Jets' Fantasy Outlook: One Must Start, One Sit for Week 5 vs. Broncos

Offensive improvements coupled with poor Denver defense provide prime opportunity for Gang Green investors

In danger of fading into the abyss, the New York Jets' offense showed fantasy football relevancy behind a somewhat surprising performance by beleaguered quarterback Zach Wilson.

Despite being written off as a bust, Wilson managed to out-perform reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes on Sunday Night Football. The former No. 2 overall draft pick completed percent of his passes for 245 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He successfully ran in a game-tying two-point conversion.

Some fantasy managers like SI's Jen Piacenti are even considering Wilson for a spot in their DFS starting lineups. I'm not there yet, but I am certainly on board with confidently deploying Jets' playmakers Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson in Week 5.

"Zach needed that game. He showed what he can really do. He played his tail off," said Hall. 

In addition to Wilson's recent competence, Gang Green has a favorable matchup against the NFL's bottom-ranked defense in Sunday. The Denver Broncos are allowing a league-high 461 yards per game to opposing offenses. This is a defense that allowed Chicago quarterback Justin Field looks like an MVP candidate in Week 4.

Even if Denver tightens up on that side of the ball, there should be ample opportunities for the Jets' playmakers to eat. While receiver Garrett Wilson will have to contend with an All-Pro cornerback in Pat Surtain II, the Jets-Broncos matchup seems like an especially advantageous one for Hall. As a result, the second-year running back is the Jets Country START of the Week.

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Jets at Broncos (Week 5)

Sunday, Oct. 8 • 4:25 pm ET

Location: Denver, CO (Mile High Stadium)

Watch: CBS / fuboTV (start your free trial)

Point Spread: Broncos -2.5

Money Line: Chiefs -137; Jets +115

Total (Over/Under): 43.5

Odds provided by SI Sportsbook. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-522-4700.

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START: Breece Hall, RB

Having made a remarkably quick recovery from ACL surgery, the Jets' starting running back is officially a full-go. 

Head coach Robert Saleh said Hall, who started training camp on the PUP list, is no longer limited by a "pitch count." The news likely means an increase in opportunities for the electrifying ball carrier who has averaged nine touches per game through the season's first four weeks. 

"I'm still not even a year removed from my injury yet, only nine or 10 months from surgery. I'm honestly just blessed to be back on the field and really being able to play good football again," said Hall on Wednesday.

Despite a small sample size (32 total carries), Hall has ripped off three explosive runs already this season, including a 43-yarder against the Chiefs in Week 4. He accounts for 6.6 yards per carry.

In Week 5, the second-year pro goes up against a Denver defense that permits opposing ball carriers to gain 5.6 yards per attempt (second worst in the NFL). Prior to being injured in the second quarter of last year's road game in Denver, Hall ripped off a 62-yard touchdown run that helped the Jets to a 16-9 victory.

Good News for Healthy Breece Hall Heading to Denver

SIT: Jets' Defense

The unit was somewhat productive on the fantasy front last time out, intercepting Patrick Mahomes twice and receiving a gift of a safety when Chiefs' tackle Jawaan Taylor was flagged around the goal line. 

Still, I'm staying away from the Jets' defense in this road matchup against Russell Wilson and Co. The Broncos' offense has exceeded the 30-point mark twice in four games and Wilson has been cooking with a 106.7 quarterback rating thus far. 

There's also the fact that the Jets' secondary will be without starting cornerback D.J. Reed on Sunday. Backup Brandin Echols is also out. 

The defense has failed to pile up points by sacking the opposing passer in recent weeks. After sacking Josh Allen five times in the season opener, the Jets have totaled only 2.0 sacks over the past three games.

Jets Have Grounded Two Elite MVP Candidates; Russell Wilson Next?

READ MORE:

MMQB Staff Predicts Jets vs. Broncos Outcome

Morstead and Jets Still on Mission, 'Got to Find a Way to Win'

Jets' Offensive Line Pivot Showing Viability