NFL Week 16 Rookie Stock Watch: Lions’ Duo Rising After Dominant Performance

The rookie receivers were supposed to be underwhelming this year.

None were picked in the top 15, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who went to the Seahawks at No. 20, has been good but far from the best of the group so far.

Instead, it has been Puka Nacua, Jordan Addison, Rashee Rice, Zay Flowers and others who have starred, in many cases unexpectedly.

Conversely, it’s been a struggle for most of the rookie quarterbacks, while the running backs have been a mixed bag.

Let’s break down our rookie stock watch as we enter Week 16.

Rising

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Lions

Lon Horwedel/USA TODAY Sports

Last week: Not rated

Gibbs was tremendous Saturday night against the Broncos in Detroit’s 42–17 rout. He ran for 100 yards on 9.1 yards per carry with a touchdown, while also catching another score. The Lions (10–4) are rolling toward their first NFC North title in franchise history, and both Gibbs and the next man on our list have plenty to do with it.

Sam LaPorta, TE, Lions

Last week: Not rated

LaPorta continues to be terrific. After torching the Saints two weeks ago for 140 yards and a touchdown, he lit up Denver for five catches and 56 yards to go with three scores, giving him nine on the year. Without question, he’s been a key to Detroit’s offense, especially when Amon-Ra St. Brown has been limited by double teams.

Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings

Last week: Falling

The Vikings lost a heartbreaker, but Addison did all he could. The first-round pick from USC was fantastic, catching six passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Over the last three regular-season games, Addison needs only 176 yards to crack 1,000. He also ranks top five in the league among all players with nine receiving touchdowns.

Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs

Last week: Rising

No position group has been more detrimental to a contender than the Chiefs’ receivers, but Rice has been the lone bright spot. That continued to be the case Sunday in Kansas City’s 27–17 win in New England, with Rice catching all nine of his targets for 91 yards, including a touchdown. If the Chiefs go far in the playoffs, Rice will have a huge say in it.

Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Packers

Last week: Not rated

Wicks had his best game as a pro Sunday. The fifth-rounder from Virginia led the Packers with 97 yards on six receptions, giving him 491 receiving yards on the year. While Jayden Reed has correctly gotten more of the rookie hype in Green Bay, Wicks has shown to be a solid performer with upside.

Holding steady

Bryce Young, QB, Panthers

Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports

Last week: Falling

Young deserves to see his stock improve after one of his best games to date. The Panthers won for the second time all season, and Young helped the cause by throwing for 167 yards while, most importantly, not turning the ball over. Overall, this has been a brutal year for Young and Carolina, but it was a nice step for a fledgling team.

Will Levis, QB, Titans

Last week: Not rated

Levis has to feel sick. The Titans had a 13–0 lead against a depleted Texans team, and yet lost in overtime. All told, the Kentucky product had a decent game, completing 17 of 26 passes for 199 yards and an interception while being sacked seven times. Levis needs to be better, but so does his supporting cast.

Falling

Joshua Downs, WR, Colts

Last week: Falling

Downs has been a good player for Indianapolis, but his recent performances have been lacking. Over the past three games, he has caught nine passes for 65 yards with zero touchdowns. If the Colts are going to make a run to the playoffs, they’ll need more from Downs.

Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons

Last week: Holding steady

Robinson’s usage all year has ranged from decent to incredibly bizarre, and Sunday was no different. Despite playing in poor weather against a bad opponent and in a close game, coach Arthur Smith gave Robinson just seven carries while targeting him three times in the run game. Surely, his fantasy owners loved that.

Tommy DeVito, QB, Giants

DeVito has been a fun story the past month, but the Saints put the clamps on him Sunday. New Orleans sacked him seven times and held him to 5.2 yards per attempt, with the rookie posting a 14.5 QBR. Next up for DeVito and the Giants? A date with the Eagles on Christmas Day.