For the second time in three weeks, we get to see the New York Jets in primetime. It has been an uneven start to the season for the Jets, but a win on Thursday will point them in the right direction. To celebrate their home opener, its a rivalry matchup with the New England Patriots. From a DFS perspective, fear not, as we have you covered. Let’s dig into some Thursday Night Football DFS picks with preferences ranked within each category.
Thursday Night Football DFS Picks – New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
Captain
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
Not only is Breece Hall the most expensive player on the slate, but he is the most expensive. It shouldn’t come as surprise, and sometimes it makes sense to just get on board.
Two games into the season, it’s clear even though Aaron Rodgers is under center, Hall is the focus of the Jets offense. He is still shaking off rust and has yet to truly get going, but it’s not like he’s been a disappointment either. So far, Hall has 30 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown, but that is not where his true value is coming from. Hall has supplemented his rushing skills by catching 12 of 14 targets for 91 yards and a touchdown.
That provides a strong floor for Hall but it also allows him show off his elusiveness. Especially with the short turnaround, Hall should figure large in the Jets gameplan.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots
I know we aren’t exactly getting creative this week. Instead, we are simply targeting the top running back for each team. It’s also telling that they are the most expensive options on the slate, but it shouldn’t be surprising.
To begin the season, the Patriots are playing better than potentially expected. What’s clear though, is that they are leaning heavily on Rhamondre Stevenson is each game.
After carrying the ball 25 times, for 120 yards, in Week 1, Stevenson followed that up with 81 yards on 21 carries. Stevenson only has five receptions for 15 yards, but his consistent workload on the ground is giving us a lot to like. It also helps that Stevenson has found the end zone each week.
Flex
Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
Neither team has really unleashed their offense yet. In fairness though, I’m not sure the Patriots have much to actually unleash. We know that things are different for the Jets, and when that happens, Garrett Wilson will be leading the charge.
As Aaron Rodgers settles in under center, the one non-negotiable item has been developing chemistry with Wilson. From a DFS perspective, the Patriots have struggled against opposing receivers to begin the season. Wilson is still looking for his first touchdown, but he has 10 receptions on 17 targets for 117 yards.
Once Wilson and Rodgers truly mesh, the exciting receiver will truly be in a position to make an impact. The talent provides a nice floor, and there’s nothing stopping Wilson from breaking out for the season this week. Maybe more importantly, where else are you going to spend your salary cap dollars?
Braelon Allen, RB, New York Jets
After Braelon Allen had just two touches for 17 yards to begin the season, it would be surprising to find him. But after Allen had both a rushing and receiving touchdown on Sunday, the rookie should be on your radar.
It’s clear that Allen won’t supplant Hall. However, as long as the Jets defense can control the time of possession, but the rookie should have a legitimate role in the offense. After Allen scored two touchdowns last week, one on the ground and one through the air, he certainly should have the confidence of Rodgers and the coaching staff.
Allen brings both size and speed to the table. He did have nine touches in Week 2 and gained a combined 56 yards. At this point, it’s easier to count on Allen to consistently touch the ball than most of the other skill position options tonight.
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots
The Patriots, rightfully so, are taking a conservative approach to their offense. A lot of it is by design as they aren’t exactly flush with explosive receiving options. It shouldn’t come as a surprise then that Hunter Henry was very busy last week.
An early chemistry has been established between Henry and Jacoby Brissett and we are looking for that to continue this week. Henry caught eight of his 12 targets in Week 2 for an impressive 109 yards. These weren’t just dump-offs as Henry averaged 13.9 yards per reception and had a long of 35 yards. He has yet to find the end zone, and that is where tight ends truly generate their value. The target share though, presents as a nice floor.
New York Jets Defense
It has taken the Jets’ defense some time to get going. Between the holdout of Hassan Reddick and now the injury to Jermaine Johnson, they aren’t exactly at full strength. Beginning the season in San Francisco didn’t make things any easier as they round back into form.
New York is dealing with some other injuries to key players, CJ Mosley, Michael Carter II, and DJ Reed, but indications are they should take the field on Thursday. After allowing 401 yards and 32 points in Week 1, that came down to 300 yards and 17 points last week. The Jets do have seven sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery as well.
This is a situation which is partly based on reputation. We know that the Patriots will be conservative on offense. Without any real game-breakers, there isn’t much risk and we should receive a solid floor.
Value
Joey Slye, K, New England Patriots
We know the Patriots don’t have an explosive offense. Kickers may be boring, but they have been driving a fair amount of success for people to begin the season. Joey Slye has attempted three field goals in each of the first two weeks of the season. He has converted on five of them while making all three of his extra point attempts. Of the two teams, New England is more likely to settle for field goals than the Jets. Additionally, Slye is the cheaper of the kicker options.
Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, New England Patriots
This is the ultimate boom or bust play. In this case though, Ja’Lynn Polk isn’t exactly a free square either. He entered the season with some optimism after a strong summer, but the Patriots offense hasn’t exactly complied. Polk has caught three of his four targets to begin the season and he doesn’t have a reception of more than seven yards. Last week, Polk did catch a touchdown, and that can’t be overlooked.
Fade
Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
This might come back to hurt us, but Aaron Rodgers needs to fully prove himself first. On an isolated basis, that certainly has been the case, but in reality, Rodgers did what he had to for New York to emerge victorious on Sunday. The veteran had a few strong drives and what was essentially two good, touchdown, drives in Week 1.
The overall production hasn’t been there yet for Rodgers, and we have a quick turnaround to Week 3. Through two games, Rodgers has just 343 passing yards with three touchdowns and one interception. We aren’t going to see any production on the ground from Rodgers, and he is still establishing chemistry with his receivers in game situations.
Between Hall and Allen, the Jets will be relying heavily on their run game. In a game in which the over/under is only 39.5, it’s difficult to truly pay up for Rodgers until he proves worthy.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!