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2016 Fantasy Football Team Outlook - New England Patriots

This article continues off our team outlook series where we will breakdown each NFL team from a fantasy football perspective. We will cover the major changes on each team in the offseason and project what the team will do in the upcoming season.

Today we look at the New England Patriots.

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including Draft Kit + DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through October. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

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Offseason Moves

Offseason Acquisitions: TE Martellus Bennett, WR Chris Hogan, RB Donald Brown.

Offseason Departures: TE Scott Chandler, WR Brandon LaFell.

 

Quarterback

Amidst some injuries, a Matt Cassel sighting, and Deflategate, the quarterback section on the New England Patriots' depth chart has remained the same for 14 full seasons. Tom Brady has racked up nearly 450 touchdowns and nearly 60,000 passing yards, and has brought four Super Bowl rings to a team that has undoubtedly dominated the AFC East since the rivaled New York Jets and Mo Lewis injured at-the-time starter Drew Bledsoe. In came Brady, who has seemingly never left his spot under center. But the 2016 season will start just a bit differently.

Brady will miss the first four games of the season due to suspension. However, his fantasy value will not suffer tremendously and he should be stashed away on benches. Some have tagged Brady as a quarterback on the decline of his Hall of Fame career, that he isn't much of a fantasy quarterback. But Brady still managed to finish in the top-10 of scoring during ten weeks of the regular season with a depleted and injury-plagued offense and supporting cast in 2015. Despite his age and the Patriots tendency to keep the passing attack short and conservative of late, he tallied 36 touchdowns. The mastermind also protected the ball and coughed up only seven interceptions. His productive, fantasy-aiding stats will obviously decrease because of the suspension, but there is no reason to fade Brady. There's just more reason to scoop him up later in drafts now.

 

Running Backs

It always seems that there is a revolving door of offensive weapons in New England, specifically at the running back position. Last year we saw a rotation of LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden, James White, and Dion Lewis. This year, Lewis will be sidelined for about 8-10 more weeks with a knee injury. Bolden is relatively nonexistent for fantasy. Which leaves Blount and White as the main relevant backs for the Patriots. Blount will now have some competition as New England's power back with the young Tyler Gaffney, who in 2013 with Stanford, rushed for 1,709 yards and scored 21 touchdowns.

According to ESPN.com, it appears that Blount is still inching towards the starting role. There is still some reason to be cautious with Blount considering he is coming off a hip injury that kept him out of some action in 2015. However, Blount should still get most first down and goal line carries. He loses value in PPR leagues because of how little he's thrown to.

James White, on the other hand, should see a bulk of targets out of the backfield with Lewis sidelined. In 2015, White accumulated 410 receiving yards, 40 receptions, four touchdowns, and was targeted 54 times; numbers he should easily replicate or exceed. There is certainly no hope in White replacing and filling in for Lewis' ability to make people miss, and therein lies his downside. It's often difficult to bank on a running back who doesn't run. White tallied only 56 yards on 22 attempts; a measly 2.5 yards per carry. This spells predictability for New England's offense.

Blount's in the game, run. White is in the game, pass. White makes for a better, late option in PPR league than in standard leagues. Donald Brown has also thrown himself into the mix, but his role is as uncertain as Brandon Bolden's. It is still too early to tell who will emerge. Too much variety is never good for fantasy.

 

Wide Receivers 

Injuries have plagued this part of New England's depth chart in the past. The Pats certainly had another scare when Julian Edelman tweaked his foot during practice in early August. He was recently held out of a preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears, but the Pats were simply being cautious with one of their top weapons. Cautious or not, Edelman has had a knack for getting hurt and has played 16 games in a season only once in his career. Last season he played in only nine games but found the end zone seven times. Despite his track record, it would be silly to avoid Edelman in any draft. He shouldn't miss any time to start the regular season.

Danny Amendola continues his stay on the PUP list and has no timetable for a return, according to CBSsports.com. In 14 games last season, Amendola was relatively quiet, posting only two 100 receiving yard performances and three touchdowns overall.

It would be most wise to keep an eye on Chris Hogan. Hogan, bitten by the injury bug early in camp, appears to be healthy and potentially on track for an every-down role. He can start on the outside or give Amendola a run for his money as New England's slot receiver; a role that the Pats often favor and use to exploit opposing defenses. Hogan has not had much experience in the league, but has 77 receptions in the past two seasons combined. Although, his weakness lies with his two most important weapons; his hands. He dropped 8.5% of targets last season; the worst out of the 85 receivers who were targeted at least 50 times, according to ESPN.com.

Malcolm Mitchell could also emerge in New England, but is battling a dislocated shoulder and could miss the start of the regular season. Mitchell, a potential fantasy sleeper, will need to return healthy and find his way through the congested offensive attack of the Patriots. Mitchell was off to a solid start in New England's first preseason tilt, accumulating 55 yards on four catches, before he injured his elbow in the second quarter. According to ESPNBoston.com, Mitchell has a solid shot at serving as the team's 'X' receiver. It will be difficult to trust him upon draft day, but keep an eye on his status come Week 1.

