Rams’ Puka Nacua tops 2023 rookie class for fantasy owners
First things first: Few things are more exciting than firsts.
Your first kiss, first time trying a new food, first time visiting a thrilling location, first time seeing a great movie.
So imagine how far into first place of first-time experiences having an excellent first season in the NFL would be. Most of us never get to enjoy that first time even once. Most of us have to settle for landing that first-year player on our fantasy roster.
Rookies make fantasy impacts now more frequently than ever, at least in the Madmans finite recall. This season was no exception.
When Cooper Kupp started the season sidelined with a hamstring injury, everyone wondered who would absorb the bulk of targets. Would it be Tutu Atwell? Van Jefferson? Ben Skowronek? Someone else? Spread around?
Little did we know the vast bulk would land in the hands of fifth-round rookie Puka Nacua. He hauled in 10 receptions for 119 yards in his first game. But he wasnt done, grabbing 15 for 147 in Week 2. He had another monster game in Week 4 (9-for-163 and his first touchdown).
Even when Kupp return, Nacua still racked up more than 20 in PPR in Week 5. He was the third-best fantasy WR at that point averaging 23.1 per week in PPR, trailing just Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs.
There was a midseason lull, when he averaged just 11.5 over six games WR38 in that span. But in the four games since (through Thursdays Week 16 game), he has averaged 20.3 including 33 Thursday (9-for-164, one TD).
6Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs with the ball, as New Orleans Saints safety Ugo Amadi (0) chases in action in the fourth quarter during the NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints. Louis Lopez/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA## see also
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds: Puka Nacua closing on C.J. Stroud
No other rookie has made that kind of fantasy impact consistently throughout the season, and that is why Nacua is our Fantasy Rookie of the Year.
Best Rookie QB: C.J. Stroud, Texans
Despite being injured as the fantasy playoffs began, there is no close second. Anthony Richardson might have been in the running if not injured early on. Will Levis, Tommy DeVito, Aidan OConnell? You cant be serious. Then theres Bryce Young, who has been a starter all season (missed one game to injury) yet has averaged fewer than 10 fantasy points per game at quarterback! If Young was the only candidate, we would refuse to award this award.
Best Rookie RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions
Once Gibbs got a chance to carry the load while backfield mate David Montgomery was out, the rookie crushed it. And he has stayed relevant since Montgomerys return. The other top candidate, Atlantas Bijan Robinson, didnt get so lucky. He has been sabotaged by coach Arthur Smith throughout the season, splitting carries with everymen backs Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson.
6Jahmyr Gibbs #26 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Ford Field. Getty Images## Best Rookie WR: Rashee Rice, Chiefs
This is actually the Best WR Not Name Puka award. And it was hotly contested between Rice and Minnesotas Jordan Addison. We gave the edge to Rice based on his late-season surge, and the big dip in Addisons production following the Week 8 injury to Kirk Cousins. Zay Flowers (Ravens) was too erratic, and injury sank Tank Dell (Texans).
Big weeks
Baker Mayfield QB, Buccaneers vs. Jaguars (FanDuel $7,300/DraftKings $6,000): We hate chasing points, and Baker blew up last week, but the matchup is too good. The Jaguars rank 30th vs. opposing fantasy QBs and have given up at least one passing TD in every game this season including 12 in the past six games.
6Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield. Getty ImagesDavid Montgomery RB, Lions, at Vikings (FD $7,300/DK $6,900): Some seem jittery considering his timeshare with Jahmyr Gibbs. Dont be. Montgomerys volume still is worth at least 10 in PPR almost every week, and that is before any potential TDs.
Ty Chandler RB, Vikings, vs. Lions (FD $6,900/DK $5,600): Proved us wrong last week. If he gets the same volume, all he needs is one score to have a strong day, even in stiff matchup vs. Lions.
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Courtland Sutton WR, Broncos, vs. Patriots (FD $7,300/DK $6,500): Steady though not spectacular. Has failed to reach PPR double-digits just twice all season, and just once with fewer than nine points.
Small weaks
Jordan Love QB, Packers, at Panthers (FD $7,500/DK $6,500): The Panthers being No. 1 vs. fantasy QBs is a mirage, since you dont have to score (throw) a lot to beat them. But Love wont have to throw a lot, either.
6Packers QB Jordan Love Getty ImagesJonathan Taylor RB, Colts, at Falcons (FD $9,000/DK $7,200): Coming off a thumb injury, all it takes is one fumble to limit his work. Dont like players off long absences in general, and he has missed three straight. Plus, Atlanta hasnt allowed a rushing score to an RB all season.
Austin Ekeler RB, Chargers, vs. Bills (N/A): The mystery is how coaching change will impact his workload. What isnt a mystery is how terrible he has been when given the ball this season. New staff more likely to curtail touches rather than give some back.
Dalton Schultz TE, Texans, vs. Browns (FD $5,800/DK $4,600): Facing the leagues stiffest defense against tight ends. Plus, QB C.J. Stroud expected to be out again, which doesnt help.
Daily Duel
Drew Loftis and Jarad Wilk submit dueling rosters into a DFS contest:
Site: FanDuelSlate: Sun. main (9 games)Type: $9 tourneyTop prize: $200KPot: $1M
6>Jets RB Breece Hall. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con## Drews Crew
QB: Baker Mayfield, TB (vs. Jac) $7,300
RB: Aaron Jones, GB (at Car) $6,700
RB: Breece Hall, NYJ (vs. Was) $7,400
WR: Mike Evans, TB (vs. Jac) $8,700
WR: Josh Downs, Ind (at Atl) $6,000
WR: Brandin Cooks, Dal (at Mia) $6,100
TE: Logan Thomas, Was (at NYJ) $4,900
Flex: Raheem Mostert, Mia (vs. Dal) $8,800
DEF: Buccaneers, TB (vs. Jac) $3,700
6Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown AP## Wilks Warriors
QB: Jared Goff, Det (at Min) $7,800
RB: Rachaad White, TB (vs. Jac) $7,700
RB: James Conner, Ari (at Chi) $6,500
WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Det (at Min) $8,600
WR: Tyler Lockett, Sea (at Ten) $6,700
WR: Parker Washington, Jac (at TB) $5,300
TE: David Njoku, Cle (at Hou) $6,600
Flex: Breece Hall, NYJ (vs. Was) $7,400
DEF: Panthers, Car (vs. GB) $3,200
For late changes to Daily Duel rosters, follow @NYPost_Loftis on X.
Season risked: $139.44
Seasons winnings: Drew $88, Jarad $44
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