Fantasy Football: Top Rookies to Play in Week 4
The 2023 NFL regular season is only a few weeks old, but we've already seen some breakout performances from this year's rookie class.
Those first-year studs could be the difference that puts your fantasy football team over the top this year, so don't be afraid to trust these talented phenoms with a spot in your starting lineup for Week 4.
Whether you need a value play at quarterback, a big-play machine at running back, a target magnet at wide receiver, or a high-upside playmaker at tight ends, make sure you grab one of these rookies and start them this week:
QB C.J. Stroud, HOU
Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Stroud has quietly put together the most impressive start of this year's top rookie quarterbacks, looking calm and collected in the pocket and distributing the ball to his playmakers with relative ease, despite a shaky offensive line.
This week, he'll face a Steelers defense that's susceptible to giving up big numbers through the air, so don't be surprised if he has another big day in front of the home crowd in Houston.
RB De'Von Achane, MIA
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Achane exploded last week in Miami's 70-20 blowout win over the Broncos, racking up over 200 yards on the ground, and finding the end zone a ridiculous four times.
That kind of performance can't be expected every week, especially with a quality veteran ahead of him on the depth chart in Raheem Mostert. Even so, Achane clearly has a valuable role in the offense, and his explosiveness gives him home-run potential that will make the most of every touch.
WR Puka Nacua, LAR
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The early pick for the biggest steal of the entire 2023 NFL Draft so far, Nacua was thrust into the starting lineup thanks to Cooper Kupp's injury, and he's taken full advantage of the opportunity.
Nacua has been racking up double-digit targets on a weekly basis, and there's no reason the think that's gonna change anytime soon. With Kupp still out of the lineup, don't be surprised if Matthew Stafford looks Nacua's way early and often again this week.
TE Sam LaPorta, DET
Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
This year's draft class had plenty of potential at tight end, but it's LaPorta who has taken the early lead in terms of fantasy value this season.
LaPorta has seen 22 targets through the first three games of the season, the second-highest number among tight ends in the entire league. He's clearly developed trust and chemistry with Jared Goff right from the start, and the veteran quarterback should rely on him yet again in Week 4.
