The New England Patriots have Brandon LaFell back heading into Week 8 after the wide receiver made his return and fantasy football owners should look at him as a solid free agent pickup option to start for Tom Brady. LeGarrette Blount started for the Pats on Sunday with Dion Lewis dealing with an injury and if he remains out, fantasy owners could look at James White as a handcuff option.
LaFell had been out with a foot injury for the Patriots and he has now made his way back for the team, as the receiver was able to start play last week. According to Pro Football Talk, the Patriots activated LaFell ahead of the game against the Jets and this was the first week he was eligible to be activated from the PUP list. LaFell had a tough game coming back from his injury, dropping six passes against the Jets, but that can be chalked up to rust after missing the first stretch of the season.
LaFell did not have a great day with just two catches for 25 yards, but he was targeted eight times and should slot in as one of Tom Brady's favorite targets once again. Last season LaFell set career highs with 74 catches for 953 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games started and he also was a prime target for Brady in the playoffs. LaFell fits in as the number two behind Julian Edelman and he gives the Pats a better target over Danny Amendola.
Patriots running back Dion Lewis has been one of the top surprises in fantasy this season and he had to sit out in Week 7 while dealing with an abdominal injury. LeGarrette Blount got the start for the Patriots and he was in ahead of James White and Brandon Bolden for the game. The Patriots can be a bit frustrating for fantasy owners with the way they is running backs, but if Lewis is healthy and ready to play next week, expect him to split work with Blount again when he is back.
Blount got the start and fantasy owners should keep an eye on the practice injury reports this week to see if Lewis is making progress heading into Week 8. Lewis has been very consistent for the Pats this season, catching at least three passes out of the back field in all five games that he has played and Lewis has also been averaging five yards per attempt this year.
James White is a pickup option in deeper leagues, but only if Lewis remains out for another week. White had three catches for 26 yards and this season he has 12 rushing yards in five games. Blount did not do much with his chance to start and that could keep the door open for Lewis once he is healthy and ready to play again. Blount rushed three times and had negative three yards on the day and this season Blount has 246 rushing yards along with four rush touchdowns in five games.
Check here for more on the Patriots, LaFell, Lewis and Week 8.