Week 14 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 15, 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 15 dynasty running back rankings are courtesy of PFN’s Consensus Fantasy Rankings.
1) Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
With four straight top-20 finishes in PPR leagues, Bijan Robinson has moved into our overall top 10 running backs for the week. For as talented as Robinson has been this year, he went through a long stretch producing as an RB2, not a star. That has changed as he’s caught more passes in the last four games.
Robinson’s RB9 finish in Week 14 was one of his finest games despite averaging 3.4 yards per carry. He notched five receptions for only the fourth time this year and the first time since Week 6.
With a few bad defenses left on the schedule, including Carolina this week, Robinson should continue to be a top-10 back.
2) Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
Detroit rookie Jahmyr Gibbs was stacking up top-three PPR finishes for a month’s worth of games before suffering a bit of a letdown in Weeks 12 and 13. Managers can’t be too upset at RB24 and RB29 finishes, but the Lions went away from Gibbs when trailing — as opposed to logic that would suggest he’d see more burn.
This past week was closer to what we were starting to expect. Gibbs torched the Bears for 82 yards and one score on 14 touches, finishing as the RB15. His upcoming matchup with Denver won’t be easy, though.
3) De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
Week 14 marked the first time that De’Von Achane played an entire game and didn’t finish within the top five running backs in fantasy.
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Miami likely wishes they could replay the game’s final five minutes after blowing a two-score lead. They just needed to run the ball to win, and Achane should’ve been a part of running out the clock.
Achane had 47 rushing yards on seven carries and 24 receiving yards on five receptions. The Jets are up next, and Miami needs to get back on track in a hurry.
4) Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens
It’s hard to not be drawn in by Keaton Mitchell. The speedster hasn’t earned more than 11 touches in a given week yet, so his upside is limited unless he reaches the end zone. Unfortunately, he hasn’t scored since Week 10.
Mitchell can transform your lineup — even if he barely sees action. He’s the ultimate risk-and-reward player. If you need that type of presence, start him with confidence. Just don’t be surprised if the Jaguars contain Mitchell or if Baltimore opts against using him as much as your lineup needs.
5) Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Surprise, surprise. With the Bengals’ season teetering without Joe Burrow, they’ve turned to some young players to get production. Joe Mixon is still carrying the offense, but rookie Chase Brown exploded for 105 yards and a touchdown as his backup. It was his second straight game finishing as RB30 or better.
Replicating his RB10 performance won’t be easy, since he scored a 54-yard receiving touchdown. Averaging only 8.5 carries over his last two games, Brown is more of a flier than a surefire starter.
6) Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
One week after finishing as the RB16 in PPR leagues, Tyjae Spears put the Dolphins in a blender. He totaled 89 receiving yards to go with 29 rushing yards, finishing as the RB13 on the week — his second-best mark of the season.
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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