Week 9 vs. Buffalo Bills
Jermaine Kearse had been the Jets' most productive receiver in recent weeks, but he was limited to 2 receptions for 14 yards last Sunday. That makes only 3 receptions over the past two games.
The Jets face a Buffalo defense ranked 11th in aFPA to wide receivers. Kearse's teammate Robby Anderson has received more attention in the offense over the past couple weeks. Kearse still has some value but it is as a borderline WR3 or flex option.
Week 8 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Jermaine Kearse has had 4 targets in each of the last three games. Last week, it only produced 1 catch, but it was for a touchdown. Kearse has seemed to be the most efficient Jets receiver, but QB Josh McCown has spread the ball around, and it seems several receivers could be the main target any week.
The Jets host the Falcons who are ranked 15th in aFPA to wide receivers, so we expect the passing game to continue its recent success. That ranks Kearse as a solid WR3 or flex play for Week 8.
Week 7 at Miami Dolphins
In five games this season, Jermaine Kearse has had 4, 3, 4, 4, and you guessed it, 4 receptions. So, he has been consistent. He is also still the best wide receiver option in New York (probably including the Giants). Kearse's 3 touchdowns also raises his value and gets him into a WR3 or flex ranking for Week 7 against a Miami defense ranked 17th in aFPA to wide receivers. So, Kearse is an option this Sunday.
Week 6 vs. New England Patriots
Jermaine Kearse was only targeted 4 times last week and had 4 receptions for 38 yards, but he rewarded anyone who played him with his third touchdown of the season. Kearse remains the best option of the Jets wide receivers, but the conservative offense the Jets are running will always limit them in fantasy, especially in the passing game.
Kearse will face the Patriots, who are ranked 27th in aFPA to wide receivers, so it might be a decent day for him and the passing game—just don't expect too much. Kearse rates a WR3 or flex option for Week 6.
Week 5 at Cleveland Browns
Jermaine Kearse still remains the most targeted receiver in the Jets lineup, although that did not turn into good fantasy results this past weekend. He caught 4 passes for 17 yards. QB Josh McCown seems to be spreading the ball around with five players receiving no less than 4 targets but no more than 7.
The Browns only rank 26th in aFPA to wide receivers, so it's a good matchup for Jets receivers. However, since nobody has really stood out as the top receiver, Kearse does not make the cut as a Week 5 starter. He's just on the outside of the WR3/flex tier.
Week 4 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jermaine Kearse had season-low totals in targets (3) and catches (3) last week against Miami, despite the Jets having some success in the passing game. There is a still a good chance the reliable Kearse will be McCown's favorite target every week.
However, the Jaguars will be a tough test as they are ranked fifth in aFPA to wide receivers. Kearse has not had any big games yet and that is unlikely to happen in Week 4. Keep Kearse on the bench against Jacksonville.
Week 3 vs. Miami Dolphins
The late acquisition of Jermaine Kearse has paid off for the Jets as he has emerged as their best receiver through the first two weeks. He has been targeted 15 times, recording 11 receptions for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns. This is impressive considering the Jets offense is not very good.
Kearse is a good waiver wire pickup if he is still a free agent. He had a decent run in Seattle where he was never the No. 1. It's a good matchup this week against Miami, who is 28th in aFPA to wide receivers.
However, the Jets' offense as a whole keeps coming up when you talk about the fantasy impact of the skill players. Picking up Kearse is a good idea for depth, but he should still remain on your bench for Week 3.
Fantasy Upside
Jermaine Kearse was second on the Seahawks playing 71% of the snaps. He made a career-high 49 catches and started all 16 games for the first time in his career. His overall numbers have gotten better every year.
Fantasy Downside
The numbers Kearse put up last year might be his peak. Even if he is listed as the starter, Tyler Lockett is going to get more snaps and more touches this season. He already had superior numbers compared to Kearse in 2015.
2016 Bottom Line
Kearse will still be a part of the Seahawks offense, but not enough to be considered a legit fantasy option. He will be a good late-round pick and serve as depth on your roster. Remember that Lockett has much more value.
Week 18 at Minnesota
Jermaine Kearse has limited value this week just because he is the No. 3 wide receiver. If Tyler Lockett can't play, Kearse moves up into the top-10 fantasy wide receiver list for Wild Card weekend. He still is capable of some numbers if he gets opportunities.
Week 17 at Arizona
Jermaine Kearse is still capable of a big game like he had two weeks ago and he might get more of an opportunity if Tyler Lockett has to sit out with a concussion. For now, keep Kearse on the bench but if Lockett is out, Kearse can move into your lineup
