Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 26th, at 4:05 PM EST
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Betting Odds: NYJ +10.5, 41 total via Oddsshark
Network: CBS
New York Jets
Quarterback
Zach Wilson (Sit)
Week 2 is one for Zach Wilson to forget, a game in which he went 19 of 33 for 210 yards and four interceptions; two of which came on his first two pass attempts of the game. If Wilson – and the Jets offense overall – want to have success this season, OC Mike LaFleur will need to make severe adjustments to their game plan, just to look competent. In a showing like this one against the Patriots, it’s as if the Jets play a completely different sport than their opponents. Wilson remains off of your rosters, especially as he is set to face a tough Denver defense on the road.
Running Backs
Michael Carter (Sit), Ty Johnson (Sit), Tevin Coleman (Sit)
It’s not saying much, but Michael Carter was the most impressive player in the Jets offense against New England. Having totaled 59 yards on the ground on 11 carries, and two receptions for 29 yards on three targets, Carter needs to be involved more in order for drives to become easier for Wilson. Ty Johnson ran for 50 yards on 12 carries, and Tevin Coleman had five carries for 24 yards. None of the three are worthy of a start, and to be honest, it’ll be hard to start any of them at any point this season unless one were to completely take over/one fades out of the game plan.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Corey Davis (Start, WR3), Elijah Moore (Sit), Braxton Berrios (Sit), Jamison Crowder (Sit), Tyler Kroft (Sit)
After a strong Week 1, Corey Davis was nowhere to be found against New England; as expected leading up to the game all week long. Davis was the target for Wilson’s first two interceptions, one of which Davis had to come down with, but failed to coral. His final stat line was certainly forgettable; two catches on five targets for just eight yards. Elijah Moore had a better game than his debut against Carolina, where he had a brutal drop on a deep pass from Wilson. Versus New England, Moore caught four of eight targets for 47 yards, and had the second-most targets on the day behind Braxton Berrios, who had 11. It’s unexpected to see Berrios leading the Jets offense in targets through two weeks (18), but he still remains off the fantasy radar. Jamison Crowder was a surprise inactive against the Patriots, as he was trending towards making his season debut up until Sunday morning. Whenever he finally gets his season going, he’ll be hard to trust out of the gate. Tight ends Tyler Kroft and Ryan Griffin are just non-factors in this offense.
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Teddy Bridgewater (Start, QB2)
Teddy Two-Gloves, or even Teddy Two-And-0. Either nickname fits for Teddy Bridgewater, as he’s helped lead the Broncos to a 2-0 start to kick off their season. He has four passing touchdowns through the first two games, and will surely add to that total in grand fashion against the Jets this week. It’s been a turnover-free start to his 2021 campaign as well, which bodes well considering Bridgewater has shown an aggressiveness through the air that we’re not accustomed to. This would be a good week to start Bridgewater if you haven’t been.
Running Backs
Melvin Gordon III (Start, FLEX), Javonte Williams (Start, FLEX if necessary)
This is as clear of a timeshare as a backfield can get through two games. Melvin Gordon III was quieter against the Jaguars in Week 2 than he was against the Giants in the season-opener. He carried the ball 13 times for 31 yards, and hauled in both of his targets for 31 yards. Javonte Williams himself also had 13 carries, but rushed for 64 yards, and caught his lone target for 10 yards. It was a quiet day on the ground for both backs, as Bridgewater had 34 pass attempts. Both RB’s are viable FLEX options, with Williams more so “as seen necessary” until further notice. The Jets did just allow Patriots backs Damien Harris and James White both score; both of their touchdowns came on the ground.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Courtland Sutton (Start, WR3), Tim Patrick (Start, FLEX), KJ Hamler (Sit), Noah Fant (Start, TE1)
No Jerry Jeudy, no problem. Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick stepped up in his absence big time. Sutton turned a career-high 12 targets into 159 yards on nine receptions; Bridgewater missed him on what would have been a touchdown. The target share was impressive, and you can remain hopeful it’ll continue this week against the young Jets secondary; though it is worth noting that they’ve held their own so far this season despite their lack of experience. Patrick added four more targets through the first two, catching three for 37 yards and a score. He has a touchdown in both games so far this year, and could very well make it a third this week. KJ Hamler had a quiet game against the Jaguars, catching only one of his three targets for five yards. He’s a desperation flex at best, even with Jeudy out; I would expect Sutton & Patrick to outperform him, personally. Tight end Noah Fant got on the scoreboard against Jacksonville last week, finishing with four receptions on six targets for 33 yards. Bridgewater favors the tight end position, and it could be another productive day against a young and injury-filled Jets defense.
It’s wise to keep this interesting factoid in mind for the Jets defense. According to @Michael_Nania on Twitter, the defense has allowed 232 receiving yards to wide receivers so far, which ranked as the third-fewest in the NFL among the 30 teams who had played two games. The stat was shared prior to Detroit vs. Green Bay on MNF.
-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)