The 2025 season has been a rough one for the New York Jets. Justin Fields hasn't been the worst for fantasy managers, but for the Jets, it's time for a change.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Jets are benching Fields for 36-year-old backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor. The veteran is now set to start Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, and potentially, for the rest of the season.
While the Jets are making a big quarterback decision, should fantasy managers follow suit and pick up Tyrod Taylor off waivers ahead of Week 12?
Should fantasy managers pick up Jets' Tyrod Taylor?
This quarterback change is a big one for fantasy purposes, as the Jets' receivers will get a boost with Taylor as the starter compared to with Fields.
But the fantasy outlook for Fields and Taylor looks a bit different. Despite Fields's lackluster passing performances, his rushing upside made him usable in fantasy.
Fields is coming off a solid 19.34 point performance, in which he ran for 67 yards and a touchdown. Even if he struggled as a passer, his rushing upside made him viable for fantasy purposes.
Taylor isn't nearly that good a runner, but his passing upside makes him a much more consistent starting option for fantasy managers this season now that he's the starter.
Back in Week 3, starting against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Fields sat out with an injury, he had a mediocre 16.68 point performance.
More: Jets place Garrett Wilson on injured reserve ahead of TNF vs. Patriots
Taylor had one interception and one fumble, while throwing for 197 yards and two touchdowns, and running for 48 yards on eight carries. His rushing upside might not be as great, but he's still a better passer than Fields.
Against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12, Taylor will face a defense that's 24th in points allowed to quarterbacks. While they're better defensively lately, Taylor is not a bad option to pick up off waivers.
Whether a fantasy manager needs a one-week rental with a quarterback on bye or a long-term replacement for Michael Penix or Aaron Rodgers, then Taylor wouldn't be a bad option.
He might not put up 30 points, but he could put together solid performances, especially with matchups against the Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins on tap.
Even without Garrett Wilson, Taylor is a decent option for fantasy managers to pick up off waivers for Week 12 and beyond.
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