How To Handle Your Patriot-filled Fantasy Football Team

How many of you took Tom Brady with your first pick in this year's draft? How about Randy Moss? Had you ever taken a QB or WR with your first pick prior to this year?

How about Wes Welker? Laurence Maroney? Ben Watson? New England's defense?

Yes, you're pissed if you invested in any part of the Patriots. Randy Moss is averaging four catches a game, and has one touchdown. Wes Welker is averaging six catches per game, and has yet to reach the end zone. None of the running backs have breached the 100 yard mark yet... and I don't mean in a game. I mean for the season.

Sammy Morris has a pair of touchdowns... but who (other than me) is actually starting Sammy Morris?

So the question is, what do you do? Is it time to trade Randy Moss? Is there anyone in your league that would accept a trade which involved him? If not, do you release him and pick up a receiver with less potential but more production?

Will Matt Cassel find his rhythm and piss you off even more after you've purged your roster of Patriots?

I suppose I could take a stab at answering some of these questions. I don't have a crystal ball or anything though, so take it with a grain of salt.

Upon looking at the upcoming schedule, New England has the following teams lined up over the next few weeks: San Francisco 49ers, San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, St. Louis Rams and Indianapolis Colts.

The Broncos, Chargers and Rams are the bottom three teams in the league right now in regards to total yards allowed through the air. The Colts are now without their top defensive player in Bob Sanders, and the 'Niners just really aren't all that good.

I don't think it's time to give up on Moss, Welker or even Cassel for that matter. The offense has obviously hit a few speed bumps this season, but I'm pretty sure we'll see more offensive production over the next couple of weeks.

As for Ben Watson, I think it's time to get him off of your roster, since even when he does return to full health, he will likely be splitting time with David Thomas.

I've never been sold on Laurence Maroney as a fantasy option, myself. He had a few good runs in his rookie season, but hasn't been the same since having surgery done. That's why I have Sammy Morris in my lineup. It seems that the Patriots like using him in the red zone, and he's pretty darn good at making room for himself.

So, if you must play a Patriots running back, go with Morris.

About that defense... it's really hard to picture them doing well after that atrocious showing against Miami on Sunday. I'd drop them and see how they respond in the next few weeks.

I've always found that it works better to choose my defense on a weekly basis anyway. You can usually find a match up that will work to your advantage if you look early enough in the week.

I think that just about covers everything, as far as Patriots-related fantasy football goes. Feel free to ask questions in the comment section below.

I'm Chris Radez, co-owner of TheScoreBoards.