Thursday November 12, 2015
Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

This is actually a meaningful Thursday night game, Week 10 between two teams that could be competing for a wild card spot. In reality very little matters in the seemingly predetermined AFC, particularly the AFC East. The Patriots are seemingly on an unstoppable path to the Super Bowl, and if someone’s going to stop them in the playoffs, it’s most certainly not a team led by Ryan Fitzpatrick or Tyrod Taylor. Nonetheless, this is still an interesting matchup, which could truly go either way. With that said, it may not be an overly productive fantasy night with two tough defenses and mediocre at best offenses.

Buffalo Bills: Key Players

QB Tyrod Taylor
Taylor has been much better than expected this season. He was a hot waiver wire pickup after Week 1 and when healthy has been a decent option. With that said, decent doesn’t mean QB1, especially against the Jets defense. His weapons are subpar and the offensive line is very average at best. Darrelle Revis and the Jets defensive line are not.
Verdict: Sit Taylor. This is simply a bad matchup for a quarterback with mediocre wide receiving corps.

RB LeSean McCoy
McCoy is dealing with a shoulder issue coming off a short week. He is going to play but could be limited. Head coach Rex Ryan says Shady is 100 percent, nevertheless, that’s more than likely not true. The Jets have an excellent rushing defense usually, although, at times they’re awful. McCoy is a very high-risk option.
Verdict: Start McCoy. Start him but temper expectations.

RB Karlos Williams
Williams has been spectacular this season all things considered. He’s scored at least one touchdown in every single game he’s played in this season. Williams is averaging 6.6 yards per carry on the season. If you are deciding between these two backs, I think Williams is the better choice.
Verdict: Start Williams. If I say I’m going to start Williams over McCoy and say start McCoy, obviously you’re starting Williams. Again, temper expectations, though. He’s facing a tough defense and will be splitting carries.

WR Sammy Watkins
Watkins had a huge game on Sunday. Unfortunately, those games have become outlier’s more than regular occurrences for the inconsistent sophomore wideout. He had a noticeable limp after re-aggravating his ankle in the game. He may have a rough go of it on Revis Island. Watkins is particularly bad when less than 100 percent.
Verdict: Sit Watkins. He’s extremely inconsistent, banged up and will be covered by Revis. That’s a no-go for this week.

New York Jets: Key Players

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick is not fully healthy, but he’s definitely going to suit up. It’s doubtful his injured thumb (non-throwing hand) will hinder him much, nonetheless, it could, especially with that defensive line chasing him down and Rex Ryan firing up blitzes.
Verdict: Sit Fitzpatrick. He’s a below average quarterback and Thursday night games can be tough on the passing game. Leave him out this week.

RB Chris Ivory
Ivory has been outstanding at times this season and struggled in others. He’s also dealt with injuries throughout the season. Still, he’s a safe bet to get a ton of carries.
Verdict: Start Ivory. His volume of touches is too great to ignore. The Bills struggle against more powerful backs and the shortened week should cause a more simplified run-heavy attack.

WR Brandon Marshall
Marshall has been so good this season. All offseason I believed he was being under drafted. However, he has far exceeded my expectations. In his worst game of the season, he caught four passes for 67 yards. Five times he’s topped 100 yards and has punched in five touchdowns.
Verdict: Start Marshall. He’s been great so far. At this point he’s a weekly must-start.

WR Eric Decker
Decker has scored a touchdown in all but one game this season, which has really boosted his fantasy value. Nonetheless, he’s a bit too TD reliant for me. He’s not a bad option, but he’s not overly impressive either.
Verdict: Start Decker. You can start him, but only in your flex. It’s very possible you may have a better option, though. He’s not going to catch a TD pass every week.

Final Score
Buffalo: 20
New York: 21

Best Play
Bills: Karlos Williams
Jets: Chris Ivory

Sleeper
Devin Smith