The group this week mostly consists of first-year offensive talent. The bottom of the list is rounded out by a few new names who have recently gotten more of an opportunity and made the most of it this week. Skill position rookies dominate most of the group for the week. Two signal-callers deserved to be on the list after good days. Let’s take a look at the 10 best rookies heading into Week 18.
10. Divine Deablo, LB, Las Vegas Raiders
Deablo made a big impact in the Raiders’ important win on the road Sunday. He had one pass deflection and had a good day in coverage. He recorded a total of nine tackles, one of which was a tackle for loss. Deablo helped slow down a rushing attack that has been successful. Over the last five games, he has played a ton. He has made the most of the playing time he has gotten. Deablo looks to be a solid, young player for the Raiders.
9. Jaret Patterson, RB, Washington Football Team
Patterson got his greatest workload yet this last week and played well. On the ground, he got 12 carries, rushing for 57 yards, an average of 4.8 yards per carry, and one touchdown. He counted for most of the rushing yards gained by Washington on Sunday. As a receiver, Patterson caught all five of his targets for 41 yards. Patterson recorded a total of 98 scrimmage yards, it was an impressive game for him.
8. Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets
Wilson arguably played his best game from start to finish for the Jets Sunday. Overall, as of late, Wilson has improved. In the Jets’ last game, Wilson went 19-33, throwing for 234 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. This now makes for four straight games without an interception for Wilson. Wilson was down most of his surrounding talent and did enough to beat the defending Super Bowl champions. He finished with a rating of 89.7. Wilson has given the Jets a ton of reason for hope heading into next year.
7. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots
The Patriots needed to get back to their winning ways and relied on Stevenson in a big way. He got 19 carries, rushing for 107 yards, an average of 5.6 yards per carry, and had two touchdowns. His two touchdown effort put him at five on the season. The rookie fourth-round pick has been a great addition to the Patriots. Stevenson will likely be counted on in a big way again this weekend.
6. Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Mitchell led the 49ers’ offense at home last week to a crucial victory. He had 21 carries for 119 yards, an average of 5.7 yards per carry. In the passing game, Mitchell caught his two targets for 11 receiving yards and a touchdown. His touchdown was a big one as it come at an important point in the game as it was still close. Mitchell has had a spectacular first year for the 49ers.
5. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
The Lions’ first-year wide receiver continued his fantastic play despite their road loss. Once again, St. Brown made plays all over the field. He caught eight of his 11 targets for 111 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, St. Brown had two carries go for 23 yards and a touchdown. This put him at a total of 134 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. St. Brown has been incredible as of late. Expect another big game from him this week.
4. Rashawn Slater, OT, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers rookie standout continued to build on his great first season in their big divisional win at home. He did not allow a pressure in pass protection. He helped the Chargers rushing attack have a steady outing. Once again, Slater graded out exceptionally well at left tackle for the Chargers. He has been as good as any first-year player throughout the season. As the Chargers look to make the playoffs, they will need another shutout from Slater again Sunday night.
3. Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots
Jones played a great game for the Patriots as they picked up an important victory. His successful day led to a 50-point game for the Patriots. Jones completed 22 of his 30 attempts, a percentage of over 73, throwing for 227 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He had an impressive rating of 128.1. To add, he had 12 yards rushing. Jones’ strong rookie year has helped the Patriots get back into the playoffs.
2. Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Harris helped keep the Steelers’ playoff chances alive with potentially his best NFL game yet. He was given a ton of work Monday night. Harris got 28 carries, rushing for 188 yards, an average of 6.7 yards per carry, and one touchdown late that won the game for the Steelers. In the passing game, Harris caught all three of his targets for 18 yards, putting him over 200 total yards for the game. This game put Harris over 1,000 rushing yards for his rookie season.
1. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
No surprise at all here with this one. On Sunday, Chase had one of the best performances of the entire 2021 season. He caught 11 of the 12 targets thrown his way for 266 receiving yards and three touchdowns. This stat line is ridiculous. It led the Bengals to win the division. Chase by all accounts wrapped up the Offensive Rookie of the Year award with this game. On the year, he is now over 1,400 receiving yards and has 13 receiving touchdowns. His first year has been nothing short of special for the Bengals.
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