Rookies can make or break a season for fantasy football owners. Steering clear of rookie quarterbacks is a good start. From there, recognizing patience can make all the difference in finding the best rookies at wide receiver and running back.
Last year’s breakout rookie New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. didn’t catch a pass until October, and he finished with 12 touchdowns and 1,305 yards receiving. There are a few rookies that could have promising seasons, but it may take a few weeks for fantasy football owners to reap the benefits.
Here are three rookies who may be off the radar (sorry Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon, you’re definitely on the radar) as potential players who could contribute to fantasy football rosters this season.
Ameer Abdullah
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah is impressing onlookers at training camp. That’s no surprise to Nebraska Cornhusker fans, and in a year where rookie running backs could make a big splash, Abdullah might be a back that could produce the most.
Abdullah’s biggest hurdle is separating himself from Joique Bell. Bell was the main option last season for the Lions, and ranked 15th in the NFL in rushing yards with 860. He also finished with eight total touchdowns.
The Lions have enough of a passing game to open up the running game, giving Abdullah an edge in garnering points if he takes away carries from Bell. As the season drags on, Abdullah should generate the majority of the carries for an offense that has the potential to score points.
Nelson Agholor
It’s not that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor is the best rookie receiver. However, he may be in the best position to make the biggest impact this season.
Agholor might be the most talented receiver on the Eagles roster and head coach Chip Kelly has proven in the past that whoever his quarterback is, they will move the ball. That’s a good sign for fantasy football owners.
The Eagles finished fifth in passing attempts and sixth in passing yards in the NFL last season. Agholor will get opportunities, and during his days at USC, he showed the ability to break open plays.
He won’t be a top pick, but he could score points in week one for fantasy football teams.
Tevin Coleman
Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman will compete for the starting running back position right away. He is competing with Devonta Freeman for the starting job on a team that can move the ball.
The Falcons ranked eighth in total yards last season. Atlanta trailed quite a bit last season, so its passing yards were far more than its rushing yards. However, with a defensive-minded coach on board now, look for the Falcons to attempt to run the ball more, giving way to better value for the running backs.
Coleman also was known for his ability for big plays at Indiana in college, so he may be able to score on long runs, which could boost his profile in fantasy football. There’s no guarantee if he will man the starting position, as Freeman was only a rookie last season, so it’s doubtful the Falcons have lost all hope in him. However, if Coleman can work his way into the starting line-up, he could produce plenty of numbers right away.
