Ranking the best and worst NFL rookie performances of Week 1

Best NFL rookie performances in Week 1

Ja’Marr Chase

The Bengals got a surprise victory over the Vikings with their first-round receiver pick proving exactly why was the guy. Ja’Marr Chase racked up 101 yards on five catches, including a 50-yard touchdown.

It was a welcome performance for a young player who had faced plenty of criticism during the preseason over drops. Breaking the franchise record for receiving yards by a Bengals rookie in the season opener is exactly the right way to prove people wrong.

DeVonta Smith

DeVonta Smith also had his doubters coming out of Alabama. Despite winning the Heisman Trophy, people wondered if his slight stature would stand up in the pros.

The Eagles provided the answer against the Falcons as Smith led the team with six catches for 71 yards. His first NFL catch was an 18-yard touchdown.

Smith same to play in Week 1 and it should be exciting to see what more he can accomplish.

Jaylen Waddle

Yet another rookie wide receiver had a big day on Sunday. Jaylen Waddle came away with four catches for 61 yards, including the three-yard score in the third quarter that proved the difference in the game.

Waddle was known for his playmaking in college and he looks like he hasn’t missed a step now in the pros.

Mac Jones

Jones had the best outing of all the rookie quarterbacks despite losing 17-16 to the Dolphins. He ended up with 281 passing yards, one touchdown and a quarterback rating of 102.6. The Patriots have to feel really good about their QB after Week 1.