Patriots Fantasy Start/Sit: Week 3 vs. Raiders

Previewing the Patriots' fantasy football prospects for the team's week three match-up against the Oakland Raiders:

Start

Stevan Ridley, RB: Ridley is the must-start for the Patriots this week. His heavy week two workload could increase even more headed into week three. The Raiders run defense has struggled, and they'll be without two of their three starting linebackers. If the Patriots get ahead early, the team could ride Ridley most of the way.

Julian Edelman, WR: Until Tom Brady proves he can trust another receiver on the Patriots roster, Edelman is a must start as a WR2, or borderline WR1 in PPR.

Rob Gronkowski, TE: Gronk is going to continue sitting in this spot. He's due for a breakout game soon, and there aren't many tight ends who pose the red zone threat he does, even while his snaps are limited as he gets back into the flow.

Sit

Shane Vereen, RB: Vereen had a down week last week, but a lot of that had to do with the Patriots' commitment to the run. If they go with that heavy run:pass ratio again today, Vereen may not see a lot of touches.

Tom Brady, QB: Brady was highly efficient in week two, but wasn't asked to throw the ball much. Even when he did, there weren't many down the field throws. Once again, a commitment to the run could mean low numbers for Brady, even if he plays well.

Every WR/TE not named Julian or Rob: Not that it really needed to be said.