This Sunday in Week 4 of the NFL, several promising rookies are positioned for standout performances, driven by advantageous matchups and increasing opportunities within their teams.
For the Green Bay Packers, Matthew Golden is expected to step up due to injuries among the team’s wide receivers, including Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. With Tucker Kraft possibly out as well, Golden, who has averaged nearly three targets per game, is likely to see more action. The Cowboys’ defense has struggled against fantasy points from tight ends and wideouts, making Golden a promising breakout candidate this week.
The New York Giants’ Jaxson Dart is set for his first NFL start against a Chargers defense that poses challenges for running backs but is vulnerable to aerial attacks. As a rookie quarterback, Dart faces pressure, but he has strong targets and a strategic offensive setup that could lead to a surprising and productive debut performance.
Tetairoa McMillan of the Patriots is primed to score his first touchdown, facing a defense missing top cornerback Christian Gonzalez and ranking poorly against long passes. McMillan’s deep target depth and red zone involvement suggest this could be his week to excel in both yardage and scoring, potentially yielding double-digit fantasy points.
Colston Loveland, a tight end for the Bears, is another rookie expected to make an impact. He faces a Raiders defense that tends to allow more targets to tight ends. With the Bears seeking to maintain their recent offensive momentum, Loveland could see increased targets and red zone opportunities, setting the stage for his first notable performance.
Ashton Jeanty has the potential to break through this week against a Bears defense struggling with run defense, allowing an average of 5.5 yards per carry. Despite Jeanty’s early challenges, his ability to gain yards after contact demonstrates his capability to capitalize on Chicago’s tackling issues, potentially leading to a standout game.
This week’s spotlight is on Golden, Dart, McMillan, Loveland, and Jeanty, all of whom possess clear matchup advantages and are poised for increased involvement, making them rookies to watch for breakout performances.