2012 Team Outlook: New England
RB Brandon Bolden, NE - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
Update 8-11-2012 - Similar to when the Law firm came out of nowhere to be a part of the Patriots backfield, don't be surprised if you start to hear Brandon Bolden's name mentioned a little more often. There have been rave reviews around Patriots camp about him and if he keeps this up, he might even push Ridley for some playing time.
WR Wes Welker, DEN - Stud (low risk)
Plain and Simple, Wes Welker is a stud fantasy receiver. In PPR leagues, Welker is a top 5 fantasy WR and in non PPR leagues he is top 12. The 2011 campaign, stellar, catching 122 receptions and setting career highs in yards (1569) and TDs (9). As long as he is catching passes from Tom Brady, you can expect him to put up similar numbers. Draft as a top WR and don't let any lingering contract banter cloud your vision.
Update 8-11-2012 - Like Brady, not much needs to be said. Welker does what he does and does it well. Welker is a top 10 WR and top 5 in PPR leagues.
WR Deion Branch, --- - Low Potential
Adding Brandon Lloyd and Jabar Gaffney bumps Branch down the depth chart - and maybe right off it.Obviously he's not the same receiver from his Super Bowl MVP days, but his low status stems as much from the lack of opportunity for targets as the level of his declining skills. Unless he somehow turns into the Pats WR3, you can let Branch sit this one out.
Update 8-11-2012 - Branch has missed more than a week of camp and looks to be in a battle with Dante Stallworth for one spot. His familiarity with Brady and the offense might end up giving him a leg in the end, but don't count on him. Watch this battle throughout camp.
WR Jabar Gaffney, --- - Deep-league Only
Back with the Patriots after signing as free agent, Gaffney turned in a nice little season with the Redskins last year. There, he was high on the passing game food chain. In New England, not so much. Gaffney will have some good fantasy games, but he won't be consistent enough to warrant being a fantasy starter, not with all those weapons at Tom Brady's disposal.
Update 8-11-2012-Gaffney was signed to provide some depth at the receiver spot. Having played for the Patriots in the past might help him make the roster. Unless a few players higher on the depth chart go down with injury, don't expect much in the way of fantasy help from Gaffney.
WR Brandon Lloyd, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
With Rob Gronkowski injured in the Super Bowl, the Patriots saw that they needed more weapons in the passing game. In comes Brandon Lloyd, who followed offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to New England from their previous stops. Over the past two years (under Mcdaniel's watch), Lloyd has had the best 2 seasons of his none-year NFL career. Lloyd will help the Patriots stretch the field and while he is no Randy Moss, he should put up very solid numbers in 2012.
Update 8-11-2012- Lloyd has looked great in camp and looks like he will get along just fine with his new QB. The Patriots' newest receiver didn't take long to start making impressions as he showed his knowledge of the play book due to his years playing under OC Josh Mcdaniels. Look for Lloyd to have a bounce back season after he dropped off a little last year.
WR Donte' Stallworth, WAS
Update 8-11-2012 - Stallworth's speed has been evident in training camp and that is something the Patriots don't have alot of. He looks to be battling Branch for a roster spot, so watch this battle. Either way, don't expect much from him.
