👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Thursday Night Matchups: Karlos Williams, Sammy Watkins, Chris Ivory & More

Rex Ryan is trying his hardest to hype up this week's Thursday Night Football matchup between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, wearing helmets into his press conferences and appointing team captains that may rustle a few feathers. But if there's one thing that Jets fans know for sure, it is that his pre-game antics doesn't always necessarily lead to winning football.

It's an AFC East rivalry game with a ton of roster connections from both sides, and the weather is leaning towards being messy (80% precipitation). The game should be fun, so lets dissect some must-play (and must-sit) fantasy choices below.

 

Bills @ Jets - Thursday Night Analysis

Karlos Williams and LeSean McCoyWith running back options thin across most leagues, I'm playing both running backs even with McCoy not being 100% with a shoulder issue. If I had to pick between the two, I'm leaning towards playing Karlos Williams over McCoy.

In every game he has played in, Williams has posted double-digit fantasy points and has scored a touchdown (the seventh player in NFL history to score a touchdown in each of his first five games). Williams will probably be even more involved with McCoy's health at least being a slight issue, and Williams' ability to sniff out the end zone is second-to-none. Going against the Jets run defense isn't an A+ matchup, but until he slows down he deserves to be in lineups.

Sammy WatkinsComplaining about touches seemed to have paid off for at least one week, as Sammy Watkins had his best fantasy game of the season last week against the Miami Dolphins. The return of Tyrod Taylor certainly boosts Watkins value, but he did tweak his ankle and should have Darrelle Revis on him for the majority of the game. Watkins is not a WR2 this week, but it would be tough to leave him out of any flex spot after last week's outburst. Ryan is going to let Taylor take a few shots down field, and Watkins should be the primary target on them. In my personal opinion, I would wait until next week to use Watkins again.

Tyrod Taylor: The Jets secondary may have actually improved with Antonio Cromartie being doubtful for the TNF game, as Marcus Williams and the recently activated Dee Milliner will see more snaps. With a banged-up Watkins and McCoy, I'm choosing a player like Blake Bortles over Taylor this week if we're discussing similar options. With bad weather in the mix and the Jets coming off a four-turnover game against Jacksonville, Taylor is on my sit list along with Watkins.

Eric DeckerEric Decker is the Karlos Williams of wide receivers. Decker has found the end zone often in 2015, scoring all games but one. He's been particularly effective in the first half of games recently, with six receptions in the first half against Jacksonville and four receptions in the first half against New England three weeks ago. He was even effective against Oakland when Ryan Fitzpatrick had to leave the game during the first drive. Both Decker and target-hog Brandon Marshall should be in all lineups.

Chris IvoryWhen Chris Ivory has 20+ attempts he's at his most effective, as his running style wears down defenders of all kinds. With Nick Mangold back in the mix for the Jets and the weather leaning on the negative side, this feels like a 20+ attempt game for Ivory. When receiving at least 20 carries (four times), Ivory has reached 20+ fantasy points in three of those contests. Surprisingly, the one game he received 20 carries and didn't have 20 fantasy points was last week against the Jaguars, and he still ended up scoring two touchdowns. I highly doubt Fitzpatrick will be slinging it all over the yard against a blitzing Ryan defense, so Ivory should feast.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

CeeDee Lamb

Is CeeDee Lamb Being Undervalued?
Bijan Robinson

Could Just Be Entering His Dynasty Prime
Derrick White

Delivers All-Around Line in Game 7 Loss
Neemias Queta

Finishes with Double-Double in Playoff Loss
Malik Washington

Emerging as a Low-Cost Dynasty Buy Out of Ambiguous Receiver Room
Jaylen Brown

Posts Strong Line but Celtics Fall Short
Diego Pavia

Ravens Noncommital on Diego Pavia's Future with Team
Tyrese Maxey

Dominates in Series-Clinching Victory
David Njoku

Visiting the Chargers on Monday
VJ Edgecombe

Provides Key Spark in Game 7 Win
Patrick Mahomes

Expected to Participate in OTAs
Joel Embiid

Delivers 34 Points in Series Clincher
Ayo Dosunmu

Considered Day-to-Day Ahead of Game 1
Mike Reilly

Delivers Two Assists in Game 1 Win
Logan Stankoven

Establishes New Franchise Record With Five-Game Goal Streak
Frederik Andersen

Records Second Postseason Shutout
Radko Gudas

Ducks Hope to See Radko Gudas Return During Second Round
Josh Manson

Day-to-Day Ahead of Game 1 Against Wild
Joel Kiviranta

Considered Day-to-Day
Joel Eriksson Ek

Questionable for Game 1 Against Avalanche
Cal Raleigh

Scratched From Lineup, No Reason Given
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits with Left Hamstring Tightness
Anthony Edwards

