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.
Must Own:
Tom Brady, QB: Brady had a down year with a new crew of pass-catchers, but he's still an elite talent and Gronkowski could be back by Week 1. He has No. 1 overall QB upside. Likely? Not at all. Possible? Sure. And at a bargain rate.
Rob Gronkowski, TE: If you want to take the big injury risk, you could snag Jimmy Graham production at around half the cost. He's by far Brady's favorite target and he's a monster all over the field, not just the red zone.
Shane Vereen, RB: Vereen's never been a workhorse, and likely won't be one in 2014. He must be owned though because he can do a lot of damage without many touches. He's an excellent receiver out of the backfield and averaged 4.7 yards per carry in 2013.
Stevan Ridley, RB: If he doesn't fumble he's an RB1. He will get the goal line touches (provided he doesn't fumble) and averaged 4.3 yards per carry despite lacking top-end speed or elusiveness.
Julian Edelman, WR: Edelman topped 1,000 yards last year based on his high volume of targets; while he should get many more targets in the slot role, he has big bust potential as well. The increased experience of the other receivers on this roster will eventually eat into his usefulness.
Stephen Gostkowski, K: He's a good kicker.
Sleepers (Best Format):
Danny Amendola, WR (PPR): Last season Amendola was a guy that was either loved for his upside, or loathed for his injuries. He proved the latter correct last season, but he's healthy now. If he stays healthy, it's hard to imagine him not overtaking a lot of Edelman's production.
Brandon Bolden, RB (Standard): Ridley fumbles sometimes, which frustrates Bill Belichick. If he fumbles, Bolden may be the one to step in and produce.
Defense/Special Teams (Standard): Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo are back to stuff the run, while Darrelle Revis is in town to shut down opposing WRs. This could be a very good defense in terms of points allowed, and if Revis gets challenged there may be picks galore.
Deep Finds:
James White, RB: Sorry to harp on the fumbling Ridley, but it's a problem. Bolden should get first crack if Ridley falters, but White was a prolific back at Wisconsin and he's got more upside than Bolden does. In super deep leagues, he's worth a flier.
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