The Battle for New York occurred against the New York Jets and the New York Giants in Week 8. The Giants are last in the NFC East with a 2-5 record despite a big win in Week 7 against the Washington Commanders. The New York Jets are 3-3 in the AFC East, defeating the Broncos in Week 5 and then the Eagles in Week 6. With a bye in Week 7, a rested Gotham City was poised to keep its two-game winning streak alive against Big Blue in Week 8 with a 13-10 victory in overtime.

New York Jets: Slay

New York Jets QB Zach Wilson played well against a Giants defense that had six sacks against QB Sam Howell in Week 7. Wilson had 17 completions on 36 attempts for 240 passing yards, with a 50-yard touchdown pass to RB Breece Hall while rushing for 25 yards on 4 carries. Wilson’s performance stalled after the 1st quarter score; however, unable to create momentum as the Jets were 0-11 on third-down conversions. Wilson has played well but should not be on fantasy rosters now.

Jets RB Breece Hall slays in Week 8 with a 50-yard touchdown reception. Despite carrying for 17 yards on 12 attempts, the talented back salvaged his performance as a receiver against Big Blue with 76 yards on 6 receptions. The Jets’ offense has been focused heavily on the running game recently, and Hall’s impactful performance is why. Hall remains an elite back and should be a lineup lock in Week 9.

The Jets’ defensive unit in Week 8 was impressive, welcoming back critical players like CBs Sauce Gardener and D.J. Reed, who cleared concussion protocols earlier in the week. The Jets pressured a vulnerable Giants offensive line the entire game. Massive performances by DE Quinton Jefferson’s (0.5) sack, Linebackers C.J. Mosley’s (0.5) sack, Bryce Huff’s (1) sack, and Jermaine Johnson’s (2) sacks on Sunday were enough to shut down Giants QB Tyrod Taylor, who exited the game with a rib injury. The Jets’ defense continued to pressure his backup rookie QB, Tommy Devito, to finish with 4 total sacks against the Giants.

Greg “the leg” Zuerlein slays again with another clutch performance in Week 8. The veteran kicker was perfect on Sunday, converting on his two field goal attempts, one of which came in overtime to secure the New York Jets’ win against the Giants. Zuerlein keeps his team in contention despite the offensive woes by accounting for 7 of the 13 total points scored on Sunday. Fantasy managers looking for a talented kicker should consider rostering Zuerlein with bye weeks approaching.

Saquon Barkley slays against Gotham City despite not reaching the endzone in Week 8. Although the Jets’ defensive group eliminated the passing game, RB Saquon Barkley rushed for 128 yards on the ground on 36 attempts. Tyrod Taylor’s rib injury made Barkley the focus of the offense in the second half despite rookie QB Tommy Devito’s 1st career rushing touchdown. Since returning from the high ankle sprain, Barkley’s performances have been stellar, so fantasy managers can continue confidently starting Saquon.

 

Bomb

New York Jets RB Dalvin Cook bombs in Week 8 despite voicing his lack of involvement in the running game. Cook ended his Sunday afternoon with 5 yards on two carries. The lack of passing targets also impacts Cook’s performance. However, his role with the Jets moving forward is unclear as Cooks stated, “It’s something I can’t control, that my name is being floated around in trade rumors.”

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano bombs in Week 8 after missing a 35-yard field goal with 29 seconds left in the 4th quarter. The veteran failed to secure the win for Big Blue, making 1-3 field goals to end his night. Gano’s field goal struggles gave the Jets another opportunity to tie the game and secure the overtime win.

Veteran TE Darren Waller bombs in Week 8 as the Jets secondary held him to 4 yards on one reception. Waller was forced out of the game after suffering a hamstring injury. However, Waller’s inconsistent performances 8 Weeks into the season continue to haunt fantasy managers. Despite an excellent performance in Week 7 against the Commanders, Waller’s injury against the New York Jets in Week 8 further blemishes a Giants offense struggling to score in the red zone.

Looking ahead

The Jets have a winning record eight weeks through the season, and another tough challenge awaits in Week 9 against Justin Herbert and the L.A. Chargers. Although the Jets have relied on the run game in recent weeks, Zach Wilson is expected to have a big game with plenty of opportunities to get Jets WR Garrett Wilson involved, facing a Chargers defense ranked as the worst pass coverage in the league.