Rookie sensations

I almost forgot to make note of some rookie performances from yesterday.

Quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan put up average fantasy numbers, but both were impressive in managing their respective teams, engineering drives and putting points on the board while limiting mistakes. While I wouldn’t grab either of those guys off the waiver wire, it is comforting to know that the other fantasy starters around them will likely not be hampered by having a young ‘un under center.

Running backs Matt Forte and Chris Johnson lived up to the hype and proved they’re both the real deal, each finishing in the top 10 among running backs for fantasy points this week.

DeSean Jackson also had a great game (especially considering he’s a wide receiver, typically the hardest skill position for rookies to make an impact). But I think it’s a safe bet that Donovan McNabb’s yardage will fall off some and subsequently so will the Philadelphia receivers (three different ones amassed over 100 yards yesterday), plus the Eagles’ two starting receivers (Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis) should soon return to the lineup, taking much of Jackson’s opportunities.

As has historically been the case, the running backs stand the best chance of all rookies to contribute to a fantasy team.