Sit/Start Week 17: Reviewing All Fantasy Relevant Players In Every Single Game

Kickoff: Sunday, January 2, 2022

Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Betting Odds: NYJ +13.5, 45.5 Total on Vegas Insider

Network: FOX

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback

Tom Brady (Start, QB1)

I’m sure Jets fans are excited to face Tom Brady again! Brady is 30-8 all-time against New York, and that’s likely going to be more in his favor after this week. Brady has been the QB27 and QB19 over the past two weeks, respectively, which comes after two straight weeks of being the QB2. However, his fortunes should improve this week. The Jets are allowing the third-most passing yards/attempt this season, and although Brady’s pass attempts should be down in a game that should be decided early, his efficiency should make up for it. There’s no reason to expect his fantasy struggles to continue for a third-straight week.

Running Backs

Ronald Jones (Start, RB1), Ke’Shawn Vaughn (Sit, RB5)

With Leonard Fournette injured, Ronald Jones was hyped up as a league winner heading into last week, and he received 2o carries and three targets on Sunday. Facing a Jets defense that is allowing the most fantasy points to running backs, Jones is in position to once again receive 20+ touches, but to be even more efficient with those touches. Would I be surprised if he came away with multiple scores on the ground and close to 100 yards? I wouldn’t be; he has that type of upside this week, and should be treated as an RB1.

Wide Receivers / Tight Ends

Antonio Brown (Start, WR1), Tyler Johnson (Sit, WR5), Scotty Miller (Sit, WR6), Rob Gronkowski (Start, TE1), Cameron Brate (Sit, TE3)

With Chris Godwin and Mike Evans out of the fold last week, Antonio Brown returned from injury and suspension and earned a 50% target share. Should Evans miss another week, he cannot be treated as anything other than a WR1, though he is the only wide receiver that should be in fantasy managers’ lineups. As for Rob Gronkowski, he only received two targets last week, but has received 8+ in the previous five games. Facing the eight-worst team against tight ends this season, he needs to once again be in your lineup this week.

New York Jets

Quarterbacks

Zach Wilson (Sit, QB2)

Let’s give credit where credit is due; Zach Wilson has finished as a top-15 quarterback in three of his past four games. A lot of it comes from his rushing production, however, as he has four rushing touchdowns over his past five games. New York will likely look to pass the ball against a pass-funnel Bucs defense, yet there’s little upside in starting Wilson outside of SuperFlex leagues.

Running Backs

Michel Carter (Start, RB2), Tevin Coleman (Sit, RB4)

As mentioned, the Bucs are a pass-funnel defense, thanks in large part to their stout front-seven that is allowing the fewest rush attempts per game this season. Michael Carter did see the type of utilization (73% snaps) we were hoping to see from him, as he was on the field for over 80% of the team’s pass attempts. Facing Tampa Bay, that’s critical. The upside is low, but Carter’s usage alone makes him a low-end RB2 for this week.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Jamison Crowder (Sit, WR4), Braxton Berrios (Sit, WR5), Keelan Cole (Sit, WR6),  Tyler Kroft (Sit, TE3)

Are you really targeting the Jets passing game? Jamison Crowder could come back into the fold, but there are too many options in the passing game rotating out without enough efficiency. Thus, the best answer to any Jets wide receiver or tight end is to keep them on your bench.

All Stats via Pro Football Focus