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The New England Patriots didn't win, but the fantasy output really exceeded our expectations. Quarterback Tom Brady ranked sixth on the week in scoring for quarterbacks, behind four quarters with 4-5 touchdown passes, and then Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor with nearly 50 rushing yards. Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler ranked 27th on the week, meaning that the Patriots defense did a fantastic job limiting his production.
Running back Brandon Bolden is the only Patriots back worth noting, which is extremely disturbing, coming 7th on the week on the back of his 95 yards and a touchdown on 8 touches. The Denver Duo of C.J. Anderson (2nd) and Ronnie Hillman (14th) had very successful days once Dont'a Hightower went down with an injury. Once the Patriots had lost their starting linebackers, it was open season for rushes to the edge.
The Patriots injuries at wide receiver showed as Brandon LaFell didn't even rank in the top 50 this week. Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders was the only viable fantasy play with 113 yards on 6 receptions, but with no trips into the end zone. With Danny Amendola set to return this week, the Patriots will be in better fantasy shape.
The Tight End Tandem of Rob Gronkowski (3rd) and Scott Chandler (7th) finally made an appearance and it seems that Chandler is going to have to carry the team for the next couple of weeks. The Patriots tight end defense continued to flourish and prevented Owen Daniels and Vernon Davis from being effective players on the evening.