Field Level Insights: Will Jets show up for second half to tame Texans?
Thu Oct 31 11:45am ET
Field Level Media
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets rapidly are running out of runway and the Houston Texans are in town Thursday with a chance to turn out the lights on New York's disastrous 2024 season.
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich and Rodgers described the onset of darkness as the Jets' mood after their current losing streak hit five games last week in a no-show effort resulting in a loss to the New England Patriots.
Dire would be the word for New York with Rodgers limping toward his 41st birthday and a meaningless second half of the regular season. Even so, a win Thursday night sets up the Jets (2-6) for a shot at making a run at a wild-card spot.
No, seriously. A win to improve to 3-6, 10 days before Week 10 -- at Arizona -- before a date with old pal Joe Flacco (Nov. 17), flopping Seattle (Dec. 1, happy birthday to Rodgers), and an early kickoff at Miami (Dec. 8) adds up to a possible 7-6 record with four games to go, none of them impossible to win (Jaguars, Rams, Bills, Dolphins).
Of course, that would demand something out of the Jets they last displayed in their previous Thursday night game Sept. 19, a 24-3 win over the Patriots.
Fight.
There are three two-win teams in the AFC East but the loss to New England last week, and Denver (5-3) beating the Jets in a 10-9 shocker are two games that might haunt the Jets in a tiebreaker scenario later this season.
As for this week, the Texans (6-2) defeated Buffalo, the runaway favorite in the East and appear to be the biggest challenge left on the Jets' schedule. A perfect 5-0 in conference games this season, they've also been in constant one-possession games and have a net total point differential of just nine. By comparison, the Bills are plus-84 and the Jets are minus-20.
We teamed with Inside Edge to find the keys to the Thursday night matchup and a few stats of interest to the betting-inclined.
The Jets are beating themselves. With 477 penalty yards, six interceptions and eight fumbles (one lost), negative or net-zero plays spell doom for an offense scrambling for an identity. That puts New York's defense on the field far too long, especially in the second half when the Jets' offense has gone dormant more often than not. Including Week 4 when they put up nine points in a one-point defeat at the hands of the Broncos on Sept. 29, the Jets have two second-half touchdowns in the past five games. The Jets allowed five second-half TDs in the past two games alone.
A tired defense allows chunk plays and can't stop the run. The Jets fit the bill. And in comes Texans running back Joe Mixon, who is averaging 106.3 rushing yards per game over his last three games.
The Jets do catch a break with old nemesis Stefon Diggs out of the lineup. Diggs joined Houston's leading receiver, Nico Collins, on injured reserve with a torn ACL in last week's game.
A press-man strategy by the Jets' secondary suits in this matchup given the high level of success quarterback C.J. Stroud is having this season targeting his first read, according to Inside Edge. He's among league leaders in the category and working without his top two targets Thursday. De facto lead receiver Tank Dell has been targeted more than six times in just two of seven games this season, which could invite a bigger role for wide receiver Robert Woods and tight end Dalton Schultz.
Houston's defense is limiting the damage done without using extra bodies.
The Texans have pressured opposing QBs on 36% of pass attempts with a base rush since Week 5 to rank second in the NFL in that statistic. The Jets are second-worst in passer rating against a base front in the same timeframe.
Hand it off to Breece Hall or Braelon Allen, you say?
The Texans lead the NFL with a miniscule 34 percent success rate on rushing attempts utilizing their base defensive front this season, and the Jets generated successful running plays on only 37 percent of attempts against a base front this season (31st in the NFL).
Rodgers becomes more mistake-prone after first down. He's particularly pick-happy on third down. Entering Thursday's game Rodgers is 32nd in the NFL among qualified passers with a 47.9 passer rating on third down since Week 5.
There is one connection working for New York: Rodgers to Garrett Wilson.
Wilson, second in the NFL with 51 receptions in 2024, is averaging 7.2 receptions per game over his last five games and has five-plus catches in seven of eight games, which ties him for the NFL lead in the category.
