With one week to go, who reaches the playoffs and who goes home could squarely be on a few rookies.
This is certainly true for C.J. Stroud, who has led the Houston Texans to a 9–7 record. For Houston, a win next week over the Indianapolis Colts would earn one of the more unlikely playoff berths in recent memory, with the possibility of an AFC South title if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans as well.
Regardless, Stroud looks like a star for the Texans, who have been searching for stability since last making the playoffs in 2020.
Which other rookies performed this past week? Let’s examine.
Rising
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports
Last week: Rising
Nacua has been the NFL’s biggest surprise this season. A fifth-round pick expected to compete for the Rams’ roster, the former BYU star has 101 catches for 1,445 yards, helping Los Angeles reach the playoffs. Along with Cooper Kupp, the Rams have one of the NFL’s best tandems on the perimeter.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Last week: Rising
Robinson has been dynamic when given the chance. On Sunday against the Bears, the Texas product carried 15 times for 75 yards, including a long of 21. Robinson has rushed for 948 yards this season, giving him a chance to crack 1,000 in a Week 18 game against the New Orleans Saints.
De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
Last week: Not rated
Achane is one of the most prolific backs in the NFL. Despite being injured and playing in only 10 games, he’s rushed for 744 yards and seven touchdowns on 8.0 yards per carry. If Miami sees opponents doubling receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the playoffs, Achane could carry the offense.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions
Last week: Not rated
Historically speaking, tight ends typically don’t have great stats as rookies. LaPorta has completely bypassed that standard barrier. The Lions have a great receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown, but have an excellent second option in LaPorta, who has 81 catches for 860 yards and nine touchdowns. Without him, Detroit would be a good team, but not nearly as dangerous with him in the postseason.
Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Last week: Not rated
After being relatively quiet for the majority of December, Flowers has exploded over the past two games with 12 catches for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Baltimore has clinched the AFC’s top seed and Flowers could rest in Week 18, but it’s been a tremendous initial campaign.
Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Last week: Holding steady
Rice has been a revelation for the Chiefs, who have been awful at wide receiver this season. The second-round pick from SMU ranks second among first-year wideouts with 938 yards and seven touchdowns. Against the Bengals on Sunday, Rice had a career-best 127 yards to help Kansas City clinch the AFC West.
Holding steady
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston TexansLast week: Not rated
Stroud returned from his concussion after missing two games, and looked like himself in a resounding 26–3 win over the Titans. The Ohio State product threw for 213 yards and a touchdown, putting Houston in a win-and-in scenario Sunday at Indianapolis against the Colts.
Aidan O’Connell, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: Falling
O’Connell failed to complete a pass over the final three quarters of the Raiders’ win over the Chiefs on Christmas. In Week 17, he was much better, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. While it’s tough to make a case O’Connell should be the answer moving forward for Las Vegas, he’s a quality backup with upside.
Falling
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle SeahawksLast week: Holding steady
Smith-Njigba has had a decent rookie season, but he didn’t do much Sunday in a critical game against the Steelers. Targeted only twice, Smith-Njigba caught one pass for 12 yards, albeit a touchdown. For the year, the first receiver drafted has 60 receptions for 614 yards and four scores.
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
Young had his best week last Sunday, throwing for more than 300 yards for the first time in his career. Against the Jaguars, Young regressed, throwing for 112 yards and an interception on 3.5 yards per attempt while being sacked six times. It’s been a nightmare of a campaign for Young.
