Update (8/21): Smith missed the Jets' second preseason game due to an injured ankle. This weekend he'll get the start against the Giants and if all goes well, he could be New York's starting quarterback week one. As a starter, Smith will likely struggle, so there's little need to have him on your fantasy team this year.
It would appear as though Mark Sanchez's days are numbered in New York. The Jets used a second round pick to snatch up West Virgina's Geno Smith hoping he could become New York's new franchise quarterback. When camp begins this season it will be a two man race to see who will start week one.. Due to Mark Sanchez's poor performance last season, we'd bet Smith is the preferred choice; he'll need to prove he can lead the team before getting the opening day start. No matter which player starts for the Jets, there are too many questions surrounding the team for either to be fantasy worthy opening day.
Update (8/21): Sanchez started and played three quarters of last weekend's game against the Jags, completing just 13 of 23 pass attempts while throwing just one touchdown and once again another interception. Nothing against Jacksonville, but a performance like this against a team that's rebuilding is not what Coach Ryan wanted to see from Mark. With Geno Smith getting the start this weekend against the Giants, the week one starting job appears to still be wide open. Even with a week one start, chances are we'll see Sanchez benched by mid season as Coach Ryan begins to prepare Smith for next year. Don't waste a draft pick on Sanchez.
The best thing that could have happened to Sanchez is the Jets releasing Tebow. Unfortunately, the Jets releasing Tebow was probably the worst thing for Sanchez too. On one hand, Tebow was always looming in the background with fans chanting for him to take the field; On the other hand, we all know Tebow is a horrible quarterback, mechanically speaking of course. With Tebow gone, there's now nobody on the roster that will draw attention away from Sanchez. It is now put up or shut up time for him and we believe it will be shut down time for Sanchez in New York. He may be listed today as the Jets' number one quarterback, but we expect to see Geno Smith under center week one. Smith may not be ready for the NFL, but if he can turn the ball over 25 or fewer times then he's already done better than Sanchez. If the Jets don't cut Sanchez (which they'd need to take a huge cap hit to do) then we're likely to see him holding a clipboard week one. You could add Sanchez as an emergency backup to Geno Smith, but we're not sure that taking up a roster spot is worth it.
Update (8/21): Ivory missed the Jets' preseason opener due to a hamstring injury. He returned to action against the Jags posting lackluster numbers while watching Bilal Powel do most of the damage. Even with a poor start to the preseason, Ivorywill be the Jets' starting back week 1 IF he's healthy.
In April the Jets traded a fourth round draft choice to the Saints to acquire Chris Ivory. The hope here it to replace Shonn Greene with another big power back, but we're not sure Chris is up for the task. Throughout his career Ivory has just about run the gambit when it comes to injuries, from knee, hamstring and foot injuries all the way up to concussions. If he can stay healthy and the Jets' passing game can open up the defense then Ivory could be a nice fantasy starter. On the other hand, injuries or an ineffective pass game could put a hurt on Ivory's season. There is a lot of risk here, but there could be great reward for those willing to take that chance.
Update (8/21): With Mike Goodson gone, Powell has stepped into the backfield as the Jets' second back. With an injured Chris Ivory watching from the sideline, Powell did little to help his case to become the starting back in New York's first preseason game against the Lions. In their second game Powell's performance was much better, but Ivory returned to the field and looks to be the starter this weekend against the Giants. So long as Ivoryis healthy, Powell will be the Jets second back. He should still see plenty of time on the field and once Ivory becomes injured again, it will be the Bilal Powell show.
Due to recent news in the Mike Goodson saga, Bilal Powell may become the Jets' second back before pre-season even begins. From a rushing perspective, Powell lacks the size and speed head coach Rex Ryan likes in his every down backs. This alone should be cause for concern for fantasy owners. Even if Powell is elevated to the second back and Ivory misses time due to injury, it is unlikely Powell would be the only back. For starters, Ivory would need to miss time and the Jets would need to part ways with Goodson for Powell to hold any fantasy value. These events haven't occurred yet, so there's no need to draft Bilal at this time.
Update : Due to his brush with the law back in May, Goodson has yet to report to camp. At this point the Jets don't know if/when Goodson might show up. With just two games remaining and no practice time with the team, it is hard to believe Goodson will play much of a role in the Jets offense this season.
In mid-May Goodson was picked up on a weapons and drug charge, putting the Jets in a rather difficult spot. On one hand, if they let him go, they'll need to take a cap hit for the guaranteed money Mike will receive; while on the other hand, they could have a PR nightmare on their hands. Either way this is not a good situation for Goodson or the Jets. Just when Mike was going to have a chance to get on the field away from a DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Darren McFadden he goes and does this. For now we'll assume Goodson is the Jets' third down back and replacement for Ivory once Chris is injured. Until we hear some better news, it is probably best to leave Mike off your fantasy roster.
After opening the season with a pair of touchdowns and 89 yards, Hill did little for the Jets the remainder of the season. That shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone seeing as Stephen was a rookie last year and after week 4 he became the Jets' number one receiving option. Add in the less than mediocre play of Mark Sanchez and you have a very poor season for Hill. The good news is Hill has recovered from his LCL surgery, Holmes will be back and the Jets have a new quarterback. The bad news is the Jet's quarterback will be a rookie and this could hurt Hill's fantasy value. With great size, speed and hands, Stephen has the skills to be a number one receiver. Now he just needs a good quarterback to get him the ball. Once we see what happens under center, we'll have a better idea of what to expect from New York's receivers this season. Until then, pencil these top two guys in as second and third receivers.
