Jets vs. Bears
Jets
The growing pains are real for the New York Jets heading into Week 8. A road date with the Bears is on their plate, and they are being set up to leave with a pretty sour aftertaste. With more injuries hitting the Jets offense in undesired fashion, the Bears are looking to bounce back in the win column after losing their last two. Gang Green on the other hand, will do their best to get back to .500, but the task will be daunting.
Hey Q, you have company
If Quincy Enunwa felt alone this past week, he’ll have company for the time being. Enter Robby Anderson, who as of writing this, is considered doubtful for the game with a (likely) high ankle sprain suffered against the Vikings. He has not practiced all week, and who knows if this will be the only game he’ll miss. What was once considered a formidable wide receiver group, is now thinning fast.
I made a ‘milk box’ reference last week when trying to figure out how Jermaine Kearse laid the goose egg that he did against Minnesota, a game in which he should have been a lock for 10+ targets. This week, you can look for Kearse to hopefully be involved more, though I am not suggesting you start him in your lineup; not unless you are a willing risk taker. Newly signed Rishard Matthews – just two days ago mind you – will be thrusted into a starting role. Third man up will be return specialist Andre Roberts. Yeah, this should be hard for the Bears…
Case in point, you do not want to start any Jets receivers this week, and for the foreseeable future.
Who can I start?
Bilal Powell’s season came to an end last week after suffering a neck injury, and thereafter placed on the IR. His status went from one extreme to the another; Todd Bowles suggested his career could be over, but the following day retracted his statement and said he’s expected to recover fully and play again. In either case, he will not play again in 2018, and therefore the Jets options for the backfield remains with Isaiah Crowell, and sixth-round rookie Trenton Cannon. Cannon was involved against Minny, posting 69 yards on four targets, and could see an uptick in involvement verse Chicago. From a fantasy standpoint I wouldn’t recommend starting either, but if you must, they are a flex play at best; Cannon may even have more upside over Crowell due to health and explosiveness.
If you are in a bind at tight end, you can consider taking a flier on rookie Chris Herndon. He has seen his target share double in the last two weeks; granted it’s up to four from just two, but he’s also scored twice in that span. Sam Darnold should remain to look his way, as he is becoming a reliable target, especially in a red zone where the Jets are tending to struggle.
BOOM: Jason Myers (Kickers matter too!)
BUST: Isaiah Crowell
SLEEPER: Chris Herndon
-Matt Cava
Bears
How will the passing game look this week?
The last three weeks have been all boom for QB Mitch Trubisky in terms of fantasy production. Sure, we could bring up missed throws here or there. However, he has ultimately helped the Bears to an impressive start, even if the current trend is a two-game losing streak. I expect the bears passing attack to once again be on display against the Jets. Sure, New York is going to be a tougher defense than New England was. However, I have more and more faith in Trubisky with each passing week’s result. If WR Allen Robinson is starting, I’d play him. If not, WRs Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller become really interesting. TE Trey Burton can also be counted on due to his recent volume in the passing game.
And the rushing attack?
Looking at the running game, Jordan Howard seems to be on the reverse trajectory of his quarterback. He is getting few carries, and he has been able to break any of them open. I would be willing to nervously start Howard in standard leagues, and I probably bench him in PPR leagues. RB Tarik Cohen, on the other hand, continues to be a name on the rise. I love Cohen’s ability and he is a starter in PPR formats. His value drops some in standard, but I still like his workload.
And finally, what about the defense?
LB Khalil Mack is going to be a game time decision, but I am happy to start the Bears defense either way this week. The Jets top two receivers (Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson) are both likely to miss the game. This should really neuter the New York passing attack’s potential and make them predictable with the run. I expect the Bears to be up to the challenge this week. All this being said, I sure hope Mack is healthy and ready to go so that this becomes a no-brainer.
-Mike Miklius