The New England Patriots have had a backfield situation to avoid in fantasy football for quite some time. Head coach Bill Belichick often uses a committee approach to his backfield, choosing to ride the hot hand rather than sticking with a “lead back.” Against the Buffalo Bills this past Sunday, Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels were able to scheme plenty of offensive success, especially in the second half.
RB Dion Lewis
Buffalo allowed a running back to gash them yet again, allowing 129 yards rushing and a touchdown to Lewis on 24 carries. Lewis also caught five passes for 24 yards and another touchdown. His total output was good for 29.8 fantasy points, which was also the second-highest score of the entire week.
QB Tom Brady
Brady was efficient, if unspectacular, during a business-as-usual dismantling of the Bills’ defense. The Patriots’ quarterback threw for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns on the afternoon. He was intercepted for the fifth straight game, and Jordan Poyer was able to return that pick for a touchdown, but other than that, Brady was strong. He scored 16.56 fantasy points on the day.
TE Rob Gronkowski
Gronk did what he always does against the Bills—he led the Patriots in receiving with five catches, 67 yards, and a touchdown. The big tight end made a ridiculous circus catch for his touchdown, and his day was good for 15.2 fantasy points.
K Stephen Gostkowski
The Patriots were held to field goals on three drives, which was good for the real-life Bills and Gostkowski’s fantasy owners alike. Gostkowski was 3-for-3 on field goals, making one kick in the 40-49 yard range, and 4-for-4 on extra point attempts. He scored 14 fantasy points on the day.