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Monday, November 11, 2013

NFL Midseason Report: AFC East

New England Patriots 7-2

Although the Pats stand at 7-2 at the midway point they feel more like 5-4 or 6-4. They have had their ups [30-27 win over New Orleans] and their downs [13-6 loss to Cincinnati]. But the Patriots have been largely underusing star back Steven Ridley who has been splitting carries with the average-at-best Legarrette Blount. Now that Ridley's talent has been revealed, and star Receiver Danny Amendola is healthy, the Patriots are a lock for the playoffs and possess the overall teamness to make a deep postseason run.

Fantasy:

Tom Brady is a QB1/2, Ridley is a RB2/3, and Amendola is a WR1/2 if healthy. 

New York Jets 5-4

New York is the prototype inconsistent team. With losses to Pittsburgh and Tennessee, they also got thrashed by Cincinnati 49-9. Yet they also have wins over New England New Orleans. Why so inconsistent? Two Words: Geno Smith. Smith is their rookie Quarterback and has had spectacular 3 touchdown 300 yard games, and below-mediocre 3 interception less than 100 yards games. The Jets can beat the Broncos on any given day, yet on that same day they can lose to the Jaguars. A playoff berth will depend on whether or not Geno can keep up some kind of consistency.

Fantasy:

Geno Smith can be a QB1, but don't trust as him anything more than a high-risk high-reward QB2.

Miami Dophins 4-4

The Dolphins have pulled off wins over the Colts and the Bengals yet they've also lost to some lesser teams. They have just 2-4 since a promising 2-0 start. But Running Back Lamar Miller is finally getting the touches he deserves and Brian Hartline has become Franchise Quarterback Ryan Tannehill's go-to-receiver, ahead of former Pro-Bowler Mike Wallace. To make a playoff push Tannehill will need to get something out of Wallace.

Fantasy:

Miller is a RB2 and Hartline is a WR4. Tight End Charles Clay is a TE2 but also a weak TE1.

Buffalo Bills 3-7

When a team is 3-6 and just started their third-string Quarterback they are usually out of the Playoff picture. Yet Buffalo started Third-Stringer Jeff Tuel because starter E.J. Manuel and backup Thad Lewis were hurt. Superstar Running Back C.J. Spiller has finally recovered from an ankle injury that has hampered him all year. He will likely split carries with above-average Fred Jackson. With Manuel having returned this week the Bills now face one of the easiest remaining schedules over the second half of the season. Buffalo will likely make a playoff push but most likely miss out this year. However, I expect them to make the playoffs...next year.

Fantasy:

Spiller is a RB1 and Jackson is a RB2/3.

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