The New York Jets have been in a tailspin since starting the season off 4-0, losing four of their last five games, including a Week 10 loss to former Jets coach Rex Ryan and his Buffalo Bills. Frustration had been mounting for both the team and their fans, making Sunday's Week 12 matchup against the Miami Dolphins critical--not only to quell concerns, but also to avoid falling below .500 for the first time this season. The Jets rose to the occasion on Sunday, crushing their division rival 38-20, led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Ryan Fitzpatrick had his best performance as a member of the New York Jets on Sunday, throwing for 277 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions on 22-37 passing. He also added 21 yards on the ground. Interestingly enough, Fitzpatrick had his best performance of the season after shaving his signature bushy beard. The same thing occurred last year, when Fitz was a member of the Houston Texans, as he threw for a career-high six touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans the week he trimmed his beard. Perhaps he should make shaving his beard a weekly ritual. From a fantasy perspective, despite his great performance on Sunday, Fitzpatrick remains a QB2.
Brandon Marshall also had his best performance as a Jet, hauling in nine receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Marshall exploded in a big way on Sunday after failing to surpass 50 receiving yards in his past three games, despite the fact that he caught a touchdown in each of those games. Marshall has now caught five touchdown passes in his past four games and is a clear-cut WR1 in any format.