Jets-Patriots Preview
Patriots @ Jets
Tom Brady: Must Start - I have no idea what to expect in this game, but the Patriots passing game probably won’t be firing on all cylinders right off the bat this season with so many new parts. Brady averaged 228 yards a game against the Jets last year, with four total scores and two picks. Expect solid, unspectacular numbers again this week.
Laurence Maroney: Must Start - Workload shouldn’t a problem. Maroney was worked hard in his final preseason effort, and handled it well.
Randy Moss: Borderline WR2 - I’d consider benching Moss if you don’t start 3 WRs. Sure, he could explode for two scores. But he could also be limited to 30-40 snaps or aggravate his hamstring. I want to see something first.
Donte’ Stallworth: Borderline WR3 - I’m not huge on Stallworth this season because I feel like the Patriots will spread it around. With Moss shakier than normal, Stallworth gets a small boost. The Jets aren’t deep at cornerback either.
Wes Welker: Weak Play - Welker gets a huge bump in PPR leagues, but the upside isn’t there most weeks for a WR3 in standard leagues. He’ll be solid, but I respectfully disagree with Mr. Simmons that he’ll be a great fantasy sleeper. More like a great reserve to have for bye weeks.
Ben Watson: Borderline TE1 - Like most Patriots receivers, his role will change dramatically each week. The Jets shut him down three times last year.
Jets
Chad Pennington: Weak Play - Pennington had some solid numbers against New England last year, but Bill Barnwell explained why the numbers were a little inflated.
Thomas Jones: Borderline RB2 - It would be hard to sit Jones at a flex position, but the running back you drafted after him may be a better RB2 play this week. The loss of New England’s Richard Seymour and Rodney Harrison could make their rush defense vulnerable, though.
Leon Washington: Weak Play - You could do worse at a flex spot in points-per-reception leagues. I expect at least ten touches, which is close to what Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush got Thursday night (not that their owners enjoyed it).
Laveranues Coles: Solid WR2 - One good game last year against the Pats, two poor. Asante Sameul will get an early chance to prove his career year was no fluke.
Jerricho Cotchery: Solid WR2 - Cotchery destroyed the Patriots last year with runs after the catch. He wound up with 291 yards and three scores in three games. Ellis Hobbs is a big downgrade from Samuel, so one could argue Cotchery is a better option this week. In fact, I just did and updated our rankings.
Justin McCareins: Nope
TE Chris Baker: Could improve this year, but not on the radar yet.
Our newspage will have all the Friday afternoon injury reports. That's all for Pancake Blocks today.
Comments
Hey Gregg. I dig the game previews. Keep em comin!
Outside of Reggie Bush's one big game last year where he scored 4 TDs, his averages over the other 15 games were 35 yards rushing and 41 yards receiving, with a total of 3 rushing TDs and 1 receiving TD. So last night's game was more of the norm, rather than the exception. I like the guy, he's fun to watch, and he should be better in his 2nd year, but in non-PPR he's pretty risky for where he's being drafted.
Posted by: Tony C | September 7, 2007 04:36 PM
Ive got to start three wideouts from Lee Evans, Cotchery, Braylon Edwards and now Patrick Crayton and i cant decide...someone help.
Posted by: Mike | September 7, 2007 05:10 PM
Mike, I'd definitely leave in Evans (borderline stud, don't sit him) & Crayton (extraordinary circumstance against suspect NYG Def).
It's a coin flip between Cotch & Braylon. Pennington looked awful in preseason, but so did Frye. Sheesh...I guess I'd go Cotch. Good luck!
Posted by: JS | September 7, 2007 05:19 PM
How is Chad a weak play with two solid WR2s? I think the whole offense is decently solid this week. Manginius will figure out a way. Gregg, why are you on wikipedia?...your mug is on national tv last night, but no wikipedia?
Posted by: Zachary | September 7, 2007 06:50 PM
i meant "why are you not on wikipedia..."
Posted by: Zachary | September 7, 2007 08:43 PM
Good point, Zachary. He is wrong and doesn't know much about the Jets. For this week...just the week...the best WR is Justin. He's been catching them deep all summer and I know Manhimer will go deep to him twice at least.
Posted by: Roland | September 7, 2007 09:05 PM
james jones or chris chambers for wr3. it is looking as if jennings is out.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 8, 2007 09:21 AM