Brandon Lloyd to Patriots: Breaking Down Fantasy Impact on Patriots' Playmakers

Brandon Lloyd signing with New England obviously makes the Patriots dangerous on offense, and it obviously keeps them as a legitimate contender in real life.

But what about the fake game? What about fantasy football, the game everyone so dearly cares about? How does Lloyd going to the best passing attack in the league affect fantasy football?

Here's a look at who will be impacted the most.

Brandon Lloyd

Lloyd has never had a quarterback like Tom Brady throwing to him, but he's never been surrounded by weapons like New England has.

That will mean a lot less targets than he normally gets, but probably more big plays and touchdowns.

Upgrade Lloyd in normal leagues, but downgrade him in PPR leagues. Just don't be drastic about it. He's a Top 20 receiver no matter what league.

Wes Welker

Welker had the best year of his career last season, but don't pay for that. He recorded 122 catches and 1,569 yards, but expect those numbers to be around 100 and 1,100 with Lloyd in town.

Now, those are obviously still gaudy numbers, but don't take him as top-five receiver. He'll produce, but there are just too many options around him to call Welker elite in fantasy.

Aaron Hernandez/Rob Gronkowski

I think their numbers will take small hits (with Hernandez taking a little more of a hit), but the fact they are tight ends means they don't drop in the rankings.

Even if Lloyd takes some of their numbers away, Gronk is still top-three and Hernandez is still top-10 because you just don't see guys like these at this position. There aren't as many elite options at the position, although it is progressing. 

Tom Brady

Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees are obviously still around, but I'm taking Brady No. 1 among quarterbacks. It's clear the Pats are just going to rely almost exclusively on their passing game.