 

Tight Ends

This one is a no-brainer. Rob Gronkowkski. He is the league's top tight end and has finished first or second in tight end scoring five years in a row. Yes, he's had his own injury troubles, but there is zero reason to avoid Gronk. The acquisition of Martellus Bennett can only help him, as a safe and solid option on downs of rest. Bennett's fantasy value, on the other hand, has decreased. His role on the team will not jack any looks away from Gronk, and is no more than a boom-or-bust TE2. The good news for Bennett is that the Patriots often line up in a two tight end set. Expect Brady, and Jimmy Garoppolo, to look his way several times a game.

 

Kicker

Stephen Gostkowski. The best in the league. He has finished as the top fantasy-scoring kicker three years in a row, and will get a ton of chances to make it four straight with New England's impressive offense.

 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Zachariah Branch

Impressing New Falcons QB in OTAs
AJ Barner

Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Aaron Judge

Diagnosed with Stress Fracture, Out 4-6 Weeks
Luther Burden III

Looking Like a True WR1 in OTAs With Bears
T.J. Watt

Alex Highsmith Expected to Remain With Steelers
Maxx Crosby

Close to Returning to Practice?
A.J. Brown

Patriots Don't Expect A.J. Brown to be Limited Physically
Shohei Ohtani

has "Small" Blister, a "Non-Issue" for his Pitching Starts
Brent Rooker

Out on Thursday Due to Knee Soreness
Myles Garrett

Rams Rework Myles Garrett's Contract
Frederik Andersen

Hurricanes Retain Confidence in Frederik Andersen
Tank Dell

Back on the Field at OTAs This Week
Vincent Trocheck

Maple Leafs Interested in Vincent Trocheck
Sam LaPorta

Looks Good During OTA Practice on Thursday
Mike Evans

Making a Strong Impression at OTAs With his New Team
Trevor Etienne

Currently the RB3 in Carolina?
Dylan Larkin

Requests Trade From Red Wings
Jaylen Wright

Impressing Bobby Slowik During OTAs
Greg Dulcich

Developing Chemistry with New Quarterback During OTAs?
Caleb Douglas

Suffers Minor Injury During OTAs on Wednesday
James Conner

Doing Side Work with Trainers During OTAs
George Kittle

"On Track" for Week 1 Return
Corey Seager

Expected to Return This Weekend
Bo Nix

Expected to Have More of a Role in Minicamp
Jaylen Waddle

Sean Payton has "Crystal Clear" Vision for Versatile Jaylen Waddle
Alvin Kamara

Hasn't Talked Pay Cut, "No Beef" With Saints
George Pickens

Brian Schottenheimer Expects George Pickens to Return for Mandatory Minicamp
Kendrick Law

Rookie Receiver Kendrick Law Suffers Torn ACL
Lucas Erceg

Royals to Mix and Match in Ninth With Lucas Erceg Struggling
Jonathan Toews

Expected to Retire
Anders Lee

Set to Hit Open Market
TB

Jon Cooper Wins First Jack Adams Trophy
De'Aaron Fox

Struggles Again Wednesday Night
Dylan Harper

Turns Heads in Finals Opener
Stephon Castle

Close to Double-Double in Game 1 Loss to Knicks
Victor Wembanyama

Notches 26 Points in Finals Debut
Josh Hart

Grabs 15 Rebounds in Game 1 Win Over Spurs
Karl-Anthony Towns

Opens Finals With Double-Double
Jalen Brunson

Scores Game-High 30 Points in Finals Opener
Aaron Judge

to Undergo Additional Imaging
Rickie Fowler

RotoBaller's One And Done Picks To Consider - 2026 Memorial Tournament (Premium)
Ketel Marte

Out on Wednesday With Back, Hamstring Injuries
Mitchell Robinson

is Available for Game 1 on Wednesday
Kawhi Leonard

Unlikely to be Traded
Chicago Bulls

Bulls Host Potential Lottery Picks for Workout
Washington Wizards

Wizards Considering Trading Down in Draft
Corbin Burnes

has Teres Major Strain, Unlikely to Return Until September
Rickie Fowler

PGA DFS Expert Roundtable and Survey - 2026 Memorial (Premium) - RotoBaller Team Picks
Jordan Spieth

PGA Betting Expert Roundtable: RotoBaller Staff Picks - 2026 Memorial (Premium)
Jordan Spieth

Patrick's Picks: Top Betting Plays for 2026 Memorial Tournament (Premium)
Rickie Fowler

Looks To Continue Resurgent Season At Memorial
Corey Conners

PGA Best Bets: Novig Matchup Picks and Finishing Position Props for 2026 Memorial Tournament
Rickie Fowler

