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 Week 8 of the 2017 season.
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Rookies Worth Your Attention
The Stud Youngster
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Not many NFL backfields can boast two top options in a position known for its scarcity. However, working behind Mark Ingram this season, rookie running back Alvin Kamara has put together an impressive first few weeks. As a result of his game-breaking speed, receiving ability, and knack for making big plays, Kamara has become a very fun player to watch both in real life and from the perspective of fantasy football. Kamara should be locked in for most lineups, especially in PPR, and is the definition of a high-upside RB2 given the high-scoring nature of the Saints offense. Keep Kamara in your lineup - he is destined for greatness at this level.
The One-Week Wonder
Corey Clement, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Despite scoring a fantastic touchdown last week, Eagles running back Corey Clement is currently the third running back on the team's depth chart after LeGarrette Blount and Wendell Smallwood. Blount and Smallwood have been battling it out for the lead role in the team's running game, leaving little room for Clement to carve himself a role. Even if his performance last week garners additional touches out of the backfield, it is difficult to project a spike in Clement's usage and production as a result of the team's depth at the position. Nevertheless, Clement is an interesting option who should garner more value in the offseason if Blount is not kept by the team. However, for the rest of this year, it is safe to say that Clement should be left on the waiver wire unless you are absolutely desperate at the position.
The Locked-In Starter
Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers
Reports of Ty Montgomery potentially working on special teams again have paved the way for Aaron Jones to assume the role of starting running back for the Packers after an impressive last few weeks. Jones has earned himself the role after scoring three touchdowns in the last four games to go along with two 100 yard performances. Although the injury Aaron Rodgers sustained hurts the offense as a whole, it should force the Packers to rely more on their ground game than before, giving Jones even more opportunity to make plays for the team. Jones should receive a feature back workload for the rest of the season, making him a locked in RB2 with RB1 upside given his opportunity to produce each week.
The Under-The-Radar Sleeper
D'Onta Foreman, RB, Houston Texans
As handcuff season starts to roll around in fantasy football, make sure D'Onta Foreman is rostered in every one of your leagues. Foreman is the backup to running back Lamar Miller, who has had a less-than-stellar two seasons at the Texans. The Texans are one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL, meaning that if Miller were to go down, Foreman would presumably step into an unprecedented workload. Regardless, Foreman has standalone value as a bye-week option given the team's easy matchups coming up as well as his guaranteed work as a complimentary piece to the offense. Keep an eye on Foreman in the coming weeks - he may be a league-winner if the stars align in his direction.
The One To (Continue to) Stash AGAIN!
Corey Davis, WR, Tennessee Titans
Corey Davis missed his fifth straight game last week as he looks to recover from his hamstring injury and get on the field for the Titans this year. He will most likely be back after the team's Week 8 bye, and his talent is unquestionable. He is exactly what the Titans need if they want to progress to the playoffs in a contested AFC South division. Davis should instantly become one of the top targets for quarterback Marcus Mariota and should be a high-upside stash. You won't be able to find players with the upside that Davis has on the waiver wire this late in the season; if you can hold him, continue to do so. He may be a league-winning player at the position come the end of the season.
