The New York Jets are terrible. On top of that, they are tanking shamelessly to be in contention for a top-tier quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. While this blatant attempt to be inept is a harsh reality for fans to accept, it’s actually a blessing in disguise for fantasy owners. While the Jets are devoid of any notable playmakers, this allows players that are typically considered slightly above average talents to become number one receivers. With Quincy Enunwa on the IR list, this practically cleared the path for a intriguing fantasy flex option in Jermaine Kearse.
Team: New York Jets
Position: Wide Receiver
Percent Owned On Fantasy Teams: (Yahoo Fantasy): 26%
Fantasy Points Total Thru Week 2 (Half PPR): Projected: 13.62 Actual: 29.80
While Kearse would normally be considered a third-string wideout at best on most NFL teams, he has been given a golden opportunity to shine as a top target for the New York Jets. In his first two games, Kearse has made the most out of his newfound ascendence as he has caught 11 passes for two touchdowns while averaging 11.2 yards per receptions. Although Kearse has not really been challenged by notable secondaries (Buffalo, Oakland) he has still been a bright spot for the Jets as his lack of drops on the season coupled with his fantasy points per route (0.65, 21st amongst receivers) make him one of the more underrated weapons in terms of efficiency.
Beyond those metrics, the one number that is crucial for fantasy owners to take note of is his overall snap share percentage. At 96.2%, Kearse ranks 14th amongst receivers in snap shares, making him a nice asset that is on the field on nearly every play. Better sill, Kearse’s overall target shares are spread evenly across the first (6 targets, 5 receptions, 72 yards, 1 touchdown) and second (8 targets, 6 receptions, 51 yards, 1 touchdown) halves of a given game. Simply put, Kearse’s constant presence on the field combined with his reliability as a sure-handed target have quickly elevated him into a underrated wideout that allows the Jets to be a more productive team when it comes to scoring albeit only slightly overall.
While Kearse’s week to week success hinges on the success of a mediocre quarterback in Josh McCown, his reliability and overall target shares make him a valuable flex player in PPR leagues. His ability to get downfield consistently and reliability in the red zone make him a unique scoring threat that can score big in a variety of ways. While he should not be consistently relied on every week, he’s great in a pinch if need to flesh out your starting line up.
