After a week off, the Jets get back to action on Sunday when they visit their division rivals, the Buffalo Bills, for a huge Week 9 AFC East showdown. Gang Green has won its last two games, and is just one game behind the division-leading Bills and New England Patriots. In their last game, the Jets defeated the San Diego Chargers thanks to a huge fantasy day by wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who caught three touchdowns in the victory. Fantasy owners of Shonn Greene also were happy, as the running back had his best game of the season so far, cracking the 100-yard mark for the first time all year. The Bills have the 26th ranked defense in the league, and have won games largely because of their offense, so it should be a good match up for the Jets' skill players. Here's a primer on which Jets you should start and sit on your fantasy team this week.
Start
RB - Shonn Greene - numberFire projection: 11.76 carries, 48.32 yards, 0.26 TDs, 7.71 fantasy points
I think that the numberFire projection is a little low. The Bills are ranked 21st in the NFL in rushing yards per game allowed, as they concede an average of 120 yards on the ground a game. The Jets have run the ball well on the Bills under Rex Ryan, and with Greene off his best game of the season the Jets will go to him a lot. I think Greene comes close to getting 100 yards again, and maybe even finds the end zone.
WR - Santonio Holmes - numberFire projection: 4.08 receptions, 58.71 yards, 0.30 TDs, 7.75 fantasy points
The reason I would start Holmes is because I think the Bills will really key on Plaxico Burress when the Jets get to the red zone. That should open up things for Holmes, who has a chance to score. The Bills' attention to Burress should also benefit...
TE - Dustin Keller - numberFire projection: 3.97 receptions, 44.17 yards, 0.36 TDs, 6.56 fantasy points
Keller should have some red zone opportunities as well, as long as Sanchez looks for him. Keller may not have a huge day receptions/yardage wise, but he has a good chance to add a touchdown, something that's been overdue for a while.
Sit
QB - Mark Sanchez - numberFire projection: 20.38 completions, 232 yards, 1.36 TDs, 13.85 fantasy points
I don't think Sanchez will have a great day, and I don't think he'll have an awful day. I just think you could probably do better at QB on your fantasy team this week. I think the Jets have success running the ball and stick with it, and Sanchez doesn't exactly light it up stats wise.
WR - Plaxico Burress - numberFire projection: 2.60 receptions, 39.08 yards, 0.28 TDs, 5.65 fantasy points
Outside of his three touchdowns last week, Plaxico Burress had one catch. He still doesn't look like much of a force outside the red zone, and you have to think that when the Jets get there, the Bills will key in on Burress and make Sanchez go elsewhere.
Your Call
Jets Defense/Special Teams - numberFire projection: 18.53 points, 2.51 sacks, 1.98 turnovers, 8.29 fantasy points
I'm sitting the Jets defense this week, but it's not a terrible play. Just know that the Bills are 5-2 solely because of their offense, which has been fantastic this year. Gang Green's run defense has been better of late, but Fred Jackson is one of the best backs in football right now. It could go either way.