Fantasy Football: Tom Brady, Thursday’s Top Performers

Sep 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) high fives the end zone militia as he leaves the field following a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Julian Edelman, New England Patriots

If you play in a standard fantasy football league, Julian Edelman only got you nine points. That output isn’t enough to warrant his place on this list, but enough people play in point-per-reception leagues to change that.

Edelman finished with 11 receptions on 12 targets for 97 yards—20 points in PPR leagues.

Edelman’s high reception count isn’t something that should shock anyone. He recorded 197 catches between 2013 and 2014, and that was with two games missed due to injury.

Edelman had just two games above 10 receptions in 2014, but he had at least five catches in 11 of his 14 appearances.

If you’re in a point-per-reception league, Edelman should be an automatic start on a weekly basis. His touchdown numbers won’t be spectacular, but the receptions and yardage will net you double-digit scoring.

Throw in a nine-yard run—only helpful in scoring systems that account for every yard—and it was another gem of a game from Edelman in Week 1.

Next: The Best at His Position