New England Patriots Fantasy Football Storylines

In recent fantasy football seasons, the New England Patriots have been certain to provide some high draft picks. While we will still see those names on the top half of lists, questions linger that have caused some fantasy owners to look in the direction of other teams.

Let’s have a look at some of these storylines.

Quarterback

It wasn’t long ago that Tom Brady was touted as the top fantasy football quarterback, but he has fallen in recent years (ranked sixth currently in Football Jabber’s Redraft Rankings ). Speculation of a possible holdout while seeking a contract extension has been the talk of the offseason.

Brady is in a contract year and there appears to be some friction in getting a new deal done. Aside from that, you can be certain that when Tom is on the field, you should be able to put your worries into your other positions.

Running Back

New England has not been a very trustworthy provider of fantasy football running backs in recent years.

Laurence Maroney is in the final year of his contract and didn’t have a favorable end to the 2009 season. Only topping 15 carries in six games doesn’t make him an attractive option.

Maroney should not be anything better than a third or fourth RB on your team, and that could be a stretch. Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris are in a similar situation. Just go another direction if you can unless two of these guys go down.

Wide Receiver

The most talked about Patriot in fantasy football circles this offseason is Wes Welker.

ACL and shoulder surgeries have been pointing Welker in the direction of the PUP list to start the 2010 season.

Now word is Welker is on schedule to participate in camp. At the last update of our wide receiver rankings, his average draft position was 5.02. You can bet if he shows for camp, that will change real fast.

Randy Moss appears to have come to terms with the fact that his time is running out in New England. In the last year of his contract, Moss may be on his last stop on a Super Bowl contender. He ranks No. 2 for our wide receivers and will still be a safe bet to be your top wideout.

Watch out for Brandon Tate in camp. A possible sleeper, Tate has not made much noise since being drafted; he was injured for his rookie season. Due to the injuries, Tate fell to the third round in the 2009 draft, but he was thought to be one of the better talents. He could be worth a late pick if his camp proves him worthy of more playing time.

Julian Edelman was thought to be the inside man if Welker did not return. Owners who have already drafted may have the same sinking feeling as Edelman upon hearing of Welker's return. Like Tate, Edelman’s stock would rise fast if there was an injury higher up on the depth chart.

Tight End

After Ben Watson’s departure, the Pats used two 2010 draft picks on tight ends, also bringing in Alge Crumpler.

If you plan to use a tight end from the Patriots, it may be better to pick up who is getting the most playing time to fill your bye week. Although Rob Gronkowski was drafted earlier, it appears that Aaron Hernandez may win out the pass-catching TE role.

Crumpler will likely get the start until unseated by one of the kids.