The performance of New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (28.2 PPR points), Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (23.4) and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (19.3) gave fantasy managers a big boost in their Week 3 matchups. But things didn’t go as smoothly for other rookies.
So, what statistical tidbits should you know about, and which rookies deserve your attention moving forward?
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (7.8% rostered, 0.8% started)
Nix completed 69.4% of his passes and racked up a season-high 19.3 fantasy points against the Buccaneers. He also scored his second career rushing touchdown, both having come before he threw his first passing TD. One key takeaway from this game is that Nix thrives when he gets adequate protection from his offensive line. He was only pressured on 25.6% of his 39 dropbacks. Nix is still on the QB3 radar for Week 4 against the Jets, but he could be a solid streaming option in deeper Superflex formats against the Raiders in Week 5.
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (54.9% rostered, 8.7% started)
Williams had his best performance of the season against the Colts on Sunday, throwing for a Bears rookie record of 363 passing yards. While this marked his second straight game with two interceptions, he still managed to score 17.3 fantasy points. However, he struggled with passes thrown 15 yards or more, struggled when pressured and struggled when blitzed. It also doesn’t help Williams that he’s had 20 off target throws so far this season. Looking ahead, he has a favorable matchup against the Rams in Week 4 and is definitely on the QB2 radar.
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (88.5% rostered, 40.5% started)
This will be updated following Daniels’ game on Monday night.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (2.2% rostered)
Maye made his NFL debut late in the Patriots’ blowout loss to the Jets, stepping in for veteran Jacoby Brissett. New York pressured the Patriots on 49% of their drop backs Thursday night, the highest rate in any game this season. Could a change be coming in New England? Brissett has been struggling, averaging just 7.50 fantasy points per game. Keep Maye on your watch list as the Patriots head to San Francisco in Week 4.
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (1.0% rostered)
This will be updated following Penix’s game on Sunday night.