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The New England Patriots had no trouble defeating the Houston Texans 27-6, but only three players had viable fantasy days. Hopefully this changes moving forward.
Quarterback Tom Brady had a quietly efficient 22/30 day for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns, and he threw in an additional 10 rushing yards to rank 11th on the week. As the rest of the offense starts to get back to full health, Brady's output will continue to grow, and it seems like the Patriots quarterback will get back to his early-season fantasy form just in time for the playoffs. Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer was the third lowest ranked quarterback on the week.
The running backs had an awful day, but James White actually earned RB2 value with a 40 yard day because of his touchdown. Patriots running backs LeGarrette Blount and Brandon Bolden and Texans running back Jonathan Grimes all contributed between 51-62 yards and were borderline FLEX plays. The Patriots running back position should be off limits moving forward.
There were no viable fantasy wide receivers in this game. At all. The Patriots Keshawn Martin actually led the entire game with 23 yards and a touchdown, ahead of the Texans DeAndre Hopkins' touchdownless 52 yards. Neither were viable fantasy plays. This was a wildly bizarre output, but it's a good sign for the Patriots defense moving forward- and Danny Amendola was operating on a snap count. Once Amendola returns, the Patriots will be able to start putting up a more consistent offense.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski was back to being the 2nd ranked tight end of the week with 87 yards and a touchdown on his four touches. Only Washington's Jordan Reed (9 catches, 120 yards, 1 touchdown) ranked ahead. The other tight ends in the game, whether the Patriots Scott Chandler or the Texans Ryan Griffin, weren't worth playing.
The Patriots defense was worth a play as the 3rd best of the week, holding the Texans to 6 points, recovering a fumble, and collecting six sacks.