As the 2024 NFL season charges forward, fantasy football managers are always on the lookout for the next breakout rookie sensation. Week 10 did not disappoint, as several first-year players delivered eye-catching performances that could shape the fantasy landscape for the remainder of the season and beyond. In this edition of our Fantasy Football Rookie Watch, we dive into the numbers and analyse the potential fantasy implications of the most notable rookie showings from the week that was.
Bo Nix Shines in Defeat
The Denver Broncos may have suffered a gut-wrenching loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but rookie quarterback Bo Nix continued to show why he’s one of the most promising young signal-callers in the game. Nix finished with a solid 16.1 fantasy points, highlighted by a gorgeous 32-yard touchdown strike to Courtland Sutton – his longest scoring toss of the season.
Under the tutelage of head coach Sean Payton, Nix looks increasingly comfortable orchestrating the Broncos’ offense. Despite Denver’s playoff chances taking a hit, Nix’s fantasy stock remains on the rise. He draws a tantalizing Week 11 matchup against a Falcons defense that entered Week 10 allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Fire up Nix as a high-end QB2 with QB1 upside in that spot.
Bucky Irving Runs Wild
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to have found a gem in rookie running back Bucky Irving. Irving has flashed explosive playmaking ability all season, and Week 10 was no exception. Despite playing through a nagging toe injury, the dynamic back racked up 16 touches and parlayed them into an impressive 17.7 fantasy points against a stout San Francisco 49ers defense.
Whenever Irving gets his hands on the football, he seems to make something happen.
– Fantasy analyst Eric Moody
Irving’s usage trend is promising for his rest-of-season fantasy prospects:
- Every time he’s seen double-digit touches, he’s hit double-digit fantasy points.
- Coming out of the Buccaneers’ Week 11 bye, Irving gets a mouthwatering date with a Giants defense fresh off being gashed by Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard for 24.9 fantasy points.
Consider Irving a high-upside flex play for that contest and moving forward – his role in this offense is only growing.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Keeps Rolling
Arizona Cardinals rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. is quickly making a name for himself, just like his legendary father. In the Cardinals’ Week 10 blowout of the New York Jets, Harrison hauled in all five of his targets for a solid 16.4 fantasy points. It marked his second straight game with double-digit fantasy production.
The Cardinals have a well-timed bye in Week 11 before a juicy Week 12 tilt with a Seattle Seahawks squad surrendering the ninth-most fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position ahead of Week 10. Harrison is shaping up as an appealing WR2 option in that matchup and has officially put the fantasy world on notice. His rest-of-season arrow is pointing up.
Other Rookie Notables
A few other first-year players made waves on the Week 10 fantasy scene:
- Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Giants: Handling 19 touches, Tracy piled up 15.4 fantasy points despite a costly overtime fumble. He’s averaging 17+ touches over the last five games, placing him squarely in the weekly RB2 conversation.
- Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders: Daniels had his worst outing of the season against a tough Steelers defense, but his rushing floor keeps him in the QB1 mix every week. A bounce-back is looming.
- Malik Nabers, WR, Giants: Nabers paced the G-Men with 10 targets and has now seen eight or more looks in four straight contests. He’s a viable trade target ahead of the Giants’ favorable remaining schedule.
As the fantasy playoff race heats up, astute managers will keep close tabs on these rising rookie stars. Their performances down the stretch could be the difference between championship glory and a heartbreaking early exit. Stay ahead of the curve and reap the rewards as these NFL newbies leave their mark on both the real-life and fantasy gridirons in 2024.
