December 7, 2017

NFL rookies who made an impact in Week 14 of the 2017 season. Martin Konstantinov identifies sleepers and future fantasy football stars to watch in Week 14.

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 14 of the 2017 season.

Rookies Worth Your Attention

The Stud Youngster

Leonard Fournette, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Despite averaging under three yards a carry for the last few weeks, Leonard Fournette has continued to impress for fantasy owners with consistent volume out of the backfield and touchdowns almost every week. For the fantasy playoffs, Fournette should be considered a must-start due to his matchups as well as the guaranteed weekly workload that he has. Keep Fournette in your lineup; the upside for touchdowns and volume is too good to pass up. With a Week 16 matchup against the 49ers, Fournette will be a top commodity for this year's playoffs. Have faith in Fournette despite his poor yardage totals; he has proven that he is a stud at the position.

The One-Week Wonder

Gerald Everett, TE, Los Angeles Rams

Despite hauling in a touchdown last week, rookie tight end Gerald Everett only was able to muster seven yards on his two receptions on the day. Everett has two touchdowns on the year and shares receiving duties from the tight end position with Tyler Higbee. Despite the relative lack of fantasy prowess at the tight tend position, Everett cannot be considered a reliable option in any format. Leave him on waivers for the foreseeable future unless you are desperate for a tight end on a high-scoring offense in the playoffs. However, if you are in a dynasty league, keep Everett as he has displayed enough to warrant consideration as an interesting long-term option.

The Locked-In Starter

Jamaal Williams, RB, Green Bay Packers

Since his breakout performance four weeks ago, Jamaal Williams has logged in at least 18 carries in each of his games and broken the 20-touch barrier in three of these contests. Williams also has three touchdowns throughout this time, making him a very interesting option due to his late breakout this season. However, Aaron Jones is about to come back from his injury, making it difficult to place too much confidence in Williams this late in the season. Regardless, Williams has done enough to demonstrate that he should have a sizable workload for at least the next few weeks, which is when it counts for fantasy owners. Keep Williams in your lineups until he has proven that he isn't able to continue to generate significant fantasy production week-in and week-out.

The Under-The-Radar Sleeper 

Dede Westbrook, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Since being cleared from IR, Dede Westbrook has had some decent performances, most notable gaining 78 yards on six receptions in last week's game. While none of Westbrook's stats catch the eye per se, his position as the team's deep threat and consistent big-play potential makes him an intriguing flex option with week-winning ability (if his preseason stats are anything to go off of). Keep Westbrook on your radars, as he should be available in the majority of leagues and has the potential to be a league winner this late in the season.  With a Week 16 matchup against the 49ers, Westbook has a chance to win the week for your team at the most crucial time.

The One To Stash

David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns

Rookie tight end David Njoku made quite the impact last week, catching four passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Njoku has four touchdowns on the year; with the Browns testing their younger players now that their season is essentially over, Njoku should continue to get more looks and has the ability to be a difference maker at the tight end position. Don't roster Njoku unless you have to, as he hasn't shown the consistent production to merit a spot in most formats. However, if Njoku is able to get one more week of consistent difference-making production, and you are desperate for a tight end for the playoffs, Njoku is a decent option to consider.

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