Texier

Suffers Upper-Body Injury Against Bruins
Alexander Nikishin

Dealing With Apparent Ankle Injury
Denver Barkey

Exits Early Tuesday
Travis Sanheim

Pulled by Concussion Spotter Tuesday
Cam Whitmore

Out Indefinitely With Deep Vein Thrombosis
Corey Kispert

Lasts for 13 Minutes in Comeback Game
Jaxson Hayes

Makes Early Exit Versus Suns
Gary Trent Jr.

Limited to Five Minutes Tuesday
Matas Buzelis

Exits With Leg Injury Tuesday
Keegan Murray

Sustains Calf Injury Tuesday
Cameron Johnson

Scheduled for MRI After Hurting Right Knee
Chet Holmgren

Suffers Facial Injury Tuesday
Caris LeVert

Upgraded to Available Tuesday
Ryan O'Hearn

Pirates Agree on Two-Year Deal
DK Metcalf

has Two-Game Suspension Upheld
Philip Rivers

to Remain the Starter in Week 17
George Kittle

Dealing With Mid-to-Low Ankle Sprain
Viktor Arvidsson

a Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Ryan Leonard

Available Tuesday
Tom Wilson

in Danger of Missing First Game of the Season
Phillip Danault

Makes Second Canadiens Debut Tuesday
Collin Graf

Available Against Golden Knights
Jack Eichel

Misses Fourth Straight Game
Vince Dunn

Won't Play Tuesday
Deshaun Watson

Will Not be Activated Off PUP List, 2025 Season is Over
J.J. McCarthy

Ruled Out for Week 17
Rome Odunze

Expected to Return This Season
Christian McCaffrey

Another Monster Game for Christian McCaffrey in Week 16
Brock Purdy

Throws for Five Touchdowns in Week 16
TreVeyon Henderson

in Concussion Protocol, Week 17 Status Unclear
George Kittle

Week 17 Availability in Question?
CFB

Jeff Brohm, Eli Drinkwitz "Names of Interest" for Michigan Head Coach
Timothy Liljegren

to Miss Second Straight Game Tuesday
Will Smith

Out Week-to-Week
Jaccob Slavin

Placed on Injured Reserve, Out Week-to-Week
Seth Jarvis

Considered Week-to-Week
Darren Raddysh

Totals Three Points in Monday's Win
Mason Marchment

Scores Twice Monday
Vince Dunn

Injured in Monday's Win
Rashee Rice

Still in Concussion Protocol, Estimated as Non-Participant on Monday
J.J. McCarthy

Listed as DNP on Monday Ahead of Week 17
Ilya Sorokin

to Miss Tuesday's Game
DK Metcalf

Suspended for Two Games Following Confrontation with Fan
CFB

Byrum Brown Entering Transfer Portal
CFB

Bobby Petrino Joining Bill Belichick as North Carolina's Offensive Coordinator
Willson Contreras

Shipped to the Red Sox
Brandon Lowe

Pirates Acquire Brandon Lowe in Three-Team Trade
Shane Baz

Orioles Acquire Shane Baz From the Rays
CFB

Darian Mensah Returning to Duke Next Season
CFB

Josh Hoover Linked to Indiana in Transfer Portal
CFB

Arch Manning Agrees to Reduced Compensation for 2026 Season
Michael King

Padres Bring Michael King Back on Three-Year Deal
Logan Webb

Will Pitch for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
Tarik Skubal

Joins Team USA for World Baseball Classic