Some Brady-centric fantasy advice for Week 5
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By Ed Ryan Globe Staff,October 6, 2016, 12:15 p.m.
James White (left) could benefit from having Tom Brady back in the lineup.Jim Rogash
If any of Julio Jones's owners lost their matchups in Week 4 of season-long fantasy football, it's probably time to look at your roster and execute wholesale changes.
Jones, Atlanta's star wide receiver, exploded for 300 receiving yards, including a 75-yard touchdown, against what was supposed to be a strong Carolina defense. Jones earned 57 fantasy points for this performance in one of my leagues (we use a half-point per reception, the rest of the scoring is standard), a mind-boggling total. If you finish with around 120 total, you've had an excellent week.
Jones's owner finished with 186 points and, of course, I was matched up against him. All I could do was tip my cap (tipping my iPad would seem more appropriate, actually) and eat the loss.
Meanwhile, in recognition of Tom Brady's return to the New England lineup, we're offering some Brady-centric advice for Week 5.
Three up:
James White, RB, New England: White's production has been limited — he does have 13 receptions for 102 yards — but that may change with Brady under center, and with starting back LeGarrette Blount nursing a hip injury. White had 35 receptions for 399 yards and three touchdowns in the Patriots' last seven games of 2015.
Chris Hogan, WR, New England: Hogan has been quiet (8 catches, 122 yards, 1 touchdown) but you may as well stash him. If anything happens to Julian Edelman, Hogan will vault to the front of the wide receiver food chain in Foxborough.
Cody Kessler, QB, Cleveland: Kessler, a third-round pick from USC, is the Browns' third quarterback to start in 2016. He's likely not rostered in your league, but consider that Kessler has thrown for 467 yards (with one touchdown and one interception) in two games. Also consider the Browns' plight against the Patriots; they'll probably be playing from behind. Kessler would be a gutsy start in daily fantasy.
Three down:
Isaiah Crowell, RB, Cleveland: The Browns' ground game has been terrific but Crowell will see a limit to his carries if Cleveland trails early. Teammate Duke Johnson will benefit when the Browns pass.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, New England: I have a feeling Blount's workload is going to shrink until local radio stations begin blitzing us with Christmas music.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston: Unrelated to Brady: Hopkins has just 17 catches this season and won't be tacking on many more while Minnesota terrorizes his quarterback, Brock Osweiler.
Ed Ryan can be reached at edward.ryaniii@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @EdzoRyan