This Sunday’s matchup between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets should be a fantasy feast.
Huge matchup between the @nyjets and @Patriots. @JKerley_11 previews the matchup here #jetsnation #PROcast https://t.co/bWHNVogCYU
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 21, 2015
Not only do both teams offer a plethora of offensive options, but both defenses are weekly starters on fantasy rosters. The stakes are high for both teams, with the Pats are starting the season 5-0 for the third time since Bill Belichick seized the reins.
The Jets are battling back hard after losing their head coach and finishing last in their division with a dismal four-win season in 2014. Both teams know that this game could set the tone for the rest of the year.
With so much on the line, you can bet both teams with show up with guns blazing.
The New England Patriots
“Right now, I’m just worried about the Jets.” Bill Belichick Presser Points: https://t.co/7272MEt6dE pic.twitter.com/yb6fJlXL0w
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 21, 2015
Deflategate seems to have really lit a fire underneath both Belichick and Tom Brady. Brady has been playing lights out so far this season, racking up almost 1,700 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and only two turnovers in five games. Brady is on-pace not just for his best season ever, but to break the single-season record for passing yardage.
So far, Brady has connected with over 10 players on his team, including Pats’ stars Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. Brady has gone up against some decent defenses including the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Bills and still produced some impressive numbers. But, they may stall out against the New York Jets.
Edelman is leading the team in targets and receptions, and is currently the 11th-best fantasy receiver. However, he suffered a small set back in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts after suffering a finger injury.
“Join the club, @Edelman11” – @BaldyNFL 😱 pic.twitter.com/T7ZLwF7VCS
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) October 19, 2015
Though his rapport with Brady is strong, his injury coupled with the fact that the New York Jets’ defense has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game should be reason temper expectations. In his worst outing so far this season, Edelman scored 8.8 fantasy points. This is a much more realistic expectation for Week 7.
Gronkowski is a busy guy.
11 Games. 15 TDs. Can @RobGronkowski do it? @adamrank‘s a believer. Are you? #GR20NK pic.twitter.com/CmTvmG54LN
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLfantasy) October 19, 2015
Between releasing his new book, planning a party cruise and having a kitten photo shoot, you’d think the guy would be worn out. But, Gronk is once again dominating the fantasy football leaderboards.
He is currently that highest-scoring fantasy tight end with 72.7 points and that’s in spite of an early bye week. While the Jets’ defense has been stingy with points allowed to tight ends, Gronkowski isn’t your average tight end. The defense may be able to stifle Edelman and Brady, but they’ll have a harder time with the Gronk Bus.
Gronk has averaged 11.5 targets and over six receptions in his past three years facing off against the Jets. Expect a better showing from Gronk than his Week 6 performance. He’s more likely to hit his 14.5 PPG average.
In spite of an exceptional showing from new recruit Dion Lewis, LeGarrette Blount is quickly gaining ground in carries. Blounts’ powerful rushing style is a formidable compliment to the Patriots’ short yardage pass attack, which so far this season has been tough to defend.
His real expertise this season seems to be in the red zone, as he’s already found the end zone five times. With the Patriots being so adept at moving the ball down the field, expect the goal line carries to go to Blount. Though Blount may not rack up the most rushing yards, he’s likely to earn at least one touchdown this Sunday. I’m counting Blount as an intriguing flex play this week with a lot of upside.
The New England Patriots are a lucrative option for those streaming defenses. They are averaging 3.8 sacks and at least one interception per game. Jets’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been turnover prone, and has already thrown seven interceptions. When you couple that with how well the Jets are at under performing during high pressure games, you could end up with a lot of defensive fantasy points.
Even though the Patriots are picked to win against the Jets, some of their best offensive players could be facing an uphill fantasy battle. Your best bet is to go with Gronk, and temper fantasy expectations for others. Blount is a dark horse for an impressive fantasy week based solely on his touchdown production.
A fantasy preview for the Jets coming soon!
A fantasy preview for The Jets coming soon!
Categories: 2015 Fantasy Football
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