Thursday night fantasy preview: Week 3 starts
The fantasy nightmare that was an injury-plagued Week 2 makes Thursday's matchup between the Jets and Patriots more relevant than it might have been otherwise.
Welcome to all those who haven’t given up on their team after Week 2. Fantasy stars are dropping like flies, and no one is safe. For anyone with a healthy roster, just be thankful you haven’t caught the injury bug yet. With everything that has happened this week, there may be more fantasy starters in this week’s Thursday night game than expected.
This week, the Patriots travel to New York to take on the Jets. While I don’t think there are a ton of stars you can depend on here, some fantasy managers may be desperate. Since Tom Brady’s departure, the Patriots are averaging 17 points in Thursday night games compared to the Jets’ 20.25 points during that same time. While I don’t expect this to be a high-flying game, there are a few players you can rely on.
Elite Starts
These are my locked-in starts that you never need to think twice about. Just put them in and watch the magic happen.
Breece Hall (NYJ, RB)
Breece has had a touchdown each week so far this season, and he should be able to keep that streak going on Thursday night. The Patriots are only giving up 46.5 rushing yards and 30 receiving yards per game to the running back position, but it will be hard for them to keep that up against a premier running back. They can’t play against Zack Moss and Zach Charbonnet every week.
While Braelon Allen has certainly earned himself a role in the offense, this only helps Hall to get more breathers and stay fresh on the field. If he can manufacture a couple of big chunk plays, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him being the #1 running back on the week.
Projection: 3 catches for 101 all-purpose yards and 1 touchdown
Solid Starts
These are the starts you shouldn’t be nervous about but certainly aren’t locked in for top-tier production.
Garrett Wilson (NYJ, WR)
Garrett Wilson is hanging on thin ice on whether he should be moved down to a flex start. While 10 catches for 117 yards is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s not what we hoped from this elite prospect. With Aaron Rodgers fully healthy, we were expecting immediate elite production from the OSU alum.
The Patriots are only giving up 190 receiving yards to wide receivers this year, including an elite defensive performance against Joe Burrow and the Bengals. He’ll see plenty of targets, but you may need a touchdown to be happy with his performance.
Projection: 6 catches for 59 yards
Rhamondre Stevenson (NE, RB)
Rhamondre has solidified himself as the #1 running back in this run-first Patriots offense. He has averaged 25.5 touches over the last two games and goes up against a Jets defense that allows 162.50 all-purpose yards per game to the running back position.
The Patriots need their run game to be successful to have a chance in this match-up, and they will do everything in their power to get it going. Stevenson works well with fellow running back Antonio Gibson, and the 1-2 punch will be used often in this game.
Projection: 2 catches for 92 all-purpose yards and 1 touchdown
Flex-Worthy Starts
They are worth a start, but no one is going to blame you if you want to bench them.
Hunter Henry (NE, TE)
Henry had a monster of a game last week with eight catches for 109 yards and demanded 44.44% of the target share. While this is all great, Jacoby Brissett still only threw for 149 yards. Henry’s stat line is promising, but these big games are something he produces at the beginning of every year. If you’re in a pinch, Henry could be a solid start this week but the Jets are only giving up 34.50 yards to the position so far this year.
Projection: 4 catches for 32 yards
Aaron Rodgers (NYJ, QB)
A year removed from injury, we had a feeling Rodgers wouldn’t be the same Rodgers of old going into his 20th season. So far this year, he has yet to surpass 200 passing yards in a game, and he doesn’t need to. The Jets running game is proving to be elite to help alleviate pressure off their quarter back.
I’m only starting Rodgers in super-flex leagues as he is outside my top-15 quarterbacks on the week. He may not win you a week, but he won’t lose it for you, either. The Jets will have Rodgers attempt low-risk passes while they rely on the run game.
Projection: 185 passing yards, 1 interception, and 2 touchdowns
Braelon Allen (NYJ, RB)
Braelon came out with a bang when finally given the opportunity in the NFL. He became the youngest player in NFL history to record a receiving and rushing touchdown in a game, all while receiving the ball from the oldest player in the league, Aaron Rodgers.
While I don’t see him replicating his magic from last week, Allen should still see plenty of work. If you find yourself in a pinch due to injuries, you could do far worse than starting Allen. The Jets may turn into one of those teams where two running backs on their roster can be started in fantasy,
Projection: 2 catches for 42 all-purpose yards
Break Glass in Case of Emergency Starts
Starts that will have questionable usage and you are just hoping you can sneak a touchdown out of them. Pick your poison.
Mike Williams (NYJ, WR)
Tyler Conklin (NYJ, TE)
Allan Lizard (NYJ, WR)
Jacoby Brissett (NE, QB)
Antonio Gibson (NE, RB)
Ja’Lynn Polk (NE, WR)
K.J. Osborn (NE, WR)
 |
|