PlayerProfiler is home to award winning dynasty rankings and tools. Our Dynasty Deluxe package includes complete Dynasty Rankings, Rookie Rankings, Trade Analyzer, Draft Planner, Mock Drafts, and more. Check it out. Below, Joel Ybarra highlights top NFL rookie performances from Week 15 of the NFL season.
We’ve reached the fantasy playoffs. NFL teams are vying for playoff spots while fantasy teams are watching their championship hopes hanging in the balance and trying to eke out one more win. Rookies have solidified themselves as lynchpins in their offenses, but here in Week 15, new breakout rookies keep emerging. This week’s top rookie performances cast hope on future seasons in dynasty, and there may just be some league winners out there who will be difference-makers in the fantasy playoffs.
Rookie Performance of the Week
Brian Thomas Jr. | WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
10/14-105-2 receiving
The Jaguars are 3-11 and Trevor Lawrence is out for the season, but all is not lost. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. is coming on in the latter part of the season, even more so than when Lawrence was under center. The rookie wideout has recorded 10, 12 and 14 targets over the last three weeks, hauling in 22 catches for 267 yards and three scores over that span. In Week 1-9 with Lawrence under center, Thomas never recorded a double-digit target game. Yes, Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis are out with injury, but Thomas has proven himself a real NFL Alpha.
Other Notable Rookie Performances
Malik Nabers | WR, New York Giants
10/14-82-1 receiving
Speaking of Alpha wide receivers, THE Alpha from the 2024 rookie class is Malik Nabers. Nabers is redefining what it means to be in a bad situation for a receiving, and yet he just keeps producing for PPR leagues. He scored his first touchdown since Week 3 Sunday against the Ravens. That makes 37 targets, 23 catches, and 230 yards receiving in his last three.
You have to play Nabers if he is getting double-digit targets every week. Yes, even with Tim Boyle. It obviously doesn’t matter who’s throwing him the ball.
Xavier Worthy | WR, Kansas City
6/11-46 receiving, 3-30-1 rushing
The Kansas City Chiefs are committed to getting Xavier Worthy the ball. The young receiver got 11 targets and three rushing attempts Sunday versus the Browns. Worthy has had some real rookie moments this season, but he can still be one of the most electrifying athletes in the NFL with the ball in his hands. The Chiefs know that, and with aging pass catching talent like Travis Kelce, DeAndre Hopkins and JuJu Smith-Schuster, Worthy is going to get schemed up opportunities by one of the most ingenious play designers alive.
Jayden Daniels | QB, Washington Commanders
25/31-226-1 passing, 11-66 rushing
Jayden Daniels was in control again Sunday versus the Saints, fending a Saints fourth quarter comeback led by another rookie quarterback, Spencer Rattler.
Daniels wins with efficiency. He is No. 5 in the NFL in EPA Per Dropback (per NFL Pro), behind Lamar Jackson Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa and Jared Goff, and ahead of Joe Burrow. He has put together one of the more impressive rookie QB seasons on record.
Ladd McConkey | WR, Los Angeles Chargers
5/7-58-1 receiving
Ladd McConkey had another productive day Sunday, outshining the other Chargers pass catchers. There’s not much competition, but being the go-to guy in a Justin Herbert-led offense is something to target in dynasty. McConkey is a route winner – No. 22 in overall Route Win Rate (49.4-percent) and No. 2 in Route Win Rate vs. Man (45.9-percent). Justin Herbert will find his receivers when they are open.
Bucky Irving | RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15-117 rushing
Bucky Irving has been the most impressive rookie running back of the 2024 NFL season – by far. He has also been one of the most impressive running backs in the NFL, period. He just makes yards where there are no yards.
Rachaad White is no slouch, but it is clear Bucky is a natural creator as a rusher. A late-rounder in 2024 startup drafts, Bucky has solidified himself as one of the most desirable running backs in dynasty.
Jalen McMillan | WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5/6-75-1 receiving
Jalen McMillan is a late bloomer. Up until Week 14, the rookie receiver’s highest yardage total in a single game was 35 yards, and he had scored just one touchdown (in Week 1). In Weeks 14 and 15, he gained 59 yards and 75 yards, respectively. And he has scored three touchdowns in the last two. McMillan, a third round NFL Draft pick, has made himself an integral part of a prolific Tampa Bay offense.
Isaac Guerendo | RB, San Francisco 49ers
16-59 rushing, 4/4-18 receiving
In an ugly Thursday Night Football game, Isaac Guerendo played 76-percent of snaps and took 100-percent of the RB rush attempts. He also had all of the RB targets (four). That’s bell cow usage in one of the best running back situations you could imagine.
Guerendo is a must-start moving forward and an interesting asset in dynasty.
Jalen Coker | WR, Carolina Panthers
4/6-110-1 receiving
In an offense that must now be taken seriously, Jalen Coker is a young receiver that has produced enough to be an interesting asset for the Panthers and dynasty managers. Coker and Xavier Legette are the only two receivers of consequence on the Panthers’ depth chart. Adam Thielen will turn 35 years old next season.
Key Usage Trends
Malik Washington | WR, Miami Dolphins – 31 routes, 5/6-52 receiving
See all Joel’s PlayerProfiler articles here, including The Rookie Report from every week of the NFL season.
