Week 9 at Miami Dolphins
With both Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson out with injuries, Jermaine Kearse is the defacto No. 1 receiver for New York. Last week, he only had three receptions for 30 yards and playing with rookie QB Sam Darnold, it doesn't appear that any Jets receiver is going to be consistent on a weekly basis.
Kearse faces a Miam defense that is 21st in aFPA to wide receivers. Even with a favorable matchup, he isn't much of a fantasy option. Keep Kearse on the bench for Week 9.
Week 8 at Chicago Bears
After nine receptions two weeks ago, Jermaine Kearse had zero catches last week against the Vikings. He was targeted only two times after 10 times the previous week. With Quincy Enunwa out again, Kearse should be prominent in the Jets offense.
He will face a Bears defense that is ranked 21st in aFPA to wide receivers. Even with a favorable matchup, the Jets problems in the passing game are still to persist with the rookie quarterback. We don't expect a big week from Sam Darnold so Kearse should remain out of the lineup for Week 8.
Week 7 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Jermaine Kearse was the Jets leading receiver in 2017. He started this year banged up and has gotten lost behind Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson. Now, Enunwa is out injured so there is an opportunity for Kearse to get more targets and production.
The Jets do have a good matchup this week, as the Vikings are ranked 23rd in aFPA to wide receivers. It will be interesting to see if Kearse can gain the confidence of QB Sam Darnold. He is definitely on the radar for Week 7 but still should remain on the bench.
Fantasy Upside
In his first season with the Jets, Kearse set career-highs in targets, receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. He was kind of hit or miss in Seattle but was very consistent in New York. He brings a veteran presence with him on the field and will either be a favorite again of the veteran QB (Josh McCown) or a reliable receiver for the rookie (Sam Darnold).
Fantasy Downside
Even with the impressive performance in 2017, Kearse will face more competition for targets this season. Quincy Enunwa is healthy and the Jets also brought in Terrelle Pryor, making it difficult to decipher what will be Kearse's role. It's also questionable how good the Jets offense will be overall.
2018 Bottom Line
Kearse is not going in many drafts, but that is probably a mistake by most owners. He is our No. 68 ranked receiver, making him a solid depth option. Target him in the 16th or 17th round.
Week 17 at New England Patriots
Jermaine Kearse has been quiet the last couple games after two huge games in Weeks 12 and 13. With QB Bryce Petty under center, he has not put up big numbers and don't expect those numbers to jump up this week.
Kearse will face the Pats this week, who are ranked 16th in aFPA to wide receivers. With New England playing to win, we don't expect Kearse to revert back to those big numbers. Keep him on the bench for Week 17.
Week 15 at New Orleans Saints
Jermaine Kearse was held to 1 reception for 4 yards last week and this might end up being the norm for the veteran wide receiver who has had success in 2017. The problem is Josh McCown is out for the season and Bryce Petty has taken over. This will affect the Jets' offense overall, but especially the wide receivers and tight ends. Keep Kearse on the bench for Week 15 as we don't expect much from the Jets' passing game.
Week 14 at Denver Broncos
Jermaine Kearse has recorded back-to-back 100+ receiving yard games which is amazing considering his teammate Robby Anderson did the exact same thing. The Jets offense is red hot right now but unfortunately will probably cool down this Sunday.
The Jets face the Broncos who are third in aFPA to wide receivers. That's why we expect the 100-yard streak to be broken. And that pushes Kearse to a bench spot on your fantasy team for Week 14.
Week 13 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Jermaine Kearse had season-high numbers last week against Carolina. He was targeted 11 times which produced 7 receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown. It was an overall great day for the Jets passing game as the numbers were high across the board.
Kearse will face the Chiefs this week, who are ranked 29th in aFPA to wide receivers. There will be an opportunity for another big day for him and the Jets passing game. Because of the matchup, Kearse is an option for Week 13, but only has a low-end FLEX or WR3.
Week 12 vs. Carolina Panthers
Jermain Kearse has been quiet over the past month as teammate Robby Anderson has become the more productive receiver. Kearse was targeted 8 times in the Jets' last game, but that only produced 4 receptions for 35 yards. In fact, the highest yardage total in his last four games was 38.
Kearse faces a Carolina defense ranked 13th in aFPA to wide receivers. We don't expect much from Kearse or the Jets passing game in Week 12; leave him on your bench.
Week 10 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jermaine Kearse's numbers haven't been very good, but he might be getting more targets and playing time with Jeremy Kerley suspended for four games. Kearse only has 5 catches over the last three games.
This will be a good chance for him to break out as he will face a Tampa Bay defense ranked 31st in aFPA to wide receivers. Kearse ranks as a solid WR3 or flex option for Week 10.
