I like Rex Ryan.
Seriously, I like everything about him. He tells it like it is, he’s good at his job, and he knows how to bring a group together.
Think about his tenure as head coach of the New York Jets and what he was able to accomplish. 46-50 record in six seasons with two trips to the AFC Championship game early on. Those Jets teams that went to the AFC Championship game faced two Hall of Fame laden teams with Mark Sanchez under center and almost won one of them (against Pittsburgh in 2010).
Ryan’s teams, to outsiders, had zero business being anywhere near contention yet there they were, the talk of the offseason year after year and under the skin of their opponents. Is he Belichick? No. But let’s not act like he performed like just some guy off the street.
What does this have to do with Thursday Night Football? Ryan is with the Bills now and they’re playing his former team, the Jets. I don’t think this moment is lost on Ryan or his team. I think he wants this one really bad and I expect the Bills to play like it and for this to be one of the more exciting Thursday Night Football games of the year.
New York Jets
Chris Ivory, RB
41, 17, and 26. Those aren’t carry totals for Ivory the last three games those are the yardage totals he’s rushed for during that time. The Bills front won’t be much kinder to him so if you have other options don’t be afraid to explore them.
Eric Decker, WR
On the flip side, if you’re going to beat the Bills defense you’re going to do it passing. Eric Decker hasn’t been piling on the yardage but he has scored in all but one of the games he’s played this season. Viable WR2/FLEX option tonight.
Brandon Marshall, WR
Brandon Marshall is another Jets receiver putting up nice numbers in 2015 (amazing what even steady Quarterback play will do). The Bills will probably make him the focus in the passing game tonight but that shouldn’t mean too much. Marshall has five games this season of 100+ yards so play him with confidence.
Buffalo Bills
Tyrod Taylor, QB
I’ve been burned the last few weeks steering clear of the Jets secondary and watched as opposing offenses have torched the unit. I like what Taylor brings this week, and with a full set of weapons he should be a nice streamer for those in need of Quarterback help this week.
Karlos Williams/Lesean McCoy, RB
These two have almost become what the situation in Cincinnati is with Bernard and Hill. Williams has still outplayed McCoy running the football this season, but McCoy gives extra value in the passing game. Tyrod Taylor being healthy means both will have some FLEX potential tonight but the Jets are no slouches against the run, either.
Charles Clay, TE
The Jets have played eight games in 2015 and only one tight end (Gronkowski) has gotten more than 40 yards on this defense. Do you know who Derek Carrier is without Google and living in the city he plays? He came the closest (39 yards). Oh and if that isn’t enough to steer you clear of Clay tonight then maybe this will do it: the Jets have given up one touchdown all season to the position. to Gronkowski.
Now here’s a .gif reminding you that Brandon Marshall needs you to look alive out there:
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