Tom Brady's Updated 2013 Fantasy Outlook and Trade Value After Week 4

Tom Brady's performance against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at the Georgia Dome proves that he's still top-tier material in fantasy football.

Brady got off to a slow start this season in terms of fantasy football numbers, but he posted big numbers against the Falcons on Sunday, going 20-of-31 for 316 yards and two touchdowns. This was despite being without injured targets Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola.

Brady scored the fifth-most fantasy points (20) among quarterbacks in ESPN standard leagues on Sunday. He appears to be getting into a rhythm, developing a rapport with players like rookie Kenbrell Thompkins while he waits for Gronkowski and Amendola to return.

According to Jay Glazer of Fox, Gronkowski is targeting a Week 6 return. That would be just in time for what is sure to be a shootout against the New Orleans Saints in Foxborough. The impact of his return cannot be overstated. He was a top target for Brady last season and should greatly aid the veteran quarterback when he steps out onto the football field.

Brady faces the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5. The Bengals have been strong against the pass for the most part this season, but they allowed Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer to pass for 269 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday. 

Based on performance up to this point, Brady would appear to have favorable fantasy matchups against the Denver Broncos (Week 12) and Baltimore Ravens (Week 16). For the most part, however, he faces some tough pass defenses throughout the season.

I don't expect him to post the same kind of numbers he did last season, so if you can get a top-tier quarterback with a favorable schedule in return, it may be worth a trade.