Fantasy Football Focus: Thursday Night Edition – Jets vs Patriots

Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

NEW YORK JETS VS. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

WHEN: 7:25 p.m. CDT

WHERE: NFL Network

With Fantasy Football roster decisions due today in regards to the players taking the field tonight, let’s take a look at some of the pertinent information about the Jets and the Patriots.

INJURIES 

NEW YORK:

Quarterback Mark Sanchez is Out, maybe for the season, and shouldn’t be on you roster. Geno Smith is now the starter and might be a nice guy to have as your back up at quarterback, especially  in keepers leagues.

Wide Receiver Jeremy Kerley, who caught 3 passes in week one for 45 yards, is Out.

Tight End Kellen Winslow and wide receiver Santonio Holmes are both listed as Questionable. Be wary of starting either player. If you have healthier options, play them.

NEW ENGLAND:

The two names of consequence that most likely won’t play are tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Danny Amendola. Both are listed as Doubtful. Take no chances here. Sit both this week.

The good news is Stevan Ridley practiced this week and is listed as Probable. If you need him in your line up, he is a safe bet to play.

Shane Vereen is a definite Out in week two. Make sure he is not in your line up.

START ‘EM OR SIT ‘EM

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

As always, Tom Brady is a no doubter, no matter who the opponent might be. With Danny Amendola doubtful and Wes Welker in Denver, Julian Edelman looks to be Brady’s target. If he is still on your waiver wire, grab him and start him. I’m sure other receivers will catch passes for the Patriots tonight, but for now, Edelman is the man. Brady has few other options

Stevan Ridley is probably a safe bet to start if he is your second or third running back. With Vereen gone, he should get the bulk of the carries.

There are very few players I would trust to have in my line up from the Jets right. One decent option might be Stephen Hill. Geno Smith targeted 9 times last Sunday, and he reeled in 6 catches. With Holmes banged up and Kerley out, Hill’s role is sure to increase.

I mentioned earlier, Smith looks to be a guy you might want to take a chance on but you should not be relying on him as your starting fantasy quarterback. Let’s see several good weeks before giving him the nod over whomever else you have on your roster.

As far as the Jets running backs are concerned, neither Bilal Powell or Chris Ivory should be in your line up in week two. Both should be strictly roster depth until they can produce.

Outside of Brady and Edelman, there are few must starts from this Thursday night match-up. Hopefully, most of you can sit back and enjoy the game without having to rely on too many of the players in tonight’s game. It isn’t the most glamorous match up on paper but it is New England and New York, and they usually provide entertaining football when they go head-to-head.