It hasn’t just been four years since the New York Giants and New York Jets faced each other on the field, it’s also been four years since Giants cornerback Deonte Banks faced Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
In 2019, Banks was a student at the University of Maryland while Wilson attended The Ohio State University. The CB and WR stood opposite each other in Ohio Stadium, where the Buckeyes would trounce the Terps, 73-14.
On the way to that win, Wilson left Banks face-down in the end-zone after scoring. Ever since then, Banks has wanted revenge.
“He got me for sure [in 2019], but I wasn’t the same player I was in my second, third, or fourth year [of college],” Banks told NJ Advance Media. “So it’s cool. I wasn’t the player I am now anyway. [I’m] way more confident, way more physical. Just a whole different kid. And I wasn’t as locked in as I am.”
Banks vividly recalls that touchdown Wilson caught on him.
“I was bulls—,” he said of his coverage on the play. “I wasn’t locked in. I remember.”
Banks and Wilson didn’t meet again in college, so Sunday is the first shot Banks is going to get at defending Wilson again.
“I’m too excited,” he said. “I’ve been trying to play him [again] for a long time now.”
In a game that looks to be highly defensive, Banks will get his opportunity to prove to himself that he is capable of defending Garrett Wilson. The Giants hope he’s up to the task.
Every NFL season is strange, and 2022 was no different. But one of the weirdest things about this season was how it lacked the meteoric rise of an off-the-radar player.
We didn’t have a mid-round pick finish in the top five or 10, like Deebo Samuel last season. You didn’t have a player go from complete obscurity to top-three at his position, like Robert Tonyan in 2020. You didn’t get a surprising vault to the top like Lamar Jackson in 2019.
Primarily, the top of the scoring charts were dominated by those who were near the top of draft boards. That virtually eliminated draft value as a component in choosing our fantasy MVP, which means it came down to performance and availability, and separation from positional peers.
The Madman just can’t award the MVP to a QB. Even if it was harder than normal to get by at QB this season, it still isn’t as hard as dealing with subpar running backs or wide receivers.
Speaking of running backs and wide receivers, they again populated the top of the scoring charts. Yet the top four RBs only had about one PPR point per week separating them on average. The top four wide receivers had a similar quad cluster at the top. The top QB outscored the next best QB by less than a point per week.
There was one position that had a clear runaway leader, someone so far ahead that the next best option finished nearly a touchdown per week behind, a guy who scored almost 100 more in PPR than the next best option.
The Madman’s fantasy MVP this season, for the first time ever, is a tight end: the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce.
Travis Kelce looks to evade the Broncos’ Josey Jewell after making a catch during a Chiefs game earlier this season.Getty Images
BEST QB: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs — A late-season injury took leader Jalen Hurts out of contention. Mahomes was just a touch better than Josh Allen over the course of the season and in the fantasy playoffs. Honorable mentions: Hurts (Eagles), Allen (Bills), Joe Burrow (Bengals).
BEST RB: Austin Ekeler, Chargers — Tight call with Christian McCaffrey. But Ekeler finished more than a point better per week in PPR. Honorable mentions: McCaffrey (Panthers/49ers), Josh Jacobs (Raiders).
BEST WR: Justin Jefferson, Vikings — This one is closer than it might appear. Jefferson was a monster most weeks, but when he wasn’t, he was trash (three games in which he scored fewer than seven in PPR) — and one of those came in the title week. But … he only had one other game in which he dipped below 15, and he had seven games in which he topped 30. Even a great season by Tyreek Hill isn’t enough to overcome those numbers. Honorable mentions: Hill (Dolphins), Davante Adams (Raiders), Stefon Diggs (Bills).
BEST ROOKIE: Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets — Maybe Jets RB Breece Hall would have run way with this if he hadn’t been injured. But as it stands, instead, we give it to his teammate. Honorable mentions: Chris Olave (WR, Saints), Kenneth Walker (RB, Seahawks).
Garrett Wilson was a great pickup for fantasy owners.Corey Sipkin
Big weeks
Aaron Rodgers QB, Packers, vs. Lions (FanDuel $7,100/DraftKings $6,000)
The best way to try to navigate Week 18 fantasy chaos is to lean on players whose teams have something to play for. It has been a rough fantasy season for Rodgers, but with playoffs on the line, at home, against the league’s worst defense vs. QBs, we’re OK using him here.
Trevor Lawrence QB, Jaguars, vs. Titans (FD $8,000/DK $6,100)
A do-or-die game, with a QB on the rise. We’re not worried about his toe injury, and Lawrence doesn’t have to worry about Tennessee’s poor pass defense.
Trevor Lawrence has made an impact for fantasy owners.Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Allgeier RB, Falcons, vs. Buccaneers (FD $6,500/DK $5,600)
Getting good volume since Atlanta’s Week 14 bye. Facing a Bucs team with nothing to play for other than to avoid injury.
