New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals
Final Score: Jets 39, Bengals 38
Writer: Pranav Babarjung
A game that initially looked completely controlled by Cincinnati ends up as a high-scoring shootout with standout performances from Breece Hall and Chase Brown. The Jets’ defense came up with three crucial stops in the second half to stay in and eventually close out the game to secure New York’s first win of the season.
Four Up
- Breece Hall — Hall finally found the end zone not once, not twice, but three times this week for a huge game.
- Isaiah Davis — Davis had season highs in touches and yards as he led all Jets RBs in targets and receptions.
- Ja’Marr Chase — The Bengals passing offense flowed entirely through Chase. No touchdowns on this outing but the target volume is just ridiculous.
- Chase Brown — Brown found the end zone twice, finally rewarding fantasy owners who drafted him early.
Two Down
- Tee Higgins — Despite coming away with the long receiving touchdown, Higgins finishes the day with only two targets.
- Andrei Iosivas — Iosivas puts up a goose egg with only three targets, all coming at the end of the fourth quarter.
New York Jets
Quarterback
Justin Fields: 21/32, 244 Yards, TD | 11 Carries, 31 Yards
It feels like the coaching staff didn’t trust Justin Fields to throw the ball. Until the Jets’ fourth drive, wide receivers were not targeted a single time. Ironically, Tyler Johnson‘s targets on that fourth drive were what led to a touchdown. Even following this, the majority of of Fields’ passing plays were short throws that benefitted from high YAC. His upside in fantasy always comes from his ability to get yards on the ground, and as 11 carries shows, he is not afraid to do so. Overall, a good bounce-back game and a much-needed win for a QB who was essentially written off by the Jets’ organization.
Running Back
Breece Hall: 18 Carries, 133 Yards, 2 TDs | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 14 Yards | 1/1, 4 Yards, TD
Breece Hall looked like himself again as he ended his touchdown drought. He was explosive, made big plays when they needed it, and even threw the go-ahead touchdown to Mason Taylor. The Jets’ offense ran primarily through their running backs, and New York’s success was in no small part thanks to Hall’s ability to break off chunk plays of 10 or more yards at any given moment.
Isaiah Davis: 7 Carries, 65 Yards | 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 44 Yards, 2-Point Conversion
Isaiah Davis had season highs in touches and scrimmage yards, gaining over 100. He seems to have taken over the receiving back role in this backfield, and was able to snag a beautiful falling catch with a Bengals defender on his back to secure a 2-point conversion. He was, however, inefficient as a runner for the most part. Most of his ground yards came off one 50-yard rush. If Hall gets traded, Davis will have big shoes to fill.
Andrew Beck: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 9 Yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Tyler Johnson: 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 64 Yards, TD
Tyler Johnson led the Jets in receiving yards, but saw all of his production in only the second quarter. Fields connected with him to score their first touchdown of the game. With no Garrett Wilson, Fields spread the ball out among several pass catchers.
Mason Taylor: 8 Targets, 5 Receptions, 34 Yards, TD
Mason Taylor just barely got his on National Tight Ends Day. He was targeted consistently throughout the game by Fields, but the majority of his points came from the decisive touchdown pass from Hall, which he caught cleanly above a Bengals defender.
Isaiah Williams: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 31 Yards | 1 Carry, 25 Yards
Isaiah Williams mainly returned punts, but came up with a big third-down reception to keep the drive alive right before the half.
Jeremy Ruckert: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 24 Yards
Jeremy Ruckert got his only look on a fourth-and-1 play in the fourth quarter and turned a short catch into a long gain,
Allen Lazard: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Joe Flacco: 21/34, 223 Yards, 2 TDs | 2 Carries, 14 Yards, TD
Joe Flacco looked great to start off the game, leading four scoring drives out of five possessions in the first half. He even kept a touchdown drive alive in the third quarter by rushing for 13 yards on a third-and-12. However, Flacco came up short for the Bengals, being unable to lead them down the field in the fourth quarter for the opportunity for a game-winning field goal. He had three incompletions on the last set of downs to end the game. Fantasy-wise, the three touchdowns resulted in a solid day.
Running Back
Samaje Perine: 9 Carries, 94 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 6 Yards
Samaje Perine overtook Chase Brown with yards on the ground. He saw season highs in usage and production, managing to break off a 32-yard touchdown run. Perine was in during the Bengals’ last drive, and was more efficient than Brown on the ground.
Chase Brown: 12 Carries, 73 Yards, TD | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 32 Yards, TD
Chase Brown had a touchdown on the ground and through the air. He still led this backfield in touches, though he was not as efficient as Perine. Brown saw the majority of the receiving role, however. Going forward it will be interesting to see if he cedes more carries to Perine.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Ja’Marr Chase: 19 Targets, 12 Receptions, 91 Yards
Ja’Marr Chase is Flacco’s favorite person. He dominated the target share with 19. The next most-targeted players on the team had only three. Chase didn’t have any huge plays or touchdowns, so this essentially serves as a floor game in this revitalized Cincinnati offense.
Tee Higgins: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 44 Yards, TD
Tee Higgins‘ day was redeemed by his only reception being a long touchdown. After this play, he essentially disappeared in Flacco’s eyes, with only one more target, which came in the same (second) quarter.
Noah Fant: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 41 Yards
Even without Mike Gesicki, Noah Fant only saw three targets, all of which were on first down.
Tanner Hudson: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 9 yards
Andrei Iosivas: 3 Targets, 0 Receptions