Oct 28, 2012; London, England; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the 2012 International Series game at Wembley Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Rams 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Toth-US Presswire
Vital Info
Opponent: Buffalo Bills
Location: Gillette Stadium (Home)
Record: 5-3
Quarterback
Tom Brady is a must start this week against the poor Buffalo secondary. He’s a top 5 QB so far and shows no signs of slowing down.
Running Back
It’s always been hazardous to trust a Patriots running back but this season Stevan Ridley has been the clear starter for New England and against the poor run defense of the Bills you should expect him to get you good numbers, making him a must start in all leagues. Shane Vereen is a sneaky play in 12+ team leagues this week as he has the talent to put up numbers and I have a hunch he finds the end zone on limited carries – play him if you’re short at RB. Danny Woodhead is almost an afterthought for fantasy owners at this point but if you’re in a deep PPR league and are stuck he might bring you a few points if he gets 2-4 receptions.
Wide Receiver
Most weeks Wes Welker gets you at least decent production. In the last 6 games he has averaged more than 8 receptions per game. In PPR leagues he is a must start every week and in standard leagues he is a must start this week with the soft matchup. If Welker is a model of consistency, Brandon Lloyd is the exact opposite. Despite his 2 TDs against the Rams in London, they were Lloyd’s only two catches in the game and he has averaged only 7 points per game. He has been getting targets but just can’t seem to convert them and his chemistry with Brady just seems off. He’s a borderline starter most weeks. This week I’d say he’s a solid flex given the opponent but in reality his previous production makes him a risky boom or bust play. Feel free to ignore all other wideouts on this team even in the deepest leagues.
Tight End
Rob Gronkowski is the #1 TE in fantasy and deservedly so. He is playing through a hip injury and there is some definite risk there but I would have no hesitation starting him in all leagues. His partner in crime Aaron Hernandez is a different story as he continues to rehab his injured ankle. It should be noted he didn’t practice last Thursday during the team’s bye week although this is likely more about giving him plenty of rest to get him on the field against Buffalo. He hasn’t played much due to injury this year but he does get lots of targets and receptions when he does play – watch the injury reports and if Hernandez does play he is a must start.