Rivals headed in opposite directions are set to meet in Foxborough on Thursday. The Jets have had plenty of drama this season, from disastrous losses to midseason trades. However, two straight wins have given New York some momentum heading into Week 11.
Gang Green’s newfound confidence will be put to the test against the 8-2 Patriots. Quarterback Drake Maye ($12,000) is an MVP favorite, while New England’s defense has looked dominant.
In this short-week clash, expect the unexpected. Which lesser-known names are poised to make an impact in this AFC East grudge match? Here are two value plays to consider in all DFS lineups ahead of Thursday’s New York Jets vs. New England Patriots contest.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1.25M Thursday Night Showdown [$300K to 1st] (NYJ @ NE)
TE Mason Taylor, New York Jets ($4,000)
Garrett Wilson is currently listed as doubtful due to a knee sprain suffered last Sunday. Without the Pro Bowler, an already limited Jets passing game will be in dire straits. Justin Fields ($9,400) has struggled in the pocket all season, especially when it comes to throwing deep. This season, he’s averaging 142.9 passing yards per game, second-worst among all quarterbacks with five or more starts. In a game that could get ugly, expect plenty of short/intermediate passes from New York.
The biggest beneficiary of that gameplan would be Mason Taylor. All things considered, it’s been a solid first year for the LSU alum. Through nine games, he’s hauled in 30 catches for 246 yards and a touchdown. When Wilson was out in Week 8 vs. Cincinnati, Taylor caught five passes on eight targets for 34 yards and a TD. This season, the Patriots have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. New York’s rookie standout is poised for a breakout performance in primetime.
WR Kyle Williams, New England Patriots ($2,000)
Finding a low-priced steal on New England’s roster is somewhat difficult. After all, there’s a good chance the Pats hold a multi-score lead for most of this game. Still, it’s Thursday Night Football – weird stuff happens. Kayshon Boutte’s status this week is up in the air. The wide receiver was held out last Sunday with a hamstring injury. Don’t be shocked if the playoff-bound Patriots play it safe with one of their top pass catchers. If Boutte misses another game, there’s more opportunity for some of New England’s other wideouts.
That includes Kyle Williams, a training camp standout that has taken some time adjusting to the NFL. This season, the rookie has only snagged three total catches. However, he did notch a 72-yard touchdown last weekend vs. the Buccaneers.
Expecting a massive play every weekend is silly. Still, there’s some chemistry here with Maye. Even more important, Williams was on the field for 56% of all snaps vs. Tampa Bay. Similar usage on Sunday, against a depleted Jets secondary, could lead to more fantasy points. Given his dirt-cheap price, the wide receiver makes sense for those opting for a stars and studs strategy.
