Week 4 Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Torrey Smith and 3 Rookies to Start

Although a few good rookies seem to emerge every year, placing fantasy stock in a first-year player is generally a pretty risky proposition.

Even so, several rookies have been significant fantasy contributors to this point in the season and seem poised to continue producing moving forward.

I wouldn't suggest putting all your eggs in the rookie basket, but it won't hurt to take a chance on one or two of them. Here are three rookies who are definitely worth a start in Week 4. 

Denarius Moore, Oakland Raiders

After throwing up a goose egg in Week 1, Oakland Raiders receiver Denarius Moore broke out in a big way in Week 2. With Jacoby Ford, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy all out due to injury, Moore torched the Buffalo Bills for 146 yards and a touchdown. 

Moore only reeled in four passes for 34 yards last week against the New York Jets, but he added a 23-yard rushing touchdown on a reverse.

The Raiders receiver has a dream matchup this weekend against the New England Patriots' leaky secondary. With running back Darren McFadden nursing a groin injury, the Raiders will likely look to air it out against the Pats with Moore as the main beneficiary. 

Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins

With so much preseason speculation that Reggie Bush would be the Miami Dolphins' feature back this season, expectations were lukewarm for rookie back Daniel Thomas entering the year.

Thomas missed Week 1 with an injury and Bush received the brunt of the work. It looked like Thomas would be little more than a change of pace.

However, upon his return, the Dolphins decided to use Thomas, who has gone on to average over 20 carries and 100 rushing yards through two games. He's even been involved in the passing game, with four catches and a touchdown.

Miami will look to control the ball against the explosive San Diego Chargers this week, so Thomas should receive plenty of touches.

Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens

After doing nothing in the season's first two games, Baltimore Ravens rookie receiver Torrey Smith came out of nowhere to make five catches for 152 yards and three scores against the St. Louis Rams last week. His breakout performance was buoyed by the fact that Lee Evans was out with an injury.

Evans' status for this week isn't yet known. However, if Smith starts, he should be in for a big game against the New York Jets.

Anquan Boldin is likely to be covered by All-Pro corner Darrelle Revis, which would normally leave Antonio Cromartie to cover Smith. However, Cromartie is expected to miss the game with an injury. That should make Smith a very attractive target for quarterback Joe Flacco.