New England Patriots

New England Patriots fantasy football: Week 2 outlook

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Julian Edelman (11) is the top Patriots fantasy football player for Week 2. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

If you have a New England Patriots fantasy football player on your roster bubble, you have come to the right place for advice.

In this article, we are going to break down Patriots fantasy football player rankings, sleeper of the week, as well as a check on the defense in Week 2. Let’s get to it, starting with the top five Patriots fantasy football starts of the week (assuming Rob Gronkowski is held out of action for a second straight week.

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1. Julian Edelman

If Week 1 was any indication, Julian Edelman is going to see a ton of targets from Garoppolo, just like he would if Tom Brady was playing. Against the Cardinals, Edelman was shadowed by top-tier cornerback Patrick Peterson, making him a less appealing Patriots fantasy football start; but this week, Edelman has a very favorable matchup against overrated journeyman corner Byron Maxwell.

2. Martellus Bennett

Martellus Bennett was on the field for 97 percent of offensive snaps in Week 1, indicating that the Patriots intend to play him on just about every down with Gronk out (and many even with Gronk in the game). Expect Bennett to rebound from a 14-yard stat line against the Cardinals.

3. LeGarrette Blount

The top two players on this list stand to do well if the Patriots throw the ball a bunch, but LeGarrette Blount takes the No. 3 ranking because he is in good standing to see at least 20 carries against the Dolphins. The Patriots may fight fire with fire by running the ball against the stoutness of Suh.

4. James White

James White is tracking upward after a nice performance in the opener. In fact, this writer even went so far as to assert that White is just as good as Dion Lewis in the present moment. He wouldn’t be a bad flex play.

5. Jimmy Garoppolo

After a strong beginning to his four-game starting stretch, Jimmy Garoppolo should receive starting consideration in deeper leagues.

Chris Hogan (15) is the Patriots fantasy football sleeper of the week. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sleeper of the Week: Chris Hogan

Hogan emerged in Week 1 by making a nice touchdown grab, his first catch as a Patriot. Expect the good omen to sustain as Hogan plays in his first home game with the Patriots.

It should be noted that Hogan played in more snaps than Danny Amendola and Malcolm Mitchell last week, indicating that the Patriots like Hogan as their outside possession receiver, much like Brandon LaFell back in 2014. As such, Hogan will have no shortage of opportunities to contribute and rise in the Patriots fantasy football ranks.

Although he is admired by the New England coaching staff, Hogan is not that well-known outside of the Buffalo/New England fan base. Most fantasy football owners don’t pay him much mind, but after Week 2, Hogan should be a top waiver wire target.

Expect a stat line of seven receptions for 102 yards and another touchdown for the former Buffalo Bills wideout in Week 2.

Malcom Brown (90) and the Patriots’ defense look sharp going into Week 2. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sleeper of the Week: A check on the defense

If you have the Patriots’ defense stowed away on your bench right now, you should seriously think about shifting them into your starting lineup. The odds are very much in your favor.

Look, the Patriots don’t have the best defense in the league, but they are certainly a top ten unit and tracking upward as we speak. The certainly do not suffer from a lack of star power, as there are big names at every position; depth is also not an issue with the likes of youngsters Trey Flowers and Cyrus Jones at the ready.

Furthermore, the Dolphins are not the most threatening offense by any means. The managed to put up a lowly 10 points last week, and while that was against a strong Seattle defense, you have to be able to put up more than 158 passing yards in the NFL. You just do.

So there you have it. Edelman and Bennett are the strongest starts of the week, followed by Blount, White and Garoppolo; Hogan is the sleeper; the Patriots’ defense is very much start-worthy against the ‘Phins.

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