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The Paur Report
Dynasty | Saints quarterback Derek Carr is set to return this week. Dynasty Analysis: Carr will return to a Saints team suddenly reeling. After scoring 91 points in their first two games en route to a 2-0 record to start the year, the Saints have lost six in a row and face what might be a must-win this week against the Panthers. Carolina seems to cure a lot when teams face them, but it's the NFL and Carr will need to return to form quickly. His dynasty ADP dip should stop should he look like he did prior to his injury to start the year.
Dynasty | Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks could make his NFL debut this week. Dynasty Analysis: Brooks is coming back from a torn ACL suffered while he was at Texas and the Panthers have been taking it slowly with him. However, it seems they'll finally have what they hope is their future workhorse at running back in the fold as early as this week. Chuba Hubbard has been stellar this season, so don't expect Brooks to come in and suddenly make him irrelevant. Still, this is exciting as dynasty managers who drafted Brooks have been waiting patiently.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (groin) missed Wednesday's practice due to a groin strain. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Love sees a "realistic chance" of suiting up on Sunday against the Detroit Lions despite missing practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old exited last Sunday's 30-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars early with a groin strain and is labeled day-to-day. He has been terrific this season, throwing for 1,547 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while rushing for 28 yards on 10 attempts over six games. Love will try to practice later in the week and look to play in a divisional battle against Detroit. Malik Willis would start for Green Bay if Love is inactive. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Love's status heading into Week 9. Love is currently QB10 in the latest RotoBaller Week 9 rankings and is a must-start if active in a plus matchup against the Lions.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Houston Texans. Lazard will miss his second consecutive game due to a chest injury. The 28-year-old has caught a touchdown in three of his last five contests. Overall, Lazard has caught 30 of 44 targets for 412 yards and five touchdowns across seven games in 2024. Lazard's next chance to suit up will be Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals. Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams will lead the Jets wide receivers corps on Thursday, and Mike Williams is expected to see an increased role with Lazard sidelined. Despite playing 58% of the offensive snaps, Williams wasn't targeted in last Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. The 30-year-old is off the fantasy radar outside deep leagues in a plus matchup against a vulnerable Texans secondary.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Panthers will start quarterback Bryce Young this week. Dynasty Analysis: Hope springs eternal in Charlotte as Young at least showed a tiny glimpse of potential last week when he didn't completely faceplant in a spot start for Andy Dalton. He'll take on a suddenly reeling Saints team with the Panthers hoping upon hope he can build upon last week's game and start looking like the player they thought they drafted. Young's performance this week will be big as the trade deadline is coming and he could be on the block. At this point, his dynasty value is steal near zero.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (shoulder) did not participate in Wednesday's practice. The 29-year-old's status suddenly appears to be in doubt ahead of Week 9 versus the New England Patriots. Both Boyd and Calvin Ridley were non-participants during practice, leaving Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as the Titans' top healthy receiver. There's still plenty of time for both Boyd and Ridley to get healthy, but if they don't, Westbrook-Ikhine would step up as Tennessee's No. 1 receiver at home.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has been sidelined with a non-football-related issue for over a month, but head coach Antonio Pierce said that the 23-year-old is "getting close" to making his return. Mayer played a depth role through three games at the start of the season, catching just four passes for 21 yards and zero touchdowns. He remains buried behind rookie Brock Bowers and should be avoided in all fantasy leagues, even if he returns as soon as he's eligible in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) was a limited participant during practice on Wednesday. The 23-year-old has missed two consecutive games, but it looks like he's getting closer to returning for Week 9 against the New England Patriots. Through five games as the backup to Tony Pollard, Spears registered 114 rushing yards, 76 receiving yards, and one touchdown. He's a solid bench stash but can't be trusted in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (hip) was limited during practice on Wednesday. While it's always noteworthy when someone appears on the injury report, McConkey is trending in the right direction. After all, he was able to get on the field Wednesday and still has four days to get even healthier before the Chargers face the Cleveland Browns. The rookie, who totaled 111 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday, is a low-end fantasy WR3 for Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (oblique) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The veteran joins DK Metcalf (knee) and Laviska Shenault Jr. (knee) as Seattle's wide receivers on the initial Week 9 injury report. Given that Lockett was able to get on the field in some capacity, it seems like he's trending toward playing on Sunday versus the Los Angeles Rams. Assuming he suits up, he'll rank as a low-end fantasy WR3.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (groin) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. The veteran wide receiver was designated to return from injured reserve earlier this month and appears to be getting closer to making his return. Chark hasn't played yet this year, but he was solid in Carolina last season, contributing 35 catches for 525 yards and five touchdowns. However, with players like Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Josh Palmer making a strong impression, fantasy managers shouldn't expect Chark to carve out a significant role on offense upon his activation.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The second-year pass-catcher has been sidelined for two consecutive games but is making impressive strides ahead of his potential return to the field in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns. The 23-year-old has made solid offensive contributions this year but isn't a very dependable redraft option in a receiver room that also features Ladd McConkey and Josh Palmer.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts QB Joe Flacco has thrown multiple touchdowns in eight straight regular season starts, and he has topped 300 passing yards five times in that stretch.
