Fantasy Football Week 5: Julio Jones and 3 Rookies You Must Start

Although relying on rookies in your fantasy lineup can be a risky proposition, a few seem to become big-time contributors every season, and that is especially true in 2011 as a number of rookies have already made big splashes.

First-year players have become so impressive, in fact, that some of them are becoming worthy of every-week starter consideration. With that in mind, here are three rookies who should absolutely be in your lineup for Week 5.

Stevan Ridley - New England Patriots

After three fairly anonymous weeks to begin the season, New England Patriots rookie running back Stevan Ridley made is presence known in Week 4 as he ran for 97 yards on just 10 attempts and scored a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders.

While BenJarvus Green-Ellis still seems to be the runner of choice in the red zone, Ridley has a nice, well-rounded skill set and could be head coach Bill Belichick's runner of choice between the 20s. They Patriots also seem committed to developing the running game in order to take some pressure off quarterback Tom Brady and the passing attack.

The Patriots face the New York Jets this weekend, and while that would normally be a bad matchup, the Jets have been putrid against the run, particularly when the Oakland Raiders and Darren McFadden ran wild on them two weeks ago. The Jets are sure to sell out against the pass, so Ridley should have plenty of running room, particularly on draw plays.

Cam Newton - Carolina Panthers 

Many observers questioned whether Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton's skills would translate to the NFL. Four weeks and nearly 1,400 passing yards later, however, it is pretty clear that Newton may soon become a star quarterback in the league.

The Panthers have already placed all their hopes and dreams on the shoulders of Newton, and while Carolina is just 1-3, Newton has come through in a big way. In addition to his passing prowess, Newton has pitched in with his legs as well, much like he did at Auburn. His nine total touchdowns make him one of the top fantasy players overall thus far.

Newton will have a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The Saints are in the lower half of the league against the pass and likely won't be able to contain Newton sufficiently. The Saints also figure to score plenty of points offensively, so Newton will be throwing early and often, which bodes well for his fantasy value.

Julio Jones - Atlanta Falcons

When the Atlanta Falcons traded up in the draft to select wide receiver Julio Jones, they were obviously looking for him to make an impact immediately, and he certainly hasn't disappointed in that regard to this point in the season.

Although Jones has yet to score a touchdown, he leads the Falcons in receiving yardage with 342 yards and is second in receptions with 24. The Falcons will be engaging in a shootout on Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers, and he should be one of the main beneficiaries of what is sure to be a fast-paced game.

The Packers have been terrible against the pass this season, and Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Woodson will almost certainly draw the assignment of covering Roddy White. This should leave Jones single covered throughout the night, and it could lead to a monster game.