With the first week of the season beginning this in the next few days, it will be the NFL's rookie class of 2014's first taste of regular season action. It's not often that a rookie bursts onto the scene in fantasy football though, unless you had Eddie Lacy after the first few weeks last year. This year promises to have a few rookies who will have fantasy value right in year one. Will it happen in the first week of the season? Time will tell.
Here is a look at five rookies who are set to shine in Week 1.
5. Jordan Matthews, Wide Receiver, Phiadelphia Eagles
Matthews and the Eagles will take on the Jaguars in Philadelphia this Sunday, and the legend of Jerry Rice's nephew has already begun in Chip Kelly's offense. Matthews is set to be (one of) the slot receivers for the Eagles this season, and expect him to play early and often in Week 1.
In the preseason, Matthews was used inside, outside and in motion from either side of the field. Nick Foles will surely spread the ball around, and the metrics-superstar in Matthews will be a candidate for at least four catches in his first game.
4. Bishop Sankey, Running Back, Tennessee Titans
Sankey was the first running back drafted in the 2014 NFL draft, and will be the first rookie running back to get a carry unless the Titans feel that Shonn Greene is a better fit for Tennessee's offense. Sankey tested out of this world as far as athleticism is concerned, and he was an incredible elusive and productive runner in college. While some fantasy experts do not like him, the Titans will face off against the Chiefs this Sunday. Kansas City has one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL in Dontari Poe, but the Titans have one of the best offensive lines in the AFC, and will look to run the ball all day long. Sankey will be the beneficiary at some point, and it could happen in Week 1.
3. Mike Evans, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As the consensus number two receiver in this year's draft, Evans landed in a better situation than Sammy Watkins, and has been the top pick in most dynasty drafts. Evans has been compared to Vincent Jackson, and he will play on the same side of the field as the Bucs' star receiver this season. Evans and the Buccaneers will face the Carolina Panthers this weekend, and Carolina's secondary does not have anyone who can matchup with Evans.
2. Kelvin Benjamin, Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
Benjamin is the other wide receiver wearing number 13 in the NFL, and he happens to be playing the for the team that Mike Evans will face. But, Benjamin is the top option for Cam Newton and the Panthers passing offense. You know eDraft's thoughts on Benjamin, but considering he faces a Buccaneers defense who have no cornerbacks who can match up with the massive receiver.
1. Derek Carr, Quarterback, Oakland Raiders
Carr was a media darling in Mobile, he was a first round talent according to multiple NFL draft personalities and now he is the starting quarterback for the Raiders. With an incredible performance against the Seahawks in the final preseason game, Carr cemented himself as the top option for head coach Dennis Allen.
Without question, Carr has tha arm talent to dominate in the NFL, but he needs to work on his pocket presence and that will be tested agaisnt the Jets. Now, he has immense fantasy value in Week 1 because the Jets have serious problems in their secondary, and the Raiders will be throwing all day long. Start Derek Carr.