Tim Hightower shows up on Marc’s list this week, but I am not buying his chances at winning Fantasy Rookie of the Year. Is anybody else?

He has mostly underperformed since stealing the job from Edgerrin James. Maybe next year will be better for the kid.

This is the most important time of the season for NFL teams and fantasy teams is right now. Your team could be contending for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, a bye week or just trying to secure a wild card.

Equally as important to fantasy owners is the current playoff weekends. Starting in week 14, when most fantasy playoffs commence, great efforts are needed from rookies around the NFL to keep their teams in contention. But to remain in the running for The Hazean’s Fantasy Rookie of the Year, these young guns will need to perform above and beyond because fantasy playoff stats are weighted a little heavier than the regular season stats.

 

Honorable Mention: Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals 

“Touchdown” Hightower did what he does best Sunday against the Rams. He found the endzone in his team’s lopsided victory. His yardage is still down and he has been losing touches to J.J. Arrington, but as long as he lives up to his newly earned nickname he should remain on the list.

 

5. Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos - Royal is still the best and most productive rookie receiver in the league and will keep putting up solid numbers. The Broncos lost fellow rookie running back Peyton Hillis to a hamstring injury for the remainder of the season. That could lead to more balls thrown in Royal’s direction.

 

4. Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons - Ryan looked like a future superstar in his team’s loss to the Saints. He wasn’t quite able to lead the Falcons to victory on the road, but as a loyal and longtime Saints’ fan this guy scares me going forward.

 

3. Steve Slaton, RB, Texans - Slaton gashed the Packers rush defense for big yardage. He had 120 yards rushing to go with 40 yards receiving. Unfortunately the good effort was not enough to keep him close to the top due to the one guy really excelling in the playoffs this past week.

 

2. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans - And CJ is that guy. Johnson is making a strong push for Fantasy Rookie of the Year. A few more weeks like the one he had against Cleveland and it will be hard to argue a point against him winning the honor.

 

1. Matt Forte, RB, Bears - “Mr. Consistent” has a slim lead on the other guys on this list, but they are closing the gap. He has only had one game this year in standard scoring leagues with less than 10 fantasy points, and that’s why he deserves this No. 1 ranking. Another big game from Slaton or Johnson and an off day from Forte could mean a new No. 1 next week. Stay tuned.