For the New York Jets to gain anything from their dreadful 2020 season, they have to secure the No. 1 overall pick. In order to do so, they will likely need to lose all their remaining games, a task at which they nearly failed last Monday against the New England Patriots. Still, after an unheroic effort from New York secured another defeat, it appears the team remains on track for the top selection.
As one might expect, the situation has not proven useful to fantasy managers. Not only has starting quarterback Sam Darnold missed time with injury, but most of his weapons have also dealt with health issues while others haven’t performed well. That includes the offensive backfield, one of the least productive groups in the NFL this year.
Fantasy Football analysis: Jets RBs La’Mical Perine, Frank Gore
Like the eventual heat death of the universe, Frank Gore is inevitable. The veteran running back continues to pump out modest rushing totals each week while sprinkling a little production as a receiver. However, the Jets have not given him many chances near the goal line which has directly contributed to his total lack of touchdowns in 2020. While most or all of New York’s coaches will not return next season, the staff will continue to explore what it has in younger players, further limiting Gore’s opportunities.
One of those younger players, 2020 fourth-round pick La’Mical Perine, deserves to see more touches in the coming weeks given the state of the Jets’ season. It briefly appeared the coaching staff agreed a few weeks ago when Perine totaled 11 carries and three targets against the Buffalo Bills. That production hasn’t returned in the team’s two games since, and it remains unclear when Perine will see extended work again.
The Chargers defense has done a decent job slowing down running backs, yielding around 97 yards and half a touchdown on the ground and roughly 38.5 yards and a third of a touchdown through the air to the position on average. That doesn’t leave much upside for either Perine or Gore to exploit, especially if Los Angeles establishes an early lead and forces the Jets to pass more frequently.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Sit Gore and Perine.