👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

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?

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

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.

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Mike Reilly

Delivers Two Assists in Game 1 Win
Logan Stankoven

Establishes New Franchise Record With Five-Game Goal Streak
Frederik Andersen

Records Second Postseason Shutout
Radko Gudas

Ducks Hope to See Radko Gudas Return During Second Round
Josh Manson

Day-to-Day Ahead of Game 1 Against Wild
Joel Kiviranta

Considered Day-to-Day
Joel Eriksson Ek

Questionable for Game 1 Against Avalanche
Cal Raleigh

Scratched From Lineup, No Reason Given
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits with Left Hamstring Tightness
Anthony Edwards

Remains Week-to-Week
Joel Embiid

Available for Game 7 Against Celtics
Paul George

Cleared to Play Saturday
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Doubtful on Injury Report
Kevin Huerter

Uncertain for Sunday
Brandon Ingram

Listed as Questionable for Sunday's Game 7
Franz Wagner

Won't Be Available for Game 7
Jayson Tatum

Won't Play in Saturday's Game 7
Owen Tippett

Unlikely to Play Saturday
Jonas Brodin

to Miss Game 1 Against Avalanche
Nikita Zadorov

Played Through Torn MCL in Playoffs
Connor McDavid

Played With Fractured Foot Against Ducks
Alexander Nikishin

a Game-Time Call Saturday
Nikolaj Ehlers

Expected to Play Saturday
Jayson Tatum

Added to Injury Report as Questionable
Greg Dulcich

Carries Breakout Potential into 2026
Kaelon Black

Well-Positioned for Dynasty Success Following NFL Draft
J'Mari Taylor

Can J'Mari Taylor Break Through Crowded Running Back Depth Chart in Jacksonville?
Eli Raridon

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Michael Trigg

Facing Uphill Battle for a Roster Spot in Dallas
Matthew Hibner

Is Matthew Hibner the Tight End of the Future in Baltimore?
Seth McGowan

Likely to be RB3 to Begin his Rookie Season
Caleb Douglas

a Low-Upside Dynasty Stash Competing for a Role in Miami
Francis Mauigoa

Giants "Comfortable" With Francis Mauigoa's Back
Jermod McCoy

Raiders Optimistic About Jermod McCoy's Chances of Playing This Year
Deonte Banks

Giants Decline to Pick Up Deonte Banks' Fifth-Year Option
Zavion Thomas

Is Zavion Thomas' Dynasty Value Being Overinflated by Unexpected Draft Capital?
Justice Hill

Role in Question After NFL Draft
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Finishes Series with Double-Double Effort
Audric Estimé

Audric Estime Buried on Saints' Depth Chart
LeBron James

Leads Lakers Past Rockets in Game 6
Scottie Barnes

Anchors Both Ends in Game 6 Victory
Jarquez Hunter

Unlikely to See a Significant Usage Spike in Second Season
Evan Mobley

Shines Despite Game 6 Overtime Loss
Kyren Williams

and Blake Corum Could See a 50/50 Split in 2026
RJ Barrett

Hits Clutch Three to Force Game 7
Paolo Banchero

Struggles with Shot in Game 6 Loss
Cade Cunningham

Carries Pistons to Decisive Game 7
CJ McCollum

Hawks Plan to Bring Back CJ McCollum
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Leaves With Side Tightness, Considered Day-to-Day
Jacob Misiorowski

Leaves Start Early on Friday With Hamstring Cramp
Austin Reaves

Starting Friday Night
Brandon Nimmo

Aggravates Hamstring, Pulled Early on Friday
Luke Kennard

Lakers Hope to Retain Luke Kennard in Free Agency
Dillon Brooks

Suns Want to Keep Dillon Brooks Long-Term
Jamal Shead

Joins Starting Lineup Friday
Ryan Helsley

Placed on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Dylan Holloway

Signs Five-Year Extension With Blues
Barrett Hayton

Jack McBain Iffy for Friday
Logan Stanley

a Game-Time Decision Friday
Viktor Arvidsson

Ruled Out Friday
TB

Nicholas Paul Set to Return Friday
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Ready for Action Friday
Victor Hedman

to Be an Option "Really Soon"
Ja'Marr Chase

Is Ja'Marr Chase the Obvious Dynasty WR1 Entering 2026?
Javonte Williams

Can Javonte Williams Replicate 2025 Success in 2026?
Terry McLaurin

is Well-Positioned to Rebound in 2026
Justin Herbert

Dynasty Value Rising Following Offseason Overhaul in Los Angeles
Tee Higgins

Is Tee Higgins a Top-24 Dynasty Wide Receiver?
Ryan Pepiot

to Miss the Rest of the Season, Scheduled for Hip Surgery
Brandon Woodruff

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
Nico Hoerner

Leaves Friday's Game Early With Neck Tightness
Jack Della Maddalena

Returns At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Set For UFC Perth Main Event
Quillan Salkilld

Set For Co-Main Event
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Tim Elliott

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Ollie Schmid

Set For His UFC Debut
Marwan Rahiki

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Wyatt Langford

Suffers Setback With Forearm Injury
Brandon Woodruff

to Get Some Time Off
Nikita Chibrikov

Recovering From Core-Muscle Surgery
Michael Harris II

Could be Forced to the Injured List
Luis Robert Jr.

Officially Placed on Injured List
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Wednesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
MLB

Phillies-Giants Postponed on Wednesday Due to Rain
MLB

Orioles-Astros Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather on Wednesday
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF