De’Von Achane Returns, Keaton Mitchell and Zach Charbonnet Rise

Week 10 of the NFL season is in the books, and our attention is drawn towards the top-performing rookie players nationwide. The 2023 rookie running back group has showcased impressive stats in the season’s early stages. As we approach Week 11, we have compiled a list of the best rookie rushers for fantasy football in the upcoming slate.

Who Are the Best Rookie RBs for Fantasy This Week?

Our NFL Week 11 dynasty running back rankings are courtesy of the PFN Consensus Fantasy Rankings.

1) Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Welcome to the top spot, Jahmyr Gibbs. All it took was the back to finish as RB2 last week, and he likely would’ve jumped Atlanta Falcon Bijan Robinson — even if the latter wasn’t on a bye in Week 11. Gibbs has three straight top-three finishes in PPR leagues, totaling at least five receptions each week.

Even with RB David Montgomery back into the fold, the Lions have unleashed their first-round running back to his full capacity. He’s clearly a must-start player, regardless of matchup, and is set for a terrific advantage against the woeful Chicago Bears defense. Chicago has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs in the NFL.

2) De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins

The last time we saw De’Von Achane, he was coming off his third-consecutive top-five finish before landing on the injured reserve. Miami’s running game took a clear hit without its home run hitter, which is partially why the Dolphins have dropped two of their last three games. Getting Achane back against Las Vegas is a great way to ease him back into the action.

The Raiders are the fifth-worst defense in the league against running backs. Even with Miami’s offensive line in flux with injuries, Achane should find some favorable running lanes and a game flow that favors advantageous field positioning.

3) Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks

Zach Charbonnet finally broke into the top 30 backs this past week, totaling 10 touches for 62 yards. His volume was a fantastic breath of fresh air, and his 12-yard run spurred his production. It’s not a star-like output yet, but Charbonnet is inching towards being a bigger factor in his rookie season.

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If Charbonnet can get the starting job from Kenneth Walker III, he’s in prime position to be a stud in this offense. Seattle doesn’t seem keen to hand him more touches than the four-to-eight range he’s been stuck in, though.

4) Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens

Achane might be the only running back in the NFL more explosive than Keaton Mitchell. The former ECU speedster is capable of making any defender look silly with his elite acceleration and top speed. Baltimore struck gold with Mitchell in Week 9, but they cut his touches in Week 10.

The Ravens likely rue that decision since they coughed up a two-score lead in the fourth quarter. Even if Mitchell gets only four touches again, though, he’s able to make the most out of those opportunities. He finished as RB19 in PPR leagues, despite being an afterthought.

5) Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans

Without a touchdown on his résumé since Week 5, Tyjae Sharpe is lurking just outside the RB2 and high-end Flex crowd. He’s had five carries for 18 yards in each of the last two games but exploded for 42 receiving yards in Week 10. That was enough to earn his fourth top-30 RB finish in 2023.

With RB Derrick Henry staying in town through the trade deadline, Spears appears to be more of a Flex alternate for rosters dealing with bye weeks. He’s a risky option because he’s not getting red-zone looks, but he’s just productive enough to justify playing him.

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