It’s the injury news that shocked everyone on Thursday: New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold was diagnosed with mononucleosis and will miss the team’s Week 2 tilt against the Cleveland Browns … and could miss a few more games down the road.
That means he’ll be replaced by ex-Bronco Trevor Siemian, which will in turn affect a whole bunch of Jets players for fantasy football purposes. Luckily, we’re here to help you sort out the changing values with Darnold potentially missing a few weeks as he recovers.
Here’s a breakdown of the names affected by the switch under center due to Darnold’s illness:
QB Trevor Siemian
Obviously, you don’t need to own or start him this week or any other. Next!
RB Le’Veon Bell
The news about the star running back wasn’t great either — he needs an MRI for shoulder soreness. But if he’s cleared, he’ll be leaned on just as heavily as he was in the Week 1 loss to Buffalo (17 carries, 60 yards, six catches for 32 yards). The box might be more stacked without Darnold, but the volume will be there … IF he’s healthy.
WR Robby Anderson
His stock takes a major hit since Siemian doesn’t throw downfield that much, so you may want to bench the field-stretcher while Darnold is out.
WR Jamison Crowder
He caught 14 passes last week, so I don’t think his stock could get any higher. But I’d expect him to be peppered a ton underneath while Siemian is at the helm. He’s a WR3 and probably more in PPR leagues going forward.
WR Demaryius Thomas
They’re familiar with each other from their days in Denver, but I’m not taking a flier on the vet unless I’m in the deepest of leagues. But he’s worth keeping an eye on in the coming weeks.
