Fantasy Football Rookie Report: Week 2 Overview on ‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt
As the dust settles from the first week of the NFL season, the excitement surrounding the new rookie class is palpable. Week 1 serves as an initial glimpse into the potential of these young players, delivering both thrilling performances and disappointing outcomes. Among the notable talents debuting this year, ‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt has emerged as a standout performer, demonstrating that he may be more than just offseason hype. In this report, we will evaluate the rookies from Week 1, highlighting those who excelled, those who fell flatter than expected, and hidden gems worth stashing for the future.
Rising Stars
‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt, RB, Commanders
During the offseason, speculation surrounded whether ‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt would even make it onto the field in the early weeks of the season. However, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. listed as a healthy scratch, the opportunity was ripe for Croskey-Merritt to shine. He took full advantage, finishing as the RB11 with 14.2 fantasy points while only participating in 29% of the snaps.
Croskey-Merritt carried the ball 10 times for 82 yards, including a crucial touchdown that showcased his breakaway speed. Notably, he was the only running back on the team to receive a carry inside the 10-yard line, converting it into a touchdown—an impressive feat for a rookie. Advanced metrics back his performance; he posted +42 rushing yards over expected and showcased his ability to handle high-value touches. His explosive playstyle and growing trust from the coaching staff indicate that he is not merely a backup but could be a pivotal player for the Commanders.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Browns
While the overall rushing yardage might not seem impressive (12 carries for 29 yards at just 2.4 yards per carry), Dylan Sampson’s PPR potential caught the attention of fantasy managers. He turned in a stellar performance as a receiver, catching all eight of his targets for 64 yards. This versatility made him the RB16 for the week and highlighted his value in PPR formats.
With Joe Flacco at the helm, check-downs are likely to be the norm, which positions Sampson favorably in the offense. His impressive yards after catch, along with a high number of forced missed tackles, underlines his capability. As Jerome Ford continues to struggle, Sampson’s role in the Browns’ offense may grow significantly, making him a promising investment for fantasy leagues.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jaguars
At first glance, Bhayshul Tuten’s usage during Week 1 raised concerns. He recorded only three carries for 11 yards and was on the field for just 6.3% of the snaps. However, the trade of Tank Bigsby to Philadelphia changes the landscape considerably. With Bigsby’s previous workload vacated, Tuten is now poised to step into a more substantial role.
Although Tuten’s Week 1 performance was underwhelming, the opportunity for increased snaps and touches can’t be overlooked. With Travis Etienne Jr. established as the lead back, Tuten’s role as a potential change-of-pace option could yield positive fantasy implications moving forward.
Notable Fallers
Matthew Golden, WR, Packers
After much anticipation, Matthew Golden’s debut did not live up to the expectations set during the offseason. He ran 13 routes, caught only two passes for 10 yards, and managed a mere 2.6 fantasy points. His involvement in the offense was significantly overshadowed by teammates Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, who commanded much larger target shares.
Golden’s low Trinity Score of 2.52 indicates limited usage and a lack of involvement in key plays. Until he can carve out a more substantial role, his potential as a fantasy asset remains greatly diminished.
Stashes to Consider
Elic Ayomanor, WR, Titans
Despite posting just 2.3 fantasy points in Week 1, Elic Ayomanor’s underlying metrics present a strong case for stashing him on your bench. He ran a notable 28 routes and received seven targets, achieving a robust 28% target share in his debut. This level of involvement suggests that his production could escalate in the coming weeks, as he becomes more integrated into the offensive strategy.
While Calvin Ridley has emerged as the alpha in the Titans’ receiving corps, Ayomanor has demonstrated that he can contribute significantly. If he continues to maintain this level of target share, it could only be a matter of time before he breaks out.
The Final Word
As we navigate through the early season, ‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt has proven his mettle, showing he can not only belong in the NFL but can also be a reliable asset for fantasy teams. Dylan Sampson showcased his value in both rushing and receiving, while Bhayshul Tuten is a name to monitor as his opportunity increases. Conversely, Matthew Golden’s lackluster performance places him on the faller list, urging caution among fantasy managers. Meanwhile, Elic Ayomanor’s usage trends make him a stash candidate worth considering as we head into the next weeks.
Overall, Week 1 of the NFL season has set the stage for both promising rookies and cautionary tales. Fantasy managers would do well to remain vigilant and proactive in adjusting their lineups based on these early performances, capitalizing on opportunities as they emerge. The evolving dynamics of each team mean that the landscape is continually changing, and staying ahead can make all the difference in a competitive fantasy league.
