This Thursday night, we have a hilarious matchup that looks like a sure win for the Jets if you ask the sports pundits. Personally, I have no feelings about the game beyond who to sit or start in fantasy, and since I have a few dogs in this fight, here's my take.
Denver Broncos (4-5) <home team>
STARTERS
Willis McGahee (RB) - Being in the league this long after
this play in the early 2000's seemingly ended his ability to walk is a testament to McGahee's resilience. A few reports of practice trouble is not enough for me to sit this guy, who seems to get stronger as the game goes on and tends to score pretty often. Don't forget that Knowshon Moreno is out for the season, and Tebow only threw a handful of passes last week. Jets defense is really only above-average in the secondary, so expect plenty of successful touches for Willis this week.
Projection: 105 all-purpose yards(rush TD), ~16 Fantasy Points
Tim Tebow (QB) - From ESPN: Since the start of 2010, Tebow has thrown the highest percentage of passes 15+ yards downfield in the NFL. 109.9 QB Rating in the 4th Quarter not enough? What if I told you that only 21% of owners are starting a player who ran for 118 yards two weeks ago, 41 and a score last week, and that this player ALSO throws passes? He throws some passes so poorly that even defenders are nowhere to be found, so don't expect a bunch of tight squeeze, Farve-esque INT's. Might not be Cam Newton, but only Tebow has a 100-yard rushing game by a QB this year. Also 3-1 as a starter. Get on the bandwagon already.
Projection: 125 passing yards (pass TD), 80 rushing yards (rush TD), 1 INT, ~19 Fantasy Points
Von Miller (LB) - Great rush LB with a 7th-most-sacked QB standing there on the other side. If he's available, go ahead and play with confidence.
Projection: 3.5 tackles (1 for loss), 2 sacks, 1 pass def., ~9 Fantasy Points
Eric Decker (WR) - Can't really say that he is a dazzling talent, but Tebow seems to find him when he's REALLY open. Meaning, if anyone scores on a reception for the Broncos, it's going to be Decker. He gets return yards if your league has those, too. In leagues with big play bonuses, he's a must start.
Projection: 2 Rec, 55 yards (rec TD), 40 return yards, ~11 Fantasy Points
BENCH
Eddie Royal (WR) - Was once a viable starter, until Tebow and the read option came to town. Also lost return job to Eric Decker. Don't waste a spot on your roster.
Projection: 3 Rec, 30 yards, ~3 Fantasy Points
Kyle Orton (QB) - 12% owned in Yahoo! Leagues, so this is for someone. If you think he's worth starting tonight "just in case", start tuning into my columns more often. You probably need some help.
Projection: 1 clipboard, 1 backwards hat, ~0 Fantasy Points
New York Jets (5-4) <away team>
STARTERS
Plaxico Burress (WR) - Why do I like Burress in this game? Big target in the red zone, veteran skill set, and catches the ball away from his body. When he has a big game this year, it is a HUGE game. Start Plaxico and feel like a genius when he does it again this week.
Projection: 5 Rec, 45 yards (2 Rec TD), ~16 Fantasy Points
Kyle Wilson (DB) - Don't know about Wilson? Boise DB with a chip on his shoulder, Wilson is often opposite Revis Island and therefore picks up a LOT more opportunity for big plays on defense. Solid tackler, good hands, playing a college-style offense? Solid play at DB, I promise.
Projection: 3 Tackles, 2 Passes Def., ~6 Fantasy Points
BENCH
Shonn Greene (RB) - This is the only player talked about in the Jets' running game, and I just have to blow the whistle here...Greene has only outperformed his projection once in the past month, and it was a 12-point performance at that. He has scored over ten points only four times this year, and in the other games has put up such stunners as 3.4 points, 2.3 points, 7.8 points, 8.6 points, and 7.7 points. Don't get duped this week; the Broncos aren't a sieve like New England and San Diego.
Projection: 76 all-purpose yards, ~7 Fantasy Points
Darrelle Revis (DB) - Darrelle Revis, meet Eddie Royal. Eddie Royal, meet the only guy in the NFL that can't interfere with a pass or get caught holding. Since his opponents usually can't find a way to get open, there's little chance that the ball is coming his way. Revis has exceptional hands and world-class agility, but without any throws his direction, expect a quiet night from Revis. Most Revis owners spent a draft pick on him- don't make it worse. Pick up a safety.
Projection: 2 Tackles, Pass Def., ~4 Fantasy Points