NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the New England Patriots. As always, average draft position (ADP) is pulled from FantasyPros.com.
Tom Brady's Fantasy Stock Shoots Up With Suspension Overturned
Must Owns
Rob Gronkowski, TE (ADP: 14): Gronkowski is one of the more polarizing players in fantasy, because nobody knows where he really should go. He is unlikely to deliver the stats of a top-5 wide receiver, but if he delivers top-10 WR production at tight end, arguably the shallowest position in fantasy, then he is still incredibly valuable.
He’s head-and-shoulders the No. 1 TE provided he stays healthy, which is not a given because of his style of play. Give him 10 games though, and you’re assured 10 touchdowns. The recommendation would be to avoid him in the top-5, but beyond that—draft him if you’re set on it, and don’t worry what the haters think.
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Julian Edelman, WR (ADP: 44): Edelman is a fine WR2, and even better than that if your league is playing PPR. Edelman is going to be a lock for 90 grabs, and has shown 105-catch upside. His touchdowns are hard to nail down; don’t expect more than five, but in the New England offense there’s no reason to think eight is impossible.
Tom Brady, QB (ADP: 71): Brady’s back! Judge Richard Berman vacated his four-game suspension completely, meaning Brady will be in New England’s lineup Thursday night vs. the Steelers. Brady’s going No. 9 among QBs right now, but that will change. He should be going as high as the fifth QB off the board. Expects 30-35 touchdowns, single-digit interceptions, and about 4,200 yards.
LeGarrette Blount, RB (ADP: 70): Blount is going pretty high here. I don’t like the ADP because he will be suspended for Week 1, and that gives Jonas Gray the opportunity to dazzle—and keep the gig. Blount has never proven to be durable, hasn’t run for 1,000 yards since 2010, and doesn’t catch the football. A big year is possible, but middling production in a RBBC is far more likely. Avoid at this ADP.
Stephen Gostkowski, K (ADP: 89): So No. 89 is an insane ADP, which has to be affected by auto-drafters. That said this is an elite offense, and Gostkowski is the best kicker around.
Defense/Special Teams (ADP: 131): The Pats D/ST is down some CBs from a year ago, but they will benefit from a relatively soft schedule. They’ll get four games against the Bills and Jets, and home games vs. the Jaguars, Redskins and Titans. It might be wise to pair this D/ST with another one for the matchups vs. high-powered offenses though, because there’s potential for shootouts.
Sleepers (Best Format)
Jonas Gray, RB, Standard (ADP: 154): Gray is just inside the top-50 ADP for running backs, but he has a shot to finish much higher. If he can do it big in Week 1 vs. the Steelers, who do not project to have a good defense, he might be able to secure a certain percentage of the workload. Blount is the frontrunner, but it’s very hard to dismiss a guy who ran for 201 yards and four touchdowns in one game.
Brandon LaFell, WR, Standard (ADP: 116): There are definitely injury concerns when it comes to LaFell, who was surprisingly good last season. If he can avoid the PUP list and be full-go by Week 2 or Week 3, it’s not a stretch to think he can approach his 74-catch, seven-touchdown 2014. At this point in the draft, he’s a huge steal IF he can deliver those numbers.
Reggie Wayne, WR, PPR (ADP: 181): Wayne may not amount to anything here. Players like Chad Ochocinco and Joey Galloway have failed before him, and Wayne was horrendous last season, scoring just two touchdowns and registering just under 50 million drops. It’s entirely possible he does nothing and gets replaced by Aaron Dobson or some other underpaid player, but for now, go with the pedigree.
Deep Finds (Best Format)
Danny Amendola, WR, PPR (ADP: 349): Once upon a time, fantasy owners were excited about Amendola. But going six seasons without making it through more than eight games will ruin your fantasy stock. If he stays healthy, he has a chance to be impactful with LaFell struggling through injury and Wayne turning 100. But that if never goes his way.
Travaris Cadet, RB, PPR (ADP: 342): Cadet is buried on the depth chart now, but he’s an excellent athlete who knows what to do in the passing game. He will emerge.
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