Week 19 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers go west to east for the second consecutive week to take on the Patriots in New England with a trip to the AFC Championship game on the line. New England is a shrinking four-point favorite with a middle-of-the-pack implied team total of 25.5 points. The Chargers rank top five in aFPA to QBs, which makes Tom Brady a very risky option in the divisional round. Even though the Chargers rank top five in aFPA to WRs as well, Julian Edelman should still work as the primary pass catcher this week, making him an elite WR option. However, no other Patriots pass catcher can be ranked as more than a contrarian dart throw this week.
Week 17 vs. New York Jets
The Patriots should send their starters out for a full 60 minutes this week in an effort to lock up a first-round bye in the playoffs. New England also has an outside chance at home field advantage with a win and Chiefs and Chargers losses. Because of this, New England is among the highest implied team totals this week at 29.25 points after being installed as almost two-touchdown favorites. Tom Brady is in a bounce-back spot against a defense ranked dead last in aFPA to QBs. That will help the New England pass catchers, as the Jets are also dead last aFPA to WRs. The Jets have been torched by slot receivers all season. That should be no different this week for Julian Edelman. Start him with confidence. However, no other Patriots receiver can be started with that same confidence, even with Josh Gordon gone. The target share just doesn't defend that type of decision.
Week 16 vs. Buffalo Bills
The Patriots certainly have not looked like the Patriots over the past two weeks, but against the Bills this week, New England still has the third-highest implied team total on the Week 16 slate of 28.75 points. Buffalo ranks 10th in aFPA to WRs. Julian Edelman has dominated targets among Patriots wideouts, with 31 over the past three weeks. He also garnered 10 targets in the first game against Buffalo, avoiding the Bills' top cornerback. That makes any other Patriots WR a risk to start in Week 16, even with Josh Gordon suspended. We can't recommend Chris Hogan or Cardarrelle Patterson.
Week 1 vs. Houston Texans
Cordarrelle Patterson will have a special teams role to start the season in New England. Until we see him get significant offensive snaps, he is not a fantasy consideration.
Week 16 at Philadelphia Eagles
The Raiders go cross-country for a Christmas night battle with the Eagles. With the possible return of Amari Cooper, no other WRs outside Cooper and Michael Crabtree are under fantasy consideration.
Week 15 vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Raiders face the Cowboys in a must-win game for their playoff hopes. Oakland has an implied team total in Vegas below the top half of teams for Week 15. However, Amari Cooper is out again this week, which meant 13 targets in this same situation for Michael Crabtree last week and no more than 6 targets for every other Raider pass-catcher. That's not enough volume to make Cordarrelle Patterson a starting consideration.
Week 14 at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs-Raiders game has the second-highest over/under in Vegas for Week 14, but with Amari Cooper out, most of the targets should go through Michael Crabtree and tight end Jared Cook. Cordarrelle Patterson and Johnny Holton might be good DFS tournament lottery ticket options this week, but in your win-or-go-home fantasy playoffs, they are far too risky.
Week 13 vs. New York Giants
The suspension of Michael Crabtree and injuries to Amari Cooper means Cordarrelle Patterson has at least a chance to be viable this week in deeper leagues. The Giants have also lost Janoris Jenkins for the season, so a bad defense (25th in aFPA vs. WRs) got worse. Patterson could even add some points as a runner since he has two games with 50+ yards and a rushing touchdown this year. It's very risky, but not implausible to start Patterson in deep leagues.
Week 17 vs. Chicago
Cordarrelle Patterson will get added snaps this week with Stefon Diggs likely sitting out, but we don't like him in fantasy. His touches will be minimal, and Adam Thielen will be the receiver to own in Minnesota.
Week 13 vs. Dallas
Cordarrelle Patterson finished 5-for-15 last week with Stefon Diggs out. Considering he had added playing time and still didn't play well, it should indicate Patterson isn't a reliable fantasy option. He's not worth a look this week, even in a favorable matchup against the Cowboys.
