New York Jets at New England Patriots
Last week we saw the Jets win an important game over the Colts to move them to 3-3 and keep pace with the rest of the AFC East also at 3-3. This week we see them try to make it two in a row against a New England team that was shocked last week in Seattle. Bill Belichick does not lose two in row often but that is exactly what Rex Ryan and Jets will attempt to pull off this Sunday.
Last Sunday Belichick and the Pats moved away from their effective run game and threw the ball a record 58 times in the loss to Seattle. This week look for New England to get back to running the football against a Jets defense that is allowing 150 rushing yards per game. Belichick is well known for exploiting opponent’s weakness, this weak look for more of the same against the Jets who are missing key players due to injury. The Patriots have a scary offense for most defensive coordinators, they can beat you through the air or on the ground. The Jets safeties and linebackers will have their hands full with TE Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski getting healthier.
The Jets will try to keep pace with a dangerous New England offense that is averaging 445 yards of total offense per game. This is a tough task for any defense but Ryan is a defense specialist so I expect to see some new wrinkles in Gang Greens’ defensive play selection. On the other side of the ball Jets’ quarterback Mark Sanchez has been under a microscope as of late. His erratic play has some calling for back up QB Tim Tebow.
Sanchez is coming off an unspectacular but efficient game against the Colts but he will need to improve upon that performance if he expects to keep pace with the high-flying Patriots. Jets running back Shonn Greene is coming off a career game and will need to keep it going against the Patriots. I expect New York to try to establish the running game early and try to keep Brady off the field as much as possible.
Fantasy Outlook
Jets RB Shonn Greene has not produced much until last week don’t expect the same points as last week but Greene is a decent option in deeper leagues. Tom Brady and Wes Welker are a must start every week. Both Gronkowski and Hernandez are also must starts in all formats.
Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills
This week seven matchup has the Titans traveling to Ralph Wilson stadium to face the Bills in an AFC showdown. Buffalo is coming off a surprising overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The victory has Buffalo right in the middle of a four-way tie for first place in the AFC East. As much as the Bills have been criticized for their poor play, they performed admirably against the Cardinals and need to keep the momentum rolling if they want to keep up with the ultracompetitive AFC East.
On offense the Bills have a solid running game with the two-headed attack of Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller. The Bills are averaging over 147 yards per game on the ground and the Titans are allowing 129 rushing yards per game, look for Buffalo to pound the ball early to take some pressure off of the passing game. Both defenses are allowing over 420 total yards per game to the opposing offenses so look for a lot of points scored in this contest.
Fantasy Outlook
Titans RB Chris Johnson continues to be a disappointment and owners likely drafted him in the first or second round, so unless you have a better option you have to start him. If your number one tightend is on a bye Jared Cook and Scott Chandler are descend backup options. Spiller and Jackson will continue to split carries so temper your expectations for this RB tandem.