Should Julian Edelman Be on Your Fantasy Football Team?

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman has had a nice two-game run. That fact is not lost on me.

Neither is the fact that he is a better football player than his numbers suggest. With that in mind, should Julian Edelman be on your fantasy football team?

Through the first 10 weeks Edelman had 100 receiving yards, one touchdown and a carry that cost him five yards. He had two games with more than two receptions. 

Over the past two weeks Edelman has combined for 122 yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions.

This jack-of-all-trades added 50 rushing yards and scored on a punt return, as well as a returned fumble of a kickoff.

Many fantasy football players jumped to the conclusion that with Rob Gronkowski out, Edelman would see an uptick in targets.

Those that rolled with him were rewarded with a second straight two-touchdown day, but he only had three targets. He caught two passes and had one carry.

That has to be a little troublesome for fantasy owners. 

Seven Patriots caught a pass on the day. Aaron Hernandez, who made his return in time to replace Gronk, only had three targets. You know that number will go up.

Plus, the Patriots ran the ball 39 times.

The Patriots like to mix things up. Danny Woodhead had things going on, averaging 4.5 receptions from Week 6 through 10. He did not have a touch in Week 11 and only three in Week 12. 

Bill Belichick does not just keep opposing defensive coordinators guessing. He keeps fantasy owners guessing.

The other concern is the hit that forced Edelman out of the game.

Fortunately, the Patriots played on Thursday this week to give Edelman additional time to get cleared for next week's matchup with the Miami Dolphins. Still, anytime the head is involved, there is cause for concern.

I can't promise you that Edelman have another strong game against Miami. I can promise you that his usage is more unpredictable than your other WR3 or flex options. Use him at your own risk.

Also check out:

• 2012 Week 13 Fantasy QB Rankings
• 2012 Week 13 Fantasy RB Rankings
• 2012 Week 13 Fantasy WR Rankings
• 2012 Week 13 Fantasy TE Rankings
• 2012 Week 13 Fantasy Football Get ‘em or Don’t Sweat ‘em