Julian Edelman's Updated Fantasy Outlook and Analysis for 2013 Season

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman may not have turned a lot of heads in fantasy football drafts this past summer. But after his explosive outing in Week 1, he's sure to become a hot commodity in leagues around the country.

With a plethora of weapons having been lost for a variety of reasons this offseason, Tom Brady looked to Edelman often against the Buffalo Bills on opening weekend, connecting with the underrated target seven times for 79 yards and, most importantly, two touchdowns.

The memorable effort was good enough for 19 points in standard-scoring ESPN fantasy leagues. Only six other wide receivers scored more in Week 1.

Even better news for fantasy owners who are considering Edelman, he's only owned in 16 percent of all ESPN fantasy leagues heading into Week 2.

The question becomes: Will Edelman continue to put up impressive numbers in 2013?

While it may seem like a flagrant overreaction to say he will after just one game, there are in fact a number of reasons why fantasy owners should look to add Edelman to their roster before Week 2 kicks off on Thursday.

The most obvious reason is the fact that Brady's new No. 1 target, Danny Amendola, is already battling a groin injury and is expected to miss Week 2's matchup against the New York Jets. But even when Amendola returns to the field, don't expect Edelman's production to drop off.

With Wes Welker in Denver, Brandon Lloyd gone and the tight end corps in shambles, Edelman is one of the more proven wideouts Brady will have at his disposal in 2013. And considering that Brady has thrown for at least 3,900 yards and 28 touchdowns in each of the past four seasons, Edelman is sure to benefit from playing alongside a fantasy stud and future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Don't expect Edelman to score touchdowns week in and week out. After all, he only had four career receiving touchdowns coming into this season. But the receptions and the yardage should be there throughout. 

The good news is that Edelman is averaging 10.4 yards per catch for his NFL career and doesn't rely on the big play to make an impact.

It's also important to remember that the fifth-year veteran is playing for his future. Edelman is in the midst of a one-year deal with the Patriots that expires at the end of the season. Even if New England doesn't re-sign him, he'll want to put on an excellent display for the other 31 NFL teams to look at this offseason.

It all adds up to make Edelman a worthwhile addition to any fantasy roster this season.  

And for those lucky owners who can pick him up off waivers, Edelman is a no-brain choice and a must-add talent at wide receiver.

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