Call me crazy, but I like kind of Jermaine Kearse this week. He’s about all the Jets have left at wide receiver.
Quincy Enunwa had his moments early in the season, but he’s got a high ankle sprain that should keep him out on Sunday. He didn’t play last week, and he hasn’t practiced at all the last two days.
Robby Anderson also has an ankle injury, and he also looks very doubtful this week. He hasn’t practiced at all the last two days. If he starts, he’ll be playing at less than 100 percent and probably in a less-than-usual role.
Kearse, it seems, will be their lead receiver. He was underwhelming against Minnesota; he was on the field for 90 percent of their plays but didn’t catch a pass (the 2 balls thrown his way both fell incomplete). But Kearse was pretty stellar in their previous game, catching 9 of the 10 passes thrown in his direction. He’s got some ability to work underneath routes.
The Jets don’t have much else at wide receiver. They just signed Rishard Matthews, but he’ll need time to get up to speed. Their other wide receivers are Deontay Burnett, Andre Roberts and Charone Peake.
New York plays at Chicago on Sunday, and it’s a game they should lose badly. But that defense is a lot better against the run (4th) than pass (22nd). I think there will be some superfluous stats, with Kearse catching 4-6 passes. If you’re looking for a bye fill-in wide receiver for Week 8, Kearse could be your best option (particularly in a PPR format).
—Ian Allan