In Week 1, the New England Patriots barely defeated the Bills at 23-21; only to deliver a suspenseful and rather sad 10-13 “victory” over the Jet’s rookie QB in Week 2. And, this past Sunday, the Pats stepped it up towards the close of the second quarter against Tampa Bay, finishing with a 20 point lead, but kicking off with a host of problems. Belichick’s beauties may be 3 and 0, but their on-field performance is not looking pretty.
But Danny Amendola fantasy owners, you’d be best advised to take stock in another player for at least another three weeks as this highly-anticipated “Welker-Replacement” is out of commission due to a groin injury. Although Amendola only performed in Week 1 against the Bills, he did rack up 104 receiving yards and doll out 10 fantasy points. May he give us similar numbers when/if he returns?... We'll see. At present, he's suited up in full-pads practicing with the team. But, any prospect of his return anytime soon is low.
As for other wide receivers, newby Kenbrell Thompkins won the heart of many fantasy owners in the Patriots win against the Bucs after his less than promising performance in Week 2. In Week 3, Thompkins caught 3 passes for 41 yards, scored 2 touchdowns and accomplished 16 fantasy points. So far, he’s produced a total of 24 points and a lot of excitement
Wide receiver Aaron Dobson, who is earnestly working to sync with his seasoned QB, gave his owners a mere 5 points this last Sunday and delivered a shaky performance in Week 2 against the Jets despite bringing home 1 touchdown. In both games, Dobson produced an average of 54 receiving yards. But, until he begins performing up to Patriot standard, Thompkins may produce more fruitful returns on an investment. Julian Edelman, however, has stepped-up his game over the past three weeks. Receiving for just 44 yards in Week 1, and 78 in Week 2 and 79 in Week 3. He caught 7 passes for 44 yards in Sunday’s win over the Bucs, and is being observed closely for the potential of displaying bouts of awesomeness.
And on to the running backs… LeGarrette Blount mystified us on the field Sunday against his former team (the Bucs), carrying the ball 14 times for 65 yards. While he has delivered only 8 fantasy points this season, based on his most recent performance, fantasy owners will want to keep an eye on him. Unfortunately, Stevan Ridley is not putting up points as well as initially hoped. He fumbled against the Bills in Week 1, and tallied 35 yards in Week 3. Even with Brandon Bolden out with a knee injury, fantasy owners will want to rethink playing Ridley if he cannot improve in Week 4 when the Pats must face the (arguably) formidable Falcons.
In the meantime, the beloved tight end, Rob Gronkowski, is still designated "inactive" but we remain hopeful that he will make a healthy return. He is now fully-suited up in practice and lookin' strong. We all can agree that when Coach ultimately releases the kraken, it's gonna be a fantasy point frenzy!
Last, but not least, Stephen Gostkowski, was in double figures again in Week 3. The kicker has produced 10.7 fantasy points on average per game for a total of 32 points. And until New England gets a completely healthy Gronk and completely comfortable with its new offensive line, Gostkowski will be essential in getting points on the scoreboard.
All said, New England has a lot of work to do this season but fantasy owners must keep in faith that the dark side will prevail!
