Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
Miami has won two straight and have surprised many with their continued improvement. Coming off their bye week the Dolphins look to keep pace with the first place New England Patriots who outlasted the Jets with an overtime victory last week. The Jets are coming off a difficult loss to the division rival Patriots. Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has silenced his critics with his solid performances over the last couple weeks. The Jets will try to get back to .500 when the Dolphins travel to New York for this division showdown.
Miami has proved they can run the football and in the last couple weeks have they have not run the ball as effectively as they would like. The Jets on defense are allowing over 147 rushing yards per game. Look for Miami to try to get back to running the football this week against the Jets. New York will try to do something they have not done in the Rex Ryan era, sweep the Dolphins. Miami has a solid defense but their weakness has been in the secondary. Sanchez has been throwing the ball well as of late, so look for the Jets to try to exploit Miami’s vulnerable secondary.
Fantasy Outlook
Miami has a stout run defense. Do not expect much from the Jets running backs. Through the air Miami is allowing 284 yards passing per game. One of the Jets receivers will have over 100 yards but will it be Jeremy Kerley or Stephen Hill. Start them only in deeper leagues or if you need a bye week replacement. The Jets are susceptible to the run. I like Reggie Bush in this match up.
New England Patriots at St. Louis Rams
New England is coming off a close fought victory last week against the Jets. This week they look to stay atop the AFC East when they face Sam Bradford and the Rams. The Rams have lost two straight and look to turn things around against a Patriots team that has not been playing up to their usually high standards. The Rams lost for the first time at home this year last week against the Packers. This week they look to rebound as both teams travel overseas for face each other at Wembley Statium in London.
The Rams have played solid in recent weeks but this has not translated into victories. They rely on running the football and playing solid defense as their formula for success. On the other sideline the Pats rely on the golden arm of Tom Brady, as he goes the team goes. The Rams will try to slow down Brady and the offense by putting pressure on Brady. The Rams defensive line is one of the best in football featuring several first round draft picks. On offense the Rams will attempt to exploit the Pat’s secondary that has been under performing lately. Can the Rams score enough points to out last Brady? I don’t think so. Look for the Rams to keep it close but in the end the Pats have too much offense to lose. The Pats will escape from London with a victory and remain in first place atop the AFC East.
Fantasy Outlook
With the exception of Tom Brady and the Tight Ends, the Patriots like to spread the wealth on offense and because of this they do not have a sure fire fantasy starter. On the other side the Rams WR Brandon Gibson is Sam Bradford’s favorite target but unless you are in a PPR league don’t expect much out of Gibson. Stay away from Steven Jackson he is now spitting carries 50/50 with Daryl Richardson, so unless you need a bye week replacement or are in a deeper league bench him this week against the Pats.