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Cooper Flagg

2026 NBA Mock Draft - Projected Lottery Picks and Player Analysis
CFB

Can Eric Singleton Jr. Fully Break Out at Third School?
CFB

Katin Houser Steps into QB1 Role for Illinois
CFB

Savion Hiter an Immediate Impact Freshman for Michigan
CFB

Isaiah Horton Set to Take Over KC Concepcion's Role
CFB

UCLA Transfer Karson Gordon Signs with Austin Peay
CFB

Will Muschamp Bringing New Intensity to Texas Practices
Corey Conners

Matt Miller's 2026 Memorial Tournament Longshot Bets
Gary Woodland

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Memorial
Jordan Spieth

Still Searching for a Breakthrough
Alex Smalley

Brings Elite Form to Memorial Tournament
Justin Rose

Looks to Recapture Memorial Tournament Success
Cameron Young

Looks to Get Back to His Contending Ways at Murifield Village
Chris Gotterup

Needs to Find Fairways at Muirfield Village
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Stay Hot at Memorial Tournament
Matt Fitzpatrick

Positioned for Success at Muirfield Village
Jalen Chatfield

Records Two Assists in Tuesday's Loss
Keegan Bradley

Looking for Another Strong Finish at Muirfield
Nikolaj Ehlers

Nets Two Goals in Game 1 Loss to Golden Knights
Shea Theodore

Notches Three Points in Game 1 Win
Brayden McNabb

Sets Up Three Goals in Game 1 Win Over Hurricanes
Justin Thomas

is an Exciting Play This Week in Ohio
Brett Howden

Starts Finals With Multi-Point Effort
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Memorial Tournament for Third Consecutive Year
Tomas Hertl

Scores Game-Winner in Finals Opener
Rory McIlroy

Looking for Better Performance at Muirfield Village
Drake Baldwin

Could Return During Braves Next Homestand
Garrett Crochet

Diagnosed With Low-Grade Lat Strain
Russell Henley

Coming to Ohio on the Heels of Latest Victory
Isaiah Hartenstein

Hopeful to Stay with Oklahoma City
Luguentz Dort

Wants to Remain with Thunder
Mitchell Robinson

is Questionable for Game 1
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Has Contract Guaranteed for 2026-2027 Season
Oso Ighodaro

Gets Guaranteed Contract for Next Season
NAS

Chris MacFarland Joins Predators as President and General Manager
VAN

Canucks Name Manny Malhotra as New Head Coach
Brendan Gallagher

to Leave Canadiens This Offseason
Patrik Laine

Looking Forward to Free Agency
Jeremy Lauzon

Returns to Action Tuesday
Zach Werenski

Wins 2025-26 Norris Trophy
Aaron Judge

Out on Tuesday With Rib/Shoulder Injury
Josh Hader

Set to Return from Injured List on Tuesday
CFB

SEC Coach Calls Buster Faulkner a "Home-Run Hire"
CFB

Auburn a Sleeper in the SEC Under Alex Golesh?
CFB

Noah Fifita Primed for Strong 2026 Campaign
CFB

Oregon Assistant Coach Charged with DUII, Reckless Driving
CFB

Tight End Nick Pollack Commits to Clemson
Elly De La Cruz

to Miss 2-4 Weeks of Action
Chase Burns

is Scratched Due to Illness
Deiveson Figueiredo

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Song Yadong

Gets Second-Round Submission Win
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers Back-To-Back Losses
Alonzo Menifield

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Sergei Pavlovich

Scores First-Round Knockout Win
Cameron Smotherman

Suffers Third Loss In A Row
Edwin Arroyo

Reds Promote Top Infield Prospect Edwin Arroyo, Viewed as Priority Pick Up Ahead of MLB Debut
Kai Asakura

Earns His First UFC Win
Elly De La Cruz

Placed on IL with Right Hamstring Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Earns the first Nashville Cup Series Victory of his Career on Sunday
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Earns First Career Podium Finish at Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Scores A Solid Top-10 Finish at Nashville
Kyle Larson

Top-10 Streak at Nashville Ends after Late Flat Tire Spin
Elly De La Cruz

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Tyler Reddick

Is One of the Top Favorites to Win at Nashville
Kyle Larson

May Continue his Top-10 Consistency at Nashville this week
Christopher Bell

Is One of the Top Competitors for the Win at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Is A Must Start for Nashville DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

has Plenty of Upside for Nashville DFS Lineups
William Byron

Is William Byron A Playable DFS Option for Nashville Lineups?
Carson Hocevar

Is Likely to have Another Solid Result at Nashville
NASCAR

Should Fantasy Players Roster Bubba Wallace at Nashville?
Chris Buescher

Is A Decent All-Around DFS Option for Nashville Lineups
Daniel Suarez

is Likely to Drop Positions during the Cracker Barrel 400
Garrett Crochet

Suffers Setback, Likely to Undergo MRI for Lat Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Could Denny Hamlin Dominate at Nashville?
Ryan Blaney

Is a DFS Tournament Option at Nashville
Ty Gibbs

Don't Overlook Ty Gibbs at Nashville
Joey Logano

Could Show Life at Nashville
Ross Chastain

Needs a Good Run at Nashville
Chet Holmgren

Fails to Step Up in the Season Finale
Cason Wallace

Ends Postseason with Strong Showing
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Caps MVP Season with Game 7 Exit
Stephon Castle

Continues Postseason Run with 16 Points
Lane Hutson

Posts a Power-Play Assist in Game 5 Loss
Cole Caufield

Nets a Power-Play Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Seth Jarvis

Closes Out East Finals With Multi-Point Game
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF