Fantasy Fix: Patriots - Start 'em/Sit 'em

When it comes to the New England Patriots and fantasy football, the Pats players have been must starts ever since Drew Bledsoe was almost knocked into a coma in 2001. Despite the loss of weapons on offense this season, the Patriots have been putting up fantasy numbers and feature some sleepers that may still be available out there.

This week, the 4-0 Pats offense faces off against a tough Cincinnati Bengals defense that is battling some injuries and the Pats D have another top wide receiver to cover in All-Pro A.J. Green, while running back Giovani Bernard is looking like a possible rookie of the year candidate.

Here are the starts/sits for the New England Patriots in week 5.

Start 'em

Tom Brady, quarterback: Brady may not have the best set of weapons, but he continues to put up solid fantasy numbers. However, Brady's numbers are just not the usual eye-popping type - he's averaging just over 15 points per game. Don't panic my fantasy friends, with the Bengals defense down three of their top corners, expect a sunshine day from Brady and his bunch. Fantasy projection: 19 points

Julian Edelman, wide receiver: Edelman's production this week is depends on whether or not Danny Amendola plays or not. Adult roster supervision is required. So far this season, Edelman has put up more fantasy points than Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne. We won't mention Wes Welker. Damn, I just did. Edelman may not live in a snow globe, but he puts up Welker-like numbers. Fantasy projection: 10 points.

Kenbrell Thompkins, wide receiver: I can't help it, but what I see reminds me a lot of Chad Johnson. Not the Ocho Stinko #85, but the one that could get open and go and get balls. In Thompkins last two games he's put up 16 and 18 points. Look for more. Can we get him a new number, though? No, not #81! Fantasy projection: 12 points.

Sit 'em

Rob Gronkowski, tight end: It's looking more and more like Gronkowski will miss his fifth straight game. Week six might, probably, could be, light a candle, pray to Jeebus, be the week we see Gronk. Fantasy projection: 0 points

Stevan Ridley, running back: If you spent a second round pick on Ridley, you may be losing your patience. And by "may be" I mean you have resorted to sticking pins into your homemade Stevan Ridley voodoo doll. Fantasy projection: 6 points

Patriots Defense/Special teams: If you are a defensive streamer (it's better than a cross streamer), there's better options out there this week. The Bengals have some big play options in Green, Bernard and Jermaine Gresham. While the Bengals may not win this one, the Pats D will have a tough day especially with Vince Wilfork watching with us on the couch.  Fantasy projection: 7.00 points

Sleeper

LeGarrette Blount, running back: Blount put up 12.40 fantasy points as he rushed nine times for 64 yards and a touchdown in last weeks win over the Falcons. Although there seems to be no clear cut number one back, the 14% owned Blount is getting touches, has proved he can break a big play and cause Corey Dillon flashbacks. Fantasy projection: 10.50 points


Good luck this week. Have a Fantasy Football question for the Guru? Hit him up on Twitter @TheGuruGS