Week 15 of the NFL season is in the books, and our attention is drawn toward the top-performing rookie players nationwide. The 2023 rookie running back group has showcased impressive stats in the season’s early stages. As we approach Week 16, we have compiled the dynasty rookie RB rankings for fantasy football in the upcoming slate.
Who Are the Best Rookie RBs for Fantasy This Week?
Our NFL Week 16 dynasty running back rankings are courtesy of PFN’s Consensus Fantasy Rankings.
1) Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
There’s been only one week where Jahmyr Gibbs hasn’t finished in the top 30 of backs in PPR leagues, and that was in Week 1.
Since Week 7, he’s had more top-three finishes (five) than finishes outside of the top three (three). His Week 15 produced his third RB3 outcome.
Gibbs’ efficiency in Detroit’s offense is what managers had hoped. He’s explosive and getting enough quality looks to reach the end zone nearly every week. He’s a must-play every game.
2) Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson seemed to be on the right trajectory until Week 15’s shocking RB77 finish. He had four straight top-20 outcomes from Week 10 through Week 14 (except his bye week, of course). But the rain in Carolina bogged down both offenses, leading to a 14-yard performance on eight total touches.
Hopefully, this was more of a weather-related issue than a sign of Atlanta’s offense shutting down. Robinson hasn’t been the bulletproof producer we had hoped. But, long-term, his projections will hinge on whoever the Atlanta Falcons add at QB.
3) De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins seem to be taking it slowly with their Ferrari running back, De’Von Achane. Considering the team’s laundry list of injuries, it probably makes sense to keep his touches somewhat low. Veteran RB Raheem Mostert has also been fantastic, so the pressure has been off Achane to carry this running game.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Achane has still finished as the RB24 and 29 over the last two weeks. That’s good enough to be in most lineups. With Dallas on tap, Miami might be able to replicate Buffalo’s ground-game success from last week.
If the Dolphins can push Dallas’ defense around like Buffalo did, then Achane could find himself atop the scoring list for all players in Week 16. His upside is that high.
4) Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Are the Cincinnati Bengals starting to work Chase Brown into a bigger role, or is he just firmly a solid backup for this season? That’s the key question about what we’re seeing. Brown played 30% of offensive snaps in Week 13 but only 15% in Week 12 and 19% in Week 14.
However, he’s totaled at least 10 touches in each of the last two weeks. He’s now a part of the game plan, which is a significant development. Cincinnati has rarely given Joe Mixon breaks throughout his tenure with the team.
It’s not time to start Brown with confidence yet, but he’s becoming someone to monitor as his usage develops.
5) Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans’ offense came crashing down against Houston, failing to get either Derrick Henry or Tyjae Spears off the ground. Spears, after producing top-16 finishes in each of the last two weeks, managed only 4.7 fantasy points in Week 16.
Spears has seven top-32 finishes this season, so he’s far from a bad play if you need a Flex option or are hurting at running back. His ceiling isn’t consistent, but Spears’ floor is more manageable than some options.
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