Week 5 at Cincinnati
It's almost hard to believe that just over a year ago some had 100 catch and 1,000 yard expectations for Amendola, in his first year with the Patriots. It's possible injuries have finally added up and taken their toll on Amendola. It's also possible, I suppose, that he is merely a bit player in a suffering and unproductive offense. Nonetheless, he has only a 3-16 line on the season and is a fantasy non-factor in any format. He should be on your waiver wire.
Week 4 at Kansas City
Despite playing every week, Amendola hasn't caught a pass since week one. He's our WR71 and WR74 this week.
Week 3 vs Oakland
In Week 2, Amendola saw one target, failing to record a reception. Even more disconcerting is Amendola's snap count. After seeing over 70% in Week 1, he saw less than 30% in week two. There may be some ebb and flow on that front, with varying matchups and offensive game plans. However, two weeks in Amendola has only 3 catches for 16 yards.
With Julian Edelman performing so well, Amendola likely needs an injury on the depth chart to see more fantasy relevance. We rank him as WR83, and WR81 in PPR this week. Amendola is a safe drop if your waiver has reasonable options.
Week 2 at Minnesota
Amendola played the 2nd most WR snaps in Week 1, though he only caught 3 passes for 16 yards in the process. Our Week 2 ranks for Amendola of WR86 and WR83 in PPR summarize our thoughts on Amendola nicely. Leave him on your bench or the waiver wire.
Week 1 vs Miami
We're not quite sure exactly how snaps or targets will be distributed in New England this season. Until that picture is clearer, I would stay away from starting Amendola if possible. It's possible Amendola could return risk-taking fantasy owners in any given week, but it's far from a sure bet. We could call him a boom/bust player early in the season, but he's best viewed as an upside player you should leave on your bench for the time being. We rank him at WR63 in PPR, and WR68 in standard.
Fantasy Upside
There is considerable value in being Brady's go-to (non-Gronkowski) player. While that player was Julian Edelman last year, it's not impossible that Danny Amendola steps up in that role this year. Staying healthy would be a great start.
Fantasy Downside
Amendola was outplayed by Edelman last year. It may take an Edelman injury for Amendola's upside to really come into play, and injuries are impossible to predict. It's entirely possible that Amendola may have a couple nice games here and there, but stay buried in the pecking order for targets behind Rob Gronkowski, Edelman and Shane Vereen, amongst others.
Bottom Line
Amendola was a highly valued commodity last off-season, and some remnant believers have left Amendola's ADP a little higher than I'd prefer, around the 10th round of 12 teamers, and 12th round of 10 teamers. That's a steep price for someone we're ranking behind Dobson, who is available several rounds later . You're also passing on some fairly talented wideouts with much clearer roles to take Amendola. While I don't mind his chances this year, we are somewhat priced out of taking a chance on him in our drafts. If the owner who drafts him later cuts him in the season, he is a name I'd be aware of on the waiver wire.
