With Week 11 of the NFL season in the books, we’re continuing to focus on the best rookie playmakers leaguewide. The 2023 rookie wide receiver group is putting up big numbers early on. Week 12 is right around the corner, so here are our best rookie receivers in fantasy football for the upcoming slate.
Who Are the Best Rookie WRs for Fantasy This Week?
Our NFL Week 12 dynasty wide receiver rankings are courtesy of the PFN Consensus Fantasy Rankings.
1) Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
We never want to see an injury to anyone, but there’s clearly a trend forming with Puka Nacua when Cooper Kupp is on the field. Los Angeles Rams veteran QB Matthew Stafford still prefers the former Super Bowl MVP when he’s healthy, and it’s hard to blame Stafford.
However, Kupp was banged up again in Week 11, and Nacua immediately benefited. The rookie caught five of seven targets for 70 yards and a touchdown — he finished as WR12 in PPR leagues.
With Kupp possibly on the shelf for some time, Nacua continues to beat out his improving competition. The rookie WR has seen only seven targets in four of the last five weeks, so we’re hoping to see more volume head his way.
2) Tank Dell, Houston Texans
With his second top-three finish in three weeks, Tank Dell is on fire. He’s clearly developed chemistry with QB C.J. Stroud as the season has progressed. Dell went from a threat to a bonafide x-factor in this offense.
His exquisite quickness and route-running make it all possible. Stroud has trusted his slender playmaker more than most quarterbacks might, and Dell is making Stroud look even better than he’s been. You can confidently start Dell every week until he’s in the midst of a cold streak.
3) Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens
It’s a logical thought to believe that Zay Flowers would benefit from Mark Andrews’ absence, but the Baltimore passing game continues to flummox invested parties. While Flowers is an impressive playmaker, he has only one touchdown on the season and isn’t seeing the consistent volume that most starting playmakers get.
After peaking as the WR14 in Week 6, Flowers has been unable to grow his role. The rookie has seen his targets drop significantly from the first five weeks, settling into four to six looks a game. That’s fine, but it’s not good enough to start Flowers with major confidence that he’ll provide more than decent Flex production.
4) Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs
We thought Rashee Rice might benefit from Andy Reid’s gameplan adjustments coming out of a bye week, but Rice picked up where he left off in Week 11. Rice has been electric in limited touches, scoring three touchdowns since Week 5 and finishing as a WR34 or better in four of his last six games. But his role didn’t grow against the Philadelphia Eagles despite the rest of the team’s receivers embarrassing themselves on primetime TV.
Rice’s floor is a reasonable Flex play, but we’d love to see his ceiling explode. With more overall targets and red-zone looks, Rice could blossom into a terrific WR2 on any roster. We just can’t be certain if that’ll happen this season.
5) Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings
The last two weeks haven’t been great for Jordan Addison’s managers, and there’s a direct correlation to his production dip with QB Kirk Cousins’ injury. Addison was on a hot streak from Weeks 5 through 8, finishing between WR1 and WR26 in standard leagues. Even with the capable Joshua Dobbs taking over, Addison’s value is on a downward spiral.
MORE: NFL and Fantasy Player News Tracker
We also have to consider that Justin Jefferson will return sooner rather than later. Dobbs has been a fantastic storyline in 2023, but his chemistry with Addison may not blossom until after the team’s Week 13 bye.
6) Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was establishing himself as a starter with a great Week 5 through Week 8 stretch, but then he came crashing back down to Earth. After catching 23 passes over those four games, Downs has three catches on four targets in his last two outings. Then, the Colts had their bye week.
A lingering knee injury is likely to blame. However, managers can’t risk banking on an injured rookie who has seen his performance dip with the ailment. We’re in a wait-and-see mode with Downs.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!