Fantasy Spin: It is hard to argue with Flacco's production, and the Colts have now named him the starter going forward. He is a quality QB2 with legitimate streaming potential.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin caught a touchdown, his second of the season, in a loss to the New England Patriots in Week 8. Conklin will look to keep it going against the Houston Texans in Week 9's Thursday night game. The Texans have been tough on tight ends this season, allowing just the 30th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Conklin has turned in a few nice games for fantasy this season but this is not the week to trust him in starting lineups. Treat him as a low-end TE2 this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (shoulder) and running back Tony Pollard (foot) were both listed as non-participants on the team's Wednesday practice report. It's an interesting development, as neither player looked hampered by an injury in Tennessee's 52-14 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions. Pollard (82%) and Ridley (79%) were both on the field for their typical allotment of snaps on Sunday, so maybe we can chalk it up as a veteran's day of rest. Still, the DNP designation is slightly concerning. With the Titans hosting the New England Patriots in Week 9, the duo's practice participation over the next two days will be telling of their Sunday status. Considering Pollard has been solid all season, and Ridley is coming off his breakout game in Week 8 -- fantasy managers will want to monitor their progress ahead of Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (quad) and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) were both listed as limited participants for the team's first practice of the week. White logged just two snaps in the team's 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, and the quad ailment could be the reason why. It's the second injury that's hampered his playing time this month after he suffered a groin injury that held him out of Weeks 5 and 6. Meyers, on the other hand, returned in Week 8 from an ankle injury that kept him out of Weeks 6 and 7, and this may be just a day of rest for the veteran. The 27-year-old played 81% of snaps in the loss to the Chiefs, catching 6-of-7 targets for 52 yards and a touchdown. He's worth monitoring ahead of the Raiders' Week 9 road tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals, while White will likely continue backing up backfield mate Alexander Mattison if he plays.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson has notched three 100-yard receiving games over his past four contests. He will look to keep it going against the Houston Texans in Week 9's Thursday night game. Wilson has yet to feel a target squeeze with Davante Adams in town as he has 17 in the two games since the Jets added the latter in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Texans have been vulnerable against receivers this season as they are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position in 2024. Wilson sets up as a high-end WR2 heading into Week 9.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams has yet to post a big game since his new team traded for him two weeks ago, catching seven passes for 84 yards in two games. He will look to make a bigger impact on his team's offense heading into Week 9's Thursday night game against the Houston Texans. Houston represents a plus matchup for Adams as they are allowing the eight-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Treat Adams as a low-end WR2 heading into Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads the NFL with 2,197 passing yards and 274.6 passing yards per game.
Fantasy Spin: Smith has thrown for more than 280 yards in five of his eight games, but he has thrown just eight touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. The steady yardage totals give Smith a decent floor, but he will need to find the end zone more often to be more than a QB2.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets running back Breece Hall ran for 80 scoreless yards on 18 carries in a Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will look for more in Week 9's Thursday night game against the Houston Texans. Houston has been tough on opposing running backs this season as they are allowing just the 29th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Despite the tough matchup, Hall remains busy enough in the passing game to make him mostly matchup-proof from a fantasy perspective, so he can still be treated as a mid-range RB1 heading into Week 9.
From RotoBaller
