jets preview

You know the New York Jets had a long season last year because their kicker was arguably their best fantasy player. The Jets went 4-12 mainly because they couldn't score points - they managed just 268 all season, less than 17 per game. Assuming they do the right thing in their training camp QB competition, they should score a bit more this season. But again the fantasy standouts will be as few and far between as the wins.

QB: Kellen Clemens should start from Week 1 over Chad Pennington. Clemens (1529 passing yards, 5 TDs, 10 INTs) struggled in his first NFL action, but he has a much stronger arm than Pennington, who simply can't throw deep. Pennington (1765 yards, 10 TDs, 9 INTs) is more accurate, but his inability to throw the long ball results in too many drives bogging down near midfield. That said, neither Clemens nor Pennington is a good fantasy pick. If Clemens developes, 2010 may be a good year for him.

RB: One of the funnier stat lines last season came from Thomas Jones. Look at his 1119 rushing yards, 10th in the NFL, and you'd think he was a top-notch fantasy player. But Jones ran for a grand total of 1 TD. It's hard to fathom that a primary back could reach the end zone so little. The problem was New York's anemic passing game never got Jones near the goal line. That'll improve a bit this year, but not much. Jones will rack up 1000 yards again because he's far and away the Jets' top option. But he won't score enough to be a No. 1 fantasy back. He's a No. 2 in a deep league, a No. 3 in most. ... Jones' backup, Leon Washington (353 yards, 3 TDs) has a high ceiling if Jones gets hurt, but no one will draft him, so you'll be able to scoop him off the free agent wire if need be. And you're in trouble if you need Leon Washington.

WR: Jerricho Cotchery (82 catches, 1130 yards, 2 TDs) emerged as New York's top receiver last season. His catch total was tied for 14th in the NFL and his yardage total was 14th. But he was another victim of New York's inability to sustain drives. Count on his TD total to rise slightly, since Clemens will be able to find him more downfield. But he's a No. 2 fantasy receiver in a deep league, a No. 3 in most ... Laveranues Coles (55 catches, 646 yards, 6 TDs) slipped to New York's No. 2 receiver last season and he'll be that again this year. His best days are behind him, so stay away. 

TE: Chris Baker (41 catches, 409 yards, 3 TDs) was New York's top tight end last season. But he'll be more of a blocking back this year while Dustin Keller, a rookie, makes the grabs. But neither will produce enough to be a starting fantasy tight end.

K: Mike Nugent made 29 field goals last season, tied for fifth in the NFL. Seven of those were from 40-plus yards. He's a good fantasy starter because the Jets don't sustain enough long drives. They'll bog down at the 20 a lot, setting up Nugent. Don't take a kicker until the last round, but Nugent's a top-10 option. I'd put him at No. 5.

D: The Jets had 29 sacks and 25 turnovers last season, not good enough fantasy numbers. They didn't do much in the offseason beside draft Vernon Ghoulston, so don't count on those numbers improving much.

One more thing: Seven of New York's eight home games are against teams that were 8-8 or worse last season, so the Jets have the potential to win some games this season. The problem is the Jets still aren't that good, so look for about a 7-9 mark.     

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