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NFL Rookies To Watch In Week 6

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 6 of the 2017 season.

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Rookies Worth Your Attention

The Stud Youngster

DeShaun Watson, QB, Houston Texans

Just when you thought he couldn't get better, Watson had arguably his best fantasy game in a Texans uniform despite losing to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. Not only did Watson throw for five touchdowns, but he rushed in a two-point conversion and had over 30 rushing yards for the third time this season. Thoughts of regression in Watson's output are minimal, as his Week 6 matchup against the 0-5 Browns should be another game where he dominates in all categories. Expect over 250 passing yards as well as a solid rushing floor to keep his game respectable. Fire Watson up this week; he is taking the league by storm and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. He should be considered a locked in QB1 for the week and the rest of the season, especially given the options that surround him on both sides of the football.

 

The One-Week Wonder

Matt Breida, RB, San Francisco 49ers

With quotes from head coach Kyle Shanahan stating that the team will ride the "hot hand" between incumbent starter Carlos Hyde and undrafted rookie Matt Breida, it is easy to assume that last week was the beginning of the end to Carlos Hyde's tenure as the 49ers starting running back. Breida outsnapped Hyde by a significant amount and ended up with over 70 all purpose yards. However, Hyde is recovering from an injury and also made a few mistakes; despite these woes, it is clear that Hyde is the better back given his production since the start of the season and the fact that the 49ers are already trying to give him a contract extension. Pump the brakes on Matt Breida. At best, this backfield becomes a timeshare and at worst, this week is Breida's largest involvement of the season.

 

The Locked-In Starter

Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Yes, he is averaging an abysmal 2.8 yards per carry on the season. However, Mixon has received at least fifteen touches in each of the last three games and just scored his first touchdown of the season against the Buffalo Bills. Given that he has a terrible offensive line, it is hard to place too much trust in Mixon's performances thus far. However, his status as a workhorse running back can't be ignored. Mixon's talent is simply too high and he is destined to breakout within the next few weeks, despite his team's difficult schedule. Mixon should be considered at least a solid flex play at this point and can even enter the RB2 discussion based on his workload. His potential is through the roof and his weekly floor is high enough to risk starting.

 

The Under-The-Radar Sleeper

George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers

49ers rookie tight end George Kittle finally broke out to the tune of seven receptions on nine targets for 83 yards and a touchdown in the 49ers loss to the Colts last weekend. Although rookie tight ends generally don't perform well in their first season in the league, the 49ers passing offense is lacking an inside threat on intermediate routes and has put Kittle there to haul in those targets. Although he isn't a weekly start just yet, the 49ers will be in a lot of positions that favor Kittle's involvement and he has shown that he can make plays for the team when his number is called. Watch out for Kittle as a very effective bye week fill-in for your team.

 

The One To (Continue to) Stash

Marlon Mack, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Another week, and again Marlon Mack makes the list. After sitting out a few games for injury, Mack brought a spark to a struggling Colts run game and had 91 rushing yards as well as a two yard reception to go with his second touchdown of the year. Mack sits behind Frank Gore and Robert Turbin on the depth chart; these two names are bound to be replaced sooner rather than later seeing as Mack has been the only running back to provide a big-play threat to the team in the ground game. Hold onto Mack in your rosters; he may be a championship-winner if he can wrestle away a significant amount of the snaps once star quarterback Andrew Luck returns from his injury.

 

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