Both New York Jets star wide receivers have been limited in practice but are ready to go for Sunday’s showdown with the New England Patriots. Brandon Marshall has been dealing with a minor calf injury and Eric Decker has been recovering from a knee injury. Both players saw limitations in this week’s practices but are listed as probable for Sunday.
The Jets have surpassed all of our expectations with a 4-1 start to the season and the wide receiver play has been a huge reason why. Chicago Bears fans are throwing deep dish pizzas at New Yorkers after seeing Marshall return to form on the Jets following the offseason trade between the two teams. Marshall has been balling all season with four games of 100+ receiving yards and four games with a touchdown scored. This is not the New England Patriots of old as opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers have been putting up big fantasy numbers against them all year. The second talented Jets receiver Decker has caught a touchdown in every game he has played in this season. With his health getting better each week, Decker remains a tremendous under-the-radar option in traditional and daily fantasy. New York will have to take advantage of New England’s secondary and the duo of Decker and Marshall happen to be one of the best pairs in the league.
The only concern about going all in on the Jets receivers has to depend on quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. As always, the Jets have a weak spot at the quarterback position but Fitzpatrick is starting to prove himself as a trustworthy fantasy option. Fitzpatrick has an inconsistent track record but has thrown for two touchdowns in four of New York's five games this season. Even if Fitzpatrick has a bad game, it could still lead to good fantasy production. The Patriots usually win games going away if they force multiple turnovers. A big New England lead would cause the Jets to have to throw more than usual in an attempt to catch up on the scoreboard. That just means more passing stats for Fitzpatrick and more importantly, a lot of garbage time potential for Marshall and Decker. It’s a win-win scenario for fantasy owners this week. In a close game, the Jets will have to look for their best weapons. In a blowout, the stats would also be padded. This is the perfect week to commit to Marshall, Decker and possibly even Fitzpatrick.