D.J. Moore WR, Panthers, at Saints (FD $7,300/DK $6,100)
Seems to be clicking with QB Sam Darnold (TD in four of five games). Not worried about motivation for eliminated Panthers, since everyone is playing and coaching for their jobs.
Small weaks
Justin Herbert QB, Chargers, at Broncos (FD $7,500/DK $6,800)
It makes no sense for the Chargers to risk Herbert with little to gain and him still nursing a shoulder ailment. Oh, and Denver has the league’s second-best defense vs. opposing fantasy QBs, so there’s that, too.
Christian McCaffrey RB, 49ers, vs. Cardinals (FD $10,000/DK $9,300)
Shot at No. 1 seed is very slim and not worth the risk to CMC, who is dealing with ankle and knee issues. Plus, Elijah Mitchell could return this week. Expect more Jordan Mason as well.
Christian McCaffrey wasn’t helpful for fantasy owners this past week.Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Corey Clement RB, Cardinals, at 49ers (FD $5,700/DK $4,900)
People might be tempted, with James Conner out. But facing the league’s top run defense, without a legitimate NFL quarterback or passing-game threat, and an RB who has more than 10 carries just once in the past four seasons? No thanks.
Garrett Wilson WR, Jets, at Dolphins (FD $7,100/DK $5,800)
It should go without saying at this point: Don’t play Wilson. Joe Flacco has gotten the call, and some will point to Wilson’s monster Week 2 with him. But we would counter with his humdrum Weeks 1 and 3.
Insanity’s Daily Duel
Site: DraftKings Slate: Sun main (13 games) Type: $20 tourney Top prize: $1M
Jets rookie receiver Garrett Wilson, who caught six passes for 115 yards in Gang Green’s loss to the Patriots on Oct. 30, goes deep for some Q&A from Post columnist Steve Serby ahead of the rematch.
Q: How would you describe the mindset of your team before the Patriots rematch?
A: Let’s go prove the world that we are who we know we are in the facility, but let’s go prove it to the world, that’s the mindset. We’re all a bunch of young guys, and a lot of us got something to prove in this league. We know we’re great players, but we don’t feel like we’re getting the respect we deserve and we want to gain that. This will be a good one to go get. I think it’ll be the right step towards proving the world that we’re for real.
Q: Your thoughts on the Jets losing 13 straight times to the Patriots?
A: I’ve been brought into this rivalry that the Jets and Patriots have, it’s been lopsided obviously for the last few years, but I was brought here along with a lot of other people to make that change, and that’s what I plan to do. None of the 13 games are gonna have any affect on tomorrow.
Q: What tells you that Zach Wilson is ready for Bill Belichick?
A: The way we practiced, we were really crisp in our practice, and Zach was the main component of that on the offensive side. He had a really good week of practice, and just his mindset, he’s not thinking about whatever happened, he’s just ready to go.
Q: What’s the biggest obstacle or adversity you’ve had to overcome?
A: I fight my battles every day, man … and go through things internally and stuff like that every day that I gotta push through.
Q: Are you talking about mentally, physically, emotionally? What kind of internal battles?
A: Yeah, just mentally. There’s a lot personally that I go through. Football is great, don’t get me wrong. I’m just saying there’s things I go through that we all fight our own battles, but personally I can’t pinpoint exactly one thing for you, I’m sorry.
Garrett WilsonCharles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Q: Did you go through those same things playing basketball?
A: I did, yeah. It’s a lot that comes with the things that we’re blessed to do.
Q: Is chasing perfection part of the struggle?
A: Most definitely. Most definitely. Everyone kinda puts an expectation on you, a tag on you, and they pay you to do certain things and you gotta do it perfectly.
Q: Is part of it being a first-round pick and do you wish maybe you were not a first-round pick because of that?
A: Oh, no … I mean, like I said, it is a lot of expectation and stuff that comes with it and personally, initially I struggled. I know I struggled, on a surface level it might not look like I struggled, but I know I was. And yeah, man, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I feel like everything happens for a reason and I needed to go through that to get to where I’m at and eventually going to be. I wouldn’t have it any other way, but like I said, that is a real thing, and a lot of other things as well. You put a lot of pressure on yourself early. Honestly, no one puts more pressure on me than me. A lot of that was internal. I had to work on that.
Q: Why have you guys been so successful on the road?
A: Because we’re a young group and we go out there and just play like there’s nothing to lose.
Q: What drives you?
A: Just my love for the game and want to be the best to do it. My love for football and competition specifically, it’s been that way since I was a young kid. I always wanted to be the best at what I do, and as I’ve grown up, that hasn’t really changed.
Q: Do you visualize greatness?
