Fantasy Football Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em Week 7: WR Jermaine Kearse

Wide receiver Jermaine Kearse of the New York Jets may be a viable FLEX piece in PPR formats in the upcoming matchup against a suspect Minnesota Vikings pass defense.

Following a 9 catch, 94-yard Week 1 performance, many would assume this could be the return of the 2017 form of New York Jets wide receiver Jermaine Kearse.  The one where he was a top 30 PPR receiver in fantasy football, however I feel the need to pump the breaks here for a minute. Kearse may be the most experienced man in the receiver room for the Jets, but that is not where the problem lies.  Let me get into this a bit.

While Sam Darnold, our shiny new quarterback, has looked better the past two weeks, I still would say the one thing he lacks is consistency.  Do you want to know what would hurt that even more?  Losing his leading receiver for a month, which is what just happened.  For those new to the Jets, that is not Kearse.

Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa will be out three to four weeks with a high ankle sprain, not an easy injury to overcome.  The issue, however, is not with Quincy.  While Kearse did an admirable job filling in for him, it has yet to be seen who will get the targets after a week of practice and Darnold has new reads going into the game.

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If my one year of playing High School JV quarterback taught me anything, its that chemistry is the most important thing you can have between a quarterback and pass catcher.  Otherwise, it will be a long season.

One more question?  Terrelle Pryor.  His catches need to be accounted for as well, along with Robby Anderson.  While the Jets may not have a true “number one” receiver, they have a room full of two’s and three’s who want the football as much as the next guy.

All this being said, I do feel Kearse is a viable FLEX heading into Week 7 fantasy football.  Considering his veteran savvy and proven track record, I feel a connection should be able to be made, even if forced.  The Vikings defense, while overall pretty stout, has a below average pass defense that we should be able to exploit and gain yards on.  Ideally, you would be able to start two other wide receivers in those slots; however, when taking into account bye weeks and injuries, Kearse should be a viable, decent floor (albeit low ceiling) flex play.

Prediction:  6 Catches, 74 yards, 0 Touchdowns