New York Jets @ New England Patriots
Final Score: Patriots 26, Giants 19
Writer: Griffey Geiss (@ggeiss_PL on Twitter)
New York Jets
Quarterback
Geno Smith: 20/30, 252 yards, TD, INT | 2 carries, -1 yard
Smith finally threw for over 200 yards Sunday, but not in the circumstances Jets fans were hoping for. Outside of one dynamic game against the Green Bay Packers where he threw for three touchdowns, Smith hasn’t been able to generate over 20 fantasy points per game, let alone 15. He also managed to throw his first interception of the year against the Pats’ banged-up secondary in the fourth quarter. He made some decent plays, including chucking an absolute bomb to the rookie Omar Cooper Jr. that yielded a touchdown, but ironically even that was underthrown and nearly tipped by a defender who completely lost his assignment in zone. The bottom line here is nobody should be starting Smith this year, and the Jets should continue to limit his opportunities.
Running Back
Braelon Allen: 17 carries, 78 yards | 2 targets, 2 receptions, 28 yards
Allen remained the primary back due to the absence of Breece Hall, who was deemed unfit to play with his quad injury after holding a questionable status all week. It looks like Hall’s status remains pretty uncertain for next week as well, so Allen should get another pretty healthy role in the Jets’ offensive gameplan. Even if Hall is back after that week, I’d expect Allen to be involved. He’s done more than enough to prove he’s a capable player with the ball in his hands.
Isaiah Davis: 7 carries, 16 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 10 yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Omar Cooper Jr.: 7 targets, 6 receptions, 103 yards, TD
Cooper shined in his return to the field, leading his team in every notable offensive category, plus was very active in the game altogether with a snap share over 80% (51 total snaps ranked third on offense behind Garrett Wilson and Allen). It may be worth taking a peek at the 22-year-old rookie, who was taken in the first round of last year’s draft, especially if the Jets are going to be behind in games and forced to sling the football.
Garrett Wilson: 6 targets, 4 receptions, 44 yards
Wilson was locked up pretty effectively against the Pats, held to his second-lowest amount of targets, receptions, yards, and average YPR this season. Only the Chicago Bears’ secondary held him to less. I wouldn’t doubt he’ll bounce back next week though … Wilson was on the field for all-but-one snap, not to mention he led his squad in routes ran. Wash it and prepare for the next one.
Mason Taylor: 6 targets, 4 receptions, 33 yards
Kenyon Sadiq: 3 targets, 1 reception, 12 yards
Sadiq was limited this week during practice. He was involved in the offense during Taylor’s absence, but since the veteran TE’s return, hasn’t quite had enough of a sample size in this offense. It seems like if healthy, Taylor is the primary TE.
New England Patriots
Quarterback
Drake Maye: 18/32, 235 yards, 3 TDs | 4 carries, 24 yards
It was a clean day’s work Maye, tallying three touchdowns and leading his team to victory over a division rival for the Pats’ third consecutive win. More importantly, Maye finished the game without throwing an interception. It’s clear that the first few weeks are well behind the franchise QB and as the weather gets colder (and the offensive unit gets healthier), Maye’s best games are in front of him. He’s back to being a regularly capable starter in fantasy.
Running Back
Corey Kiner: 11 carries, 57 yards
Kiner has burst onto the scene in the Patriots’ run game, generating 50-plus yards in back-to-back games now. This comes after touching the ball just 14 times throughout the first four weeks of the season. If Kiner is able to generate more touches in leverage situations, he’s a sneaky buy target in deep leagues.
TreVeyon Henderson: 7 carries, 31 yards, 1 fumble (lost) | 1 target, 1 reception, 9 yards
Henderson played through a tough ankle injury and, while he still was somewhat involved, the Patriots kept him limited. Given his track record of fantasy production, that’s exactly how managers should feel about starting him: keep those starts limited unless need be. I can’t stress enough how surprising it is he played.
Rhamondre Stevenson: 14 carries, 36 yards
Stevenson and Henderson generally split early-down snaps, though Stevenson has generated a lot more volume in leverage situations (third down, 2-minute drills, etc.). That wasn’t the case Sunday — and given Kiner’s success and, most importantly, efficiency — this may be a situation to monitor. Stevenson was still the main back during all leverage situations but over time, perhaps Kiner gets more involved if he continues to find success.
Graphic via Nathan Jahnke, Pro Football Focus
Wide Receiver/Tight End
DeMario Douglas: 8 targets, 7 receptions, 86 yards, TD
After accumulating just 18 total points throughout the first four weeks of the season, Douglas has racked up three touchdowns and over 20 points per game in back-to-back weeks. He’s become a steady target for Maye and while his production appears to be pretty TD-dependent, he could be worth a roster spot in deeper leagues. Especially with the injuries New England is facing on offense — even with Brown being back.
Hunter Henry: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 48 yards, TD
Henry remains a staple in Maye’s passing game despite the snap share decreasing. He’s still a big target in the redzone and worth a roster spot in deeper leagues.
Romeo Doubs: 1 target, 1 reception, 42 yards, TD
Doubs did not return after his 42-yard touchdown grab, so this is a situation to monitor, especially with veteran wideout Mack Hollins also dealing with an injury. Even with Brown back, the WR room is still beat-up.
A.J. Brown: 10 targets, 3 receptions, 27 yards
Brown really struggled in his return to the field after missing the last four weeks due to an ankle sprain. He dropped multiple passes that could’ve boosted his line tremendously, not to mention a few other passes that were contested but still catchable. The bottom line here is Maye is calling his name often and Brown had chances. I expect these two to click moving forward.
Kyle Williams: 1 target, 1 reception, 12 yards