Remains Week-to-Week
Joel Embiid

Available for Game 7 Against Celtics
Paul George

Cleared to Play Saturday
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Doubtful on Injury Report
Kevin Huerter

Uncertain for Sunday
Brandon Ingram

Listed as Questionable for Sunday's Game 7
Franz Wagner

Won't Be Available for Game 7
Jayson Tatum

Won't Play in Saturday's Game 7
Owen Tippett

Unlikely to Play Saturday
Jonas Brodin

to Miss Game 1 Against Avalanche
Nikita Zadorov

Played Through Torn MCL in Playoffs
Connor McDavid

Played With Fractured Foot Against Ducks
Alexander Nikishin

a Game-Time Call Saturday
Nikolaj Ehlers

Expected to Play Saturday
Jayson Tatum

Added to Injury Report as Questionable
Greg Dulcich

Carries Breakout Potential into 2026
Kaelon Black

Well-Positioned for Dynasty Success Following NFL Draft
J'Mari Taylor

Can J'Mari Taylor Break Through Crowded Running Back Depth Chart in Jacksonville?
Eli Raridon

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Michael Trigg

Facing Uphill Battle for a Roster Spot in Dallas
Matthew Hibner

Is Matthew Hibner the Tight End of the Future in Baltimore?
Seth McGowan

Likely to be RB3 to Begin his Rookie Season
Caleb Douglas

a Low-Upside Dynasty Stash Competing for a Role in Miami
Francis Mauigoa

Giants "Comfortable" With Francis Mauigoa's Back
Jermod McCoy

Raiders Optimistic About Jermod McCoy's Chances of Playing This Year
Deonte Banks

Giants Decline to Pick Up Deonte Banks' Fifth-Year Option
Zavion Thomas

Is Zavion Thomas' Dynasty Value Being Overinflated by Unexpected Draft Capital?
Justice Hill

Role in Question After NFL Draft
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Finishes Series with Double-Double Effort
Audric Estimé

Audric Estime Buried on Saints' Depth Chart
LeBron James

Leads Lakers Past Rockets in Game 6
Scottie Barnes

Anchors Both Ends in Game 6 Victory
Jarquez Hunter

Unlikely to See a Significant Usage Spike in Second Season
Evan Mobley

Shines Despite Game 6 Overtime Loss
RJ Barrett

Hits Clutch Three to Force Game 7
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Leaves With Side Tightness, Considered Day-to-Day
Jacob Misiorowski

Leaves Start Early on Friday With Hamstring Cramp
Brandon Nimmo

Aggravates Hamstring, Pulled Early on Friday
Ryan Helsley

Placed on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Dylan Holloway

Signs Five-Year Extension With Blues
Barrett Hayton

Jack McBain Iffy for Friday
Logan Stanley

a Game-Time Decision Friday
Viktor Arvidsson

Ruled Out Friday
TB

Nicholas Paul Set to Return Friday
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Ready for Action Friday
Victor Hedman

to Be an Option "Really Soon"
Ryan Pepiot

to Miss the Rest of the Season, Scheduled for Hip Surgery
Brandon Woodruff

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
Nico Hoerner

Leaves Friday's Game Early With Neck Tightness
Jack Della Maddalena

Returns At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Set For UFC Perth Main Event
Quillan Salkilld

Set For Co-Main Event
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Tim Elliott

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Ollie Schmid

Set For His UFC Debut
Marwan Rahiki

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Wyatt Langford

Suffers Setback With Forearm Injury
Brandon Woodruff

to Get Some Time Off
Nikita Chibrikov

Recovering From Core-Muscle Surgery
Michael Harris II

Could be Forced to the Injured List
Luis Robert Jr.

Officially Placed on Injured List
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Wednesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
MLB

Phillies-Giants Postponed on Wednesday Due to Rain
MLB

Orioles-Astros Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather on Wednesday
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF