The New England Patriots have locked up the AFC East for what feels like the hundredth year in a row. With the same record as the Denver Broncos, though, the Patriots can't let up if they want home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Sunday, they take on the 3-11 New York Jets.
Fantasy football advice, Week 16: Who to start/sit for Patriots vs. Jets
Patriots much better than Jets. Same old, same old.
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Several fantasy-relevant Patriots appeared on the week's injury report, including running backs LeGarrette Blount and Shane Vereen and wide receivers Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell. All four, though, appear likely to play Sunday. On the Jets side, running back Chris Johnson and wide receiver Percy Harvin were both listed. Johnson will be fine for Sunday, and Harvin should be good to go as well, though he won't be 100 percent.
The Jets play host Sunday, with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
PATRIOTS
Start 'em: Against the awful Jets' pass defense, Tom Brady looks like a primo option among quarterbacks this week. ... It's still Rob Gronkowski, and you're still using him. ... Stephen Gostkowski has been the league's best kicker. Again. ... The Patriots' defense has been good, and now draws a friendly offense.
Start ‘em?: Their various injuries are concerning for Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell, though the matchup looks really good for them if they’re 100 percent.
Sit 'em: The way things are going, how could you put any faith in the New England running game? Shane Vereen might have the best day, or it could be LeGarrette Blount, or it could be Jonas Gray. Or all three could struggle. ... Tim Wright hasn't done anything in three weeks. His upside is fading.
JETS
Start 'em?: It's been several weeks since Chris Ivory has had a big game. He's still a better bet than Chris Johnson, though. Ivory is a reasonable flex option, while Johnson is more of a stretch. ... Eric Decker will likely draw Darrelle Revis in coverage at least some on Sunday, which will hurt his prospects. It makes him a low-end flex.
Sit 'em: It's not exactly a secret that Geno Smith isn't a fantasy option. ... Even if Percy Harvin were fully healthy he'd be hard to use. With his injury, there's no debate. ... Jace Amaro and Jeff Cumberland haven't done much of anything. ... Nick Folk is a prisoner of his bad offense. ... The Jets' defense isn't anywhere near usable against that New England offense.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Stephen Gostkowski, New England defense
Start if you're desperate: Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson, Eric Decker
Bench: Shane Vereen, LeGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray, Tim Wright, Geno Smith, Percy Harvin, Jace Amaro, Jeff Cumberland, Nick Folk, New York defense
