The Jets performance on Sunday was largely predictable, but the fantasy values of some players became a bit more clear as a result of the game. It might be difficult to gauge based on a matchup against a Raiders team that looked out of synch, but at least the usage of players was finally laid out. Odds are most of these players are already owned, but their role on a fantasy team is still important to recognize.
Also:Week 1 Injuries and Knee Jerk Reactions
Geno Smith - It became clear in the preseason that Geno Smith would be the starter for the Jets barring a catastrophe. His value to fantasy owners was less clear, although there was potential there. Smith is not going to be a top tier quarterback this year, but he will be startable when he has a decent matchup. He might even be startable if the matchup is not appealing. Quarterbacks who can get yards on the ground can be valuable fantasy commodities. Geno Smith should be a bit like Terrell Pryor was for Oakland last year, a lot of mistakes but solid fantasy point totals. If you need a quarterback and Geno is available grab him.
Chris Johnson - I was not high on Chris Johnson before and I'm still not after this game. Johnson had a nice showing, but he's part of a full blown time share in New York. There is plenty of value to be had with the player formerly known as CJ2K, but most people who have him on their squad paid a bit more than they should have. Johnson is a great flex and a borderline RB2 for now.
Chris Ivory - Ivory got less than 50 percent of the carries, but he really made the most of them going over 100 yards for the game. Most of this came on a 71 yard carry where Ivory showed surprising burst. He has always been a solid back when healthy, but that has not happened too often throughout his career. For now keep Ivory to a flex play with upside.
Bilal Powell - No more than a stash-and-wait option. He'll have value if Johnson or Ivory go down.
Eric Decker - Decker was universally panned as a bust candidate when he signed with New York. He actually appeared to have solid chemistry with Geno Smith versus the Raiders. The numbers were slightly better than average (5 catches 74 yards) but it bodes well for the future. I still don't see Geno Smith developing fast enough to make Decker more than a WR2, but that is better than I expected before the season.
Jeremy Kerley, David Nelson, etc. - Just look somewhere else, there is a better receiver on your waiver wire than any Jet after Decker.
Jeff Cumberland - Cumberland is what he was on Sunday-4 catches for 50 yards, a.k.a. boring. He will haul in a touchdown pass three or four times this season, but don't gamble on predicting when that will happen.
Jace Amaro - The backup tight end for the moment, Jace Amaro is not ready to contribute in a meaningful way. Keep him on your watch list this season and pick him up if you see any signs of life.
D/ST - The defense did enough to win and looked dominating at times...against a rookie quarterback and the Raiders. I think that this defense is deeply flawed despite having some playmakers and good coaching. They are a solid matchup play but not a top defense.
Nick Folk - The Jets have a solid kicker but not a great offense. Folk won't miss too many, but there are guys who will get more opportunities. Middle of the road value in fantasy.
