The New York Jets finally joined their league mates with their Week 8 win against the Cincinnati Bengals, 39-38. Jets owner Woody Johnson’s honest comments after Week 7’s loss provided major motivation for players like Justin Fields and the offense. Johnson’s comments towards the Jets QB were less than favorable. Justin Field’s reaction and performance in Week 8 were enough to silence Johnson’s doubts. Field’s handled the negative woes with class and dignity, showing unwavering faith and confidence in his talents, commanding the Jets to their 1st win.
Justin Fields
Justin Fields completed 21 of 32 pass attempts for 244 yards and 1 touchdown. Fields added 11 carries for 31 yards on the ground, finally breaking out of the offensive barriers as QB. With WR Garrett Wilson out with a knee injury, Fields played well, finding his receivers on a timely basis. The Bengals rank last in all defensive categories, so Fields’ performance was a necessary reset to inspire fantasy managers in his passing ability. The Jets are on a bye in Week 9, then face the Cleveland Browns in Week 10. Fields remains a risky play in all PPR formats, but if he can continue to find his receivers, the Jets have a good chance of overcoming a tenacious Browns defense.
Breece Hall
Jets RB Breece Hall finally found enough space to score his 1st and 2nd touchdowns of the NFL season in Week 8. Hall’s 18 carries for 133 rushing yards and 2 receptions for 11 yards were enough to help his team and young QB to a win. Hall continues to receive the bulk of the carries, even with Isiah Davis getting 7 carries for 65 yards with 5 receptions for 44 yards. With a Week 9 BYE, Hall will be rested plenty to face the Browns in Week 10.
Tyler Johnson
Jets receiver Tyler Johnson led all receivers with 64 yards on 3 receptions and 1 touchdown. Johnson’s speed and elusiveness complement his mid to deep area of work and proved essential in exploiting the Bengals’ weak secondary. Garrett Wilson’s absence has given Johnson’s value a rise in fantasy. Wilson is expected to return after the Jets’ Week 9 BYE. If Wilson remains sidelined for Week 10, Tyler Johnson should remain Fields’ top target.
Mason Taylor
Tight End Mason Taylor once again played well in Week 8, though most of his efforts appeared late during the 4th quarter against the Bengals. Taylor had 5 receptions for 34 yards and 1 touchdown. Taylor’s emphatic red zone play was a pass from RB Breece Hall to help the Jets tie the game. Taylor’s presence in the Jets’ offense is crucial as Fields considers him a safety blanket on short passes. Week 10’s matchup with the Cleveland Browns is favorable if Fields continues to play at a high level.
Giants
The Giants lost their Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles 20-38. Big Blue were overmatched Sunday after rookie RB Cam Skattebo exited the game with a gruesome ankle injury. The Giants are now 2-6 as they welcome the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9. Skattebo is out for the rest of the season, so fantasy managers can drop him safely.
Jaxson Dart
Giants QB Jaxson Dart played well in Week 8 but found no passing room against a reignited Eagles defense. Dart completed 14 of 24 passes for 193 yards and 1 touchdown. Dart added 6 carries for 17 yards and 1 rushing touchdown. Dart’s performance suffers a bit once Skattebo exited the game. The dynamic duo’s offensive impact was missed in Week 8, and the Giants could not move the ball down the field as effectively. Dart faces a Browns defense that likes to pressure QBs at a high rate, with Myles Garrett leading the way. Expect Dart to remain mobile under in Week 9, so he remains a must-start despite coming off a tough loss.
Wan’Dale Robinson
Wan’Dale Robinson led all Giants receivers in Week 8 with 3 receptions for 48 yards. Robinson was covered well by the Eagles’ corners, even with fellow receiver Darius Slayton returning from injury. Robinson’s role going forward remains stable, but his target share will drop now that the speedy Slayton is healthy. Fantasy managers can continue to start Robinson as flex for Week 9 against the Browns.
Darius Slayton
Darius Slayton returned from his hamstring injury in Week 8 looking explosive despite his 2 receptions and 26 yards. Slayton and Dart were unable to connect on several deep passes, but that was due to Philly’s secondary. Slayton operated as the #2 option behind Malik Nabers before his season-ending injury. Fantasy managers can consider Slayton a WR3/flex option in Week 9 as the Darts’ deep threat target to move the ball downfield effectively.
Theo Johnson
Giants Tight End Theo Johnson’s performance was also underwhelming, facing the Eagles in Week 8. Johnson ended his afternoon with 3 receptions for 20 yards and no touchdowns. The Giants will face the 49ers in Week 9. The 49ers are allowing receivers to feast, so fantasy managers can expect Johnson to be heavily targeted in the red zone.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. stepped in as lead back once Cam Skattebo was forced out of the game in Week 8. Tracy handled lead-back duties well with 10 carries for 39 yards while adding 2 receptions. For 14 yards. Tracy is a valued target in fantasy leagues now that Skattebo is done for the season. Tracy will receive the bulk of the carries and receiving volume in Week 9. Devin Singletary remains in the mix but expect Tracy to become a focal point of the offense again.
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