Week 11 of the NFL season is in the books, and our attention is drawn towards 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 12, we have compiled a list of the best rookie rushers for fantasy football in the upcoming slate.
Who Are the Best Rookie RBs for Fantasy This Week?
Our NFL Week 12 dynasty running back rankings are courtesy of the PFN Consensus Fantasy Rankings.
1) Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
After an auspicious start that saw questionable usage, Jahmyr Gibbs has earned the full trust of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Gibbs has produced a top-three finish in each of his last four games. In that span, he has 59 carries, 26 targets, 23 receptions, 522 total yards, and five touchdowns.
Even with RB David Montgomery back into the fold, the Lions have unleashed their first-round running back to his full capacity. He’s clearly a must-start player, regardless of the matchup.
2) Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson has been very good as a rookie, but his usage hasn’t consistently maximized his immense skill set despite the fit in Atlanta’s scheme. Coming off a bye week, Robinson hasn’t had a top-10 finish in PPR leagues since Week 2. He’s consistently good but not elite.
Atlanta’s inability to get into the red zone and use Robinson in nontraditional ways has hurt their scoring ability and Robinson’s fantasy upside. That sounds similar to two other young playmakers stuck in Arthur Smith’s offense.
3) Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens
While Keaton Mitchell is undeniably fast and explosive, Baltimore clearly doesn’t trust him to be on the field for too many snaps. The speedster might be capped as a rotational player since defenses have figured out that he’s likely to get the ball while he’s on the field, given that he’s not a reliable blocker. Mitchell totaled nine touches for 41 yards in Week 11.
Facing the Chargers’ awful defense this week might help with explosive plays. Playing Mitchell in your lineup is a calculated risk. He’s capable of rewarding managers with an explosive few plays, but he’s far from a guaranteed producer.
4) Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks
Zach Charbonnet continues to take advantage of his opportunities. He had a career-high 15 carries in Week 11 as Kenneth Walker III suffered an injury. Although Charbonnet was inefficient, totaling 69 yards on 21 touches, PPR leagues still reward that volume.
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Watch for Walker’s status as Thursday’s kickoff approaches. A healthy Walker means Charbonnet is a sit candidate against San Francisco’s elite defense, whereas managers are more justified in giving the rookie a start if Walker is out.
5) Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
Without a touchdown on his résumé since Week 5, Tyjae Sharpe is lurking just outside the RB2 and high-end Flex crowd. He’s totaled 14 carries for 50 yards over the last three games but exploded for 42 receiving yards in Week 10. That was enough to earn his fourth top-30 RB finish in 2023.
His Week 11 production dropped again, and Spears seems stuck in this range since Derrick Henry is still around. Don’t play Spears unless you absolutely have to.
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