Barring a collapse, the New England Patriots are definitely going to win the AFC East. Second place is much more up for grabs, with two games separating second through fourth in the division. On Thursday, the 5-3 New York Jets face the 4-4 Buffalo Bills, with the winner putting itself in good shape not just for second in the division, but for a chance at an AFC wild card slot.
Fantasy football advice, Week 10: Who to start/sit for Bills vs. Jets on Thursday night
The AFC East has a clear first place team, but Thursday’s game could go a long way toward deciding second.
The Bills have injury concerns from two of their stars, with running back LeSean McCoy (shoulder) and wide receiver Sammy Watkins (ankle) both on the injury report. It seems like both will play, though Watkins in particular doesn’t seem likely to be at 100 percent. Meanwhile, the Jets’ injury report remains long, with quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith, running backs Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell and wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker all having concerns. The good news is that all six are tentatively expected to play; only Powell, who hasn’t played since Week 6, is a big question mark, and his fantasy relevance is low as is.
The Jets host the Bills Thursday, with the game scheduled for 8:25 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
BILLS
Start ‘em: You don’t love the matchup for Tyrod Taylor, but he’s shown to have a high floor. He’s a low-end QB1. ... Against a strong run defense and likely at less than 100 percent, LeSean McCoy isn’t the RB1 he might be, but he’s still an easy starter.
Start ‘em?: On the off chance McCoy is inactive for this game, Karlos Williams becomes a must-start. Even if McCoy plays, Williams has done enough to be a fine flex play with upside. ... With Sammy Watkins at less than 100 percent and against Darrelle Revis, he’s a risky flex option. ... Dan Carpenter is one of the middle range of kickers with limited upside.
Sit ‘em: The Bills’ offense isn’t really potent enough for a second receiver to have big value. Robert Woods might do well with Revis on Watkins, but his upside is limited. ... After an early-season hot stretch, Charles Clay has eight total fantasy points in his last four. ... The Bills’ defense is mediocre, while the Jets’ offense is better than mediocre. This is a bad week for the unit.
JETS
Start ‘em: He’s still getting touchdowns, but Chris Ivory’s yardage has really tailed off of late. He’s still a must-start running back for now, but the arrow is pointing in the wrong direction. ... At this point, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are probably the league’s best 1-2 punch at wide receiver other than the Denver Broncos duo.
Start ‘em?: Take out his abbreviated-by-injury Week 8, and Ryan Fitzpatrick has put up at least 13 fantasy points in every game this season, including 18-plus in his last three healthy starts. He’s a high-end QB2. ... The Jets’ defense has decent upside, and with all the Buffalo injuries, there’s a decent shot at success.
Sit ‘em: Overlooked most of the season, Jeff Cumberland had his best game of the season in Week 9, and that brought his season total to six fantasy points. ... The Jets signed Randy Bullock at kicker after Nick Folk hit injured reserve. Bullock wasn’t exactly great the last time he had a job.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Tyrod Taylor, LeSean McCoy, Chris Ivory, Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker
Start if you’re desperate: Karlos Williams, Sammy Watkins, Dan Carpenter, Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York defense
Bench: Robert Woods, Charles Clay, Buffalo defense, Jeff Cumberland, Randy Bullock
