SI Fantasy Expert Starting Two Jets' Skill Players vs. Commanders

Breakout highly possible for New York duo against poorly-performing Washington defense

New York Jets' sophomores Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson haven't consistently produced gaudy statistical numbers, but the running back and wide receiver have certainly flashed their abilities to take over a game. 

This week's matchup suggests a breakout is possible, if not probable, for New York's two young playmakers. The Washington Commanders (4-10), who visit the Jets (5-9) on December 24 at 1:00 pm ET, features the NFL's worst-ranked defense (384.5). The unit has surrendered 32 passing touchdowns and 11 touchdown rushes through 14 games. 

Banking on more ineptitude from the Commanders' defense, Sports Illustrated senior fantasy analyst Michael Fabiano has tabbed Hall and Wilson as players to START in Week 16. Hall is one of Fabs's featured running backs while Wilson is amongst the highlighted receiver quintet. 

Hall, who averages 4.2 yards per carry, has totaled 1,078 yards from scrimmage this season. He has accounted for five touchdowns (2 rush, 3 rec). He has exceeded the 40-yard rushing mark only once in his last nine appearances. 

Wilson is on the verge of his second consecutive 1,000-yard receiving campaign. The 2022 first-round draft pick has made a team-high 79 receptions for 882 yards and three scores. Wilson has made multiple catches in every game this season, but the Jets targeted him only four times in the Week 15 road loss to Miami.

Prediction Panel Awards Jets Split Decision over Commanders in Week 16

From Week 16 Start ’Em, Sit ’Em:

Running Backs

Breece Hall vs. Commanders (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Hall is coming off his worst game since Week 3, scoring a gross 2.8 points in a blowout loss to the Dolphins. I’d stick with him this week, though, as Hall has a plus matchup against a porous Washington defense. Over the last four weeks, their defense has allowed the seventh-most points and the second-most rushing yards to opposing runners.

Receivers

Garrett Wilson vs. Commanders (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Wilson has failed to score double digits in two of his last three games, but it’s still tough to ignore this week’s matchup against the Commanders. Their defense has been awful against wideouts this season, allowing 22 touchdowns and the second-most fantasy points to the position. It also allowed the second-most PPR points to perimeter receivers.

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