DFS: Week 10 Rookie Power Rankings
Week 10 includes the most complete slate of high-profile rookies since bye weeks began in Week 4.
The Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers are all taking the week off. RBs Tevin Coleman and Melvin Gordon, and WRs Phillip Dorsett and Justin Hardy are the only noteworthy rookie absentees.
Here's how the 2015 NFL Rookie Class stacks up in Week 10:
Quarterback
Jameis Winston, Buccaneers (vs. Cowboys)
Winston rushed for his third touchdown of the season in Week 9, giving him rushing scores in back-to-back weeks. He failed to complete a passing touchdown, but he didn't throw an interception either. His 249 passing yards marked the fourth-highest total of his career.
WR Vincent Jackson (knee) will likely miss a third straight game, but TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (shoulder) is a candidate to make his return to the field. Only play Winston if at least one of the two pass catchers are declared active, as he needs help beyond WR Mike Evans.
Marcus Mariota, Titans (vs. Panthers)
Mariota had the best game of his career in Week 9. His 371 passing yards were a career high, and his 71.8 completion percentage was his second most successful rate. His 28 completions were a career high and he threw four touchdowns and zero interceptions in a game for the second time.
The Panthers defense ranks No. 12 in passing yards allowed and is tied for eighth in fewest passing touchdowns allowed. It's a stark contrast from a New Orleans Saints defense that ranks No. 31 and No. 32 in those categories, respectively. Carolina's 13 interceptions are tied for first in the league. The absence of WR Kendall Wright (knee) further lows Mariota's Week 10 stock.
Running Back
Todd Gurley, Rams (vs. Bears)
Gurley was on the field for 78% of the Rams' offensive snaps in Week 9, his highest percentage of the season. Oddly, his 89 rushing yards represented the first time he was unable to crack 100 yards since assuming the starter's role.
He still amassed 109 yards from scrimmage against a pretty good Minnesota rush defense. The Bears rank 27th in yards allowed per attempt (4.6) and 24th in yards against per game (121.6).
Gurley should have little trouble rebounding from a slightly disappointing performance in Week 9.
Jeremy Langford, Bears (at Rams)
After a brief moment of panic for the DFS community when RB Ka'Deem Carey started Monday against the Chargers, Langford took over the Bears' backfield. He finished by playing 75.% of all offensive snaps and racking up 142 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.
The Rams' rush defense has been significantly better than that of the Chargers, but is still allowing more than 100 yards on the ground per game.
RB Matt Forte (knee) is officially questionable, and Langford seems set for a second consecutive start.
T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars (at Ravens)
Yeldon eclipsed 100 yards from scrimmage for the third time in four weeks, but he failed to find the end zone for the first time in three weeks. He remains in control of the Jaguars' backfield, after playing 85% of the offensive snaps in Week 9.
The Ravens' rush defense has been quite strong this season, holding opponents under 100 yards per game while allowing just five rushing touchdowns through Week 9. It doesn't bode well for Yeldon, as he continues to search for his second career rushing touchdown.
Duke Johnson Jr., Browns (at Steelers)
Despite amassing his fewest yards from scrimmage since Week 3, Johnson Jr. found the end zone for the second time in his career. A potential Week 10 return for QB Josh McCown (ribs) would boost Johnson Jr.'s value, but his floor and ceiling are capped with Johnny Manziel running the offense.
David Cobb, Titans (vs. Panthers)
Cobb was activated from the injured reserve-designated to return list Wednesday, officially throwing him into the mud puddle that is the Titans' backfield. Odds are he's the most talented member of the committee of outcasts, but until he has a chance to prove it, owners should stay away.
The matchup with the Panthers isn't the ideal time.
Players to Avoid
- Matt Jones, Redskins (vs. Saints)
- David Johnson, Cardinals (at Seahawks)
- Ameer Abdullah, Lions (at Packers)
Wide Receiver
Amari Cooper, Raiders (vs. Vikings)
Cooper and Michael Crabtree have both been performing like elite-level receivers of late. A difficult matchup for RB Latavius Murray (concussion) will make the two receivers even more involved in what has become a high-powered offense.
The Vikings allow 10.8 targets and 80.7 receiving yards to No. 1 WRs, according to FootballOutsiders.com. Cooper remains the highest upside option in the Raiders' offense.
Stefon Diggs, Vikings (at Raiders)
Diggs finished with fewer than six receptions for the first time in his NFL career in Week 9, and his 42 receiving yards were less than half of any previous week's total. He'll have a great opportunity to bounce back against a Raiders team surrendering 12.2 targets and 101.8 yards to No. 1 WRs.
Tyler Lockett, Seahawks (vs. Cardinals)
Lockett ranked third among Seahawks receivers in offensive snaps played in Week 8, and he finished with multiple receptions in back-to-back weeks for the first time in his career. The injury to Ricardo Lockette moves Lockett into the No. 3 receiver role, making him more involved on a regular basis.
Dorial Green-Beckham, Titans (vs. Panthers)
Green-Beckham was finally given a legitimate opportunity in the passing game with Mariota back from injury. DGB finished with five receptions on 10 targets for 77 yards - all three were season highs.
It's a difficult matchup against a tough Panthers' pass defense, but if he can make it through Week 10 with a productive stat line, he'll be someone to target for the remainder of the season.
Willie Snead, Saints (at Redskins)
Despite not reaching the end zone after a two-touchdown performance in Week 8, Snead saw the second most targets of his career, and he finished with his second-highest yard total.
The Saints' Week 10 game plan may be built around RB Mark Ingram, but Snead should still receive a handful of targets.
Devin Funchess, Panthers (at Titans)
Funchess finished Week 9 with 71 yards and a touchdown on three receptions and four targets, despite only playing 27% of the Panthers' offensive snaps. He was finally given a chance to flash his potential, but he'll need to be receive some more playing time before he can be considered a reliable option.