RADIO
Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Eric Decker sat out with a knee injury, and the Jets dropped a sloppy game; one the Eagles had urged them, please, please take this win from us, even when Philadelphia was up 24-7 at half. Week 7 against the Patriots, after two straight games of 100-plus yards on the ground, Ivory rushed for 41 in New York's second loss of the season.
Ivory was not running with the same conviction and speed he had been the weeks prior, a hamstring injury continued to linger. The following week, Ryan Fitzpatrick was sidelined during the first drive of the game, tearing a ligament in his left thumb. Fitz was replaced with Geno Smith and the Jets were blown out by the Raiders. This all leads to the questions, can the Jets win when their weapons aren't all 100%? How will it affect your fantasy team?
Let's start with the beard. So far, so good. It wasn't pretty against the Jacksonville Jaguars in last week's win, but it was as efficient as it could get for Fitzpatrick, since the veteran quarterback had already considered surgery on his non-throwing hand. He finished the day 21-34, with 272 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He did not appear to be favoring his left hand, and still found the end zone, even scrambling inside the ten yard-line for his first touchdown pass to Decker.
Until he opts for surgery, if he misses any time due to it, and until the injury shows any signs of lingering effect, Fitzpatrick can still help the Jets and fantasy owners continue to put up W's. He is a borderline QB1 in 12 team leagues, especially with another injury to Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning's status now in question, and inconsistency from other start-able quarterbacks.
Chris Ivory's fantasy status has been in question for a couple weeks now. We know where the worry is coming from, but let's look at the upside, especially if you're stuck with him. He isn't exactly trade bait anymore, nor should any owner drop him from their lineup. And, he shouldn't ride the pine either. Last week, Ivory rushed for 26 yards on 23 carries, averaging 1.1 yards/carry.
The week prior, 17 yards on 15 carries, again averaging 1.1. You get the picture. So where is this said upside? He is still the go-to guy inside the 10 yard line for the Jets, a place they have surprisingly found themselves often this season. Ivory scored twice against the Jaguars, and in fantasy, touchdowns make everything better. The rushing yards haven't been there, but he has been catching the ball as well, of course helpful in PPR leagues. It isn't time to give up on Ivory, not yet.
The Jets are attempting a rush-attack without center, Nick Mangold, and guard, Willie Colon, and will look to adjust tonight against the Buffalo Bills. Ivory is an RB2, because of his recent lack of production, but should still be started in all 10-12 team leagues.