A: Yeah man, I often just think about football all day, even once I leave, if I messed up a play or if I did something wrong, that stuff haunts me. When we play on Sundays, I visualize what I want to do in the game. I don’t know if it’s greatness, but I try and visualize the plays and things that are gonna happen and try to get a look at it before it actually happens, stuff like that.
Q: But you believe you can become a great NFL player?
A: Yes, I do believe that. There’s a lot of work to do, and a lot of learning that I have ahead of me, but eventually I do think that I could get to that point.
Garrett Wilson escapes the Patriots defense.USA TODAY Sports
Q: Why do you love big games so much?
A: Because this is the opportunity I’ve dreamed of since I was a young kid. And the big games are the ones that I watched growing up and that I wanted to have an impact in, and I’m blessed to be able to be a part of them now. With us winning some games and the division being really good, this is a big one this weekend, and these are the ones that you need to make plays in if you want to be considered that great player, and that’s what I want to do.
Q: Your on-field mentality?
A: I want to have fun while I’m out there. I always want to make sure that I’m putting my best foot forward, and for me, that’s making sure that I’m not thinking about too much and just going out there and doing what I love and playing.
Q: What is Sauce Gardner’s special sauce?
A: His love for the game. It’s easy to wake up and do it when you love it, and you can tell that he brings the same energy every day, he’s the same person every day.
Q: What is his special sauce on the field?
A: His length. Even if you do got a step on him, it’s hard to make a play on him with his arms’ ready and his ability to see the ball and play the ball through receivers’ hands. He’s a really great player. Everything that everyone’s seeing I’ve known since I met him.
Q: Same question: D.J. Reed?
A: D.J. is super twitch, man, he’s really quick, and he studies the game like a legendary player, he knows his opponent going into each week and it shows on Sunday.
Q: What is your special sauce on the field?
A: I think it is my passion for the game, and that I’m not afraid to show it while I’m playing. I feel like it exudes out of me, and I have fun out there and that’s my special sauce. I was given ability from God and to play and I’m blessed and I love doing it.
Q: You can go 1-on-1 with any cornerback?
A: We got a real good one here in New York with Sauce and getting to go against him often, that’s always good for him. But I feel like Jalen Ramsey has that effect on the media, at least to where he’s the No. 1 corner, so it’d be nice to go up against Jalen Ramsey.
Q: How about further back in time?
A: It’s gotta be [Darrelle] Revis, man. I feel like he’s the all-time GOAT.
Q: If you could pick the brain of any cornerback in NFL history?
A: Deion [Sanders]. I feel like he’s got a lot of knowledge and now going into coaching. Deion was a special talent when he played, and playing baseball and football, and still got the best out of himself.
Q: If you could pick the brain of any wide receiver in NFL history?
A: Definitely Randy Moss. His plan in attacking DBs and what he thought about while he was out on the field. I watch him on TV a lot, he’s very intuitive.
Garrett Wilson hugs Zach Wilson after the Jets’ win over the Bills.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Q: What are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving?
A: I’m thankful for a lot of things, man. The best for my family, my loved ones that support me and got me to this point. It took a village to raise me and I’m really grateful for my upbringing and the people around me that I grew up with. Obviously, the ability and the opportunity to play this game that I love and do it for a career, I’m blessed, and I know that.
Q: Your favorite childhood Thanksgiving?
A: Cam Newton beat Alabama in the [2010] Iron Bowl, I think the day after, or two or three days after Thanksgiving, whatever year Cam Newton threw the touchdown to the tight end [Philip Lutzenkirchen], and they beat ’em 28-27, they were down whatever, came back.
Q: You used to be a quarterback?
A: Exactly, exactly. And I kinda tried to model my game after Cam Newton.
Q: Three dinner guests?
A: Martin Luther King; Biggie Smalls; Alexander The Great.
Q: Why Alexander The Great?
A: He was so young conquering the world, I feel like it would be cool to hear his lingo. He was a young dude conquering the world. He’s definitely got some stuff to say.
Q: Well, you’re a young dude conquering the world.
A: (Laugh) I’d never make that comparison … that’s hilarious.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: “Interstellar.”
Q: Favorite actor?
A: [Matthew] McConnaughey.
Q: Favorite actress?
A: Jennifer Lawrence.
Q: Favorite singer/rapper/entertainer?
A: Dave Chappelle.
Q: Favorite meal?
A: My mama’s sweet potato casserole. She’s gonna make it on Thanksgiving this year.
Q: What will it be like for you going up against your Ohio State buddy Justin Fields next week?
A: Yeah, I can’t wait for that. Obviously he’s having a great season — it doesn’t surprise me at all to see him doing all that, man, that boy is a different breed back there, he can make either way, whatever the defense gives him, he’ll make that play. I’m really excited to play against Justin.
Q: And the best is yet to come for Garrett Wilson?
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