The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills meet on Sunday with little to play for aside from pride. While both teams are technically alive in the playoff hunt from a mathematical standpoint, it would take gargantuan collapses from multiple teams for either the Bills or Jets to come close to the playoffs this year.
This would seem to be a good fantasy match-up to avoid, especially from the Jets’ side, as Gang Green has struggled for the better part of the last few weeks. However, their rookie quarterback, Sam Darnold, is back from injury—injecting some hope into the final month of the season just as Josh Allen’s return has given Bills fans a reason to keep watching.
If you’re thinking about playing any Jets players this week, first of all, you might be reading the wrong blog. But whether you’re here as a friend or foe, here are some possible players to watch in fantasy football this week.
RB Isaiah Crowell
Buffalo was gashed on the ground by the Jacksonville Jaguars two weeks ago, allowing a season-high 226 rushing yards on 39 attempts in the 24-21 victory. Last week against the Miami Dolphins, the Bills tightened their run defense, allowing only 60 yards rushing on 23 carries. When Buffalo last met the Jets, Crowell ran for only 19 yards. However, he did manage to find the end zone for the Jets’ lone touchdown in a 41-10 blowout loss. Crowell is speedy, and the Jets will certainly look to take pressure off of Darnold in his first action in a month. Look for a steady diet of Crowell early in the game.
TE Chris Herndon
Yes, Buffalo does a great job defending tight ends, allowing the fifth-fewest points to the tight end position this year. However, Herndon seemed to be forging a great rapport with Darnold before the rookie signal caller was sidelined by a sprained foot. In the four games immediately prior to Darnold’s injury, Herndon was targeted 15 times—making 11 catches for 176 yards and three touchdowns. In three games without Darnold, he has continued to improve, catching 12-of-18 targets for 122 yards. In a shallow tight end pool, Herndon has some legitimate upside, especially if you just lost a tight end last week (like I did with Greg Olsen).
K Jason Myers
It’s not too often that I can legitimately hail a player from my alma mater, so please excuse me for repeatedly touting the Marist College kicker over and over again. Myers is a legitimate stud, having made 28-of-30 field goals this year, and he excels from long range, as well. Myers is six-of-seven from at least 50 yards out, and he’s nine-for-nine on kicks between 40 and 49 yards. Those long field goals are typically worth more fantasy points, so if this Red Fox is on the waiver wire, I suggest picking him up immediately.