When it comes to fantasy football the creed all fans must follow is “reality over fantasy.” This means if you have a player on your fantasy squad that’s about to go up against your favorite real-life team, your rooting interest must reside with your real-life team. This can cause conflicting emotions that may lead to remote control throwing or even worse, poor fantasy draft day decisions. The best way to overcome these issues is to make sure your fantasy team is loaded with players from your favorite real-life professional team. Unfortunately for New York Jets fans, this isn’t always possible. The Jets haven’t had many Pro Bowlers at skilled offensive positions since Super Bowl III. You’d have to go back to 1998 to find an RB1 (Curtis Martin) or QB2 (Vinny Testaverde).
Still, this doesn’t stop us from dreaming. The following is a list of 2018 New York Jets with the best fantasy football upside.
New York Jets Fantasy Football Breakdown
New York Jets worth drafting
Bilal Powell, RB – Powell is coming off his best season where he rushed for 772 yards, had 23 receptions and 5 TD’s. Powell has good hands coming out of the backfield and will serve as the Jets third down back. He holds much more value in PPR leagues than standard scoring leagues. His best chance for fantasy success is if he wins the starting job from Isiah Crowell and stays healthy. With such a little amount of wear and tear on his body, the 29-year old running back could be an everyday RB2 if everything falls his way. Look to draft Powell in rounds 7-10 in a 12-team PPR league where he’ll hold the most value.
Quincy Enunwa, WR – Enunwa missed last season due to a severe neck injury. He’ll return this year as the Jets top receiver in a west coast offense that should benefit his size and skill set. However, questions at quarterback will ultimately undermine Enunwa’s season. Enunwa’s ceiling is that of a WR3 in a standard PPR league, but that’s if he can return healthy and pick up where he left off prior to be injured. Look to add Enunwa in rounds 10-12.
Isaiah Crowell, RB – Crowell will begin the season as the Jets starter at RB. His best attribute is his durability having started all 16 games the last two seasons. He lacks the big-play capability and breakaway speed. He also is not blessed with great hands. Crowell would be best in standard non-ppr leagues. His value resides as an RB3/flex position. I would look to add him late if at all, to fill a spot on my bench in case of injury.
Better left for free agency
Josh McCown, QB – McCown was a huge surprise for the Jets last year. His QBR approached ‘95’ as he threw for 18 TD’s and just 9 picks. Injuries cut his season short and along with that, any chances the Jets might have had at shocking the world and making the playoffs. There’s no way McCown repeats that success this year, especially with Sam Darnold waiting in the wings. At best McCown is an injury replacement for your fantasy team as long as he remains the starter.
Terrelle Pryor, WR – What a difference a year makes. Coming off a season where Pryor had 77 receptions and over 1,000 yards receiving, his encore season with the Washington Redskins saw him battle ankle injuries which led to only 20 catches. The best advice for Pryor is to take the wait and see approach to find out if he can round out to his once WR1 form.
Jermaine Kearse, WR – Kearse was the Jets top receiver last year, pulling in 65 catches for 810 yards and 5 TD’s. A crowded wide receiver room and questions at quarterback make Kearse a player to avoid. Depending on who is behind center and if Enunwa can stay healthy will ultimately determine Kearse’s success.
Late season waiver wire additions
Sam Darnold, QB – The ‘golden boy’ will get his chance, but the New York Jets and the NFL are a long way from the San Clemente Tritons.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB – Teddy used to be a legit QB2 before a devastating knee injury. If he becomes the player he once was, things could get interesting at Florham Park.
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