When should you draft Patriots' running backs in fantasy leagues?

As summer progresses and you begin to draft your fantasy football teams, keep your eye on these members of New England's backfield.

Author:
Mike Constantino
Publish date:
Jul 3, 2019 9:00 AM EDT

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.- Historically speaking, aside from Tom Brady, no one from the New England Patriots is typically drafted high in fantasy leagues. This is because the team's offense is usually so deep and filled with too much talent, which yes, is actually a negative in terms of fantasy football. This means that not one specific player is put in a position to rack up a large amount of fantasy points week in and week out. With that being said, as the 2019 season approaches, this Patriots fantasy stereotype could quickly be overturned.

Last year, the New England running game became one of the best in the NFL. In the playoffs, the running game was even more dominant and that should be expected to carry over into the upcoming season. With Rob Gronkowski retired and the Patriots' passing game in question, look for the running backs to elevate their production in fantasy football leagues across the board.

Here are two members of the New England backfield that will prove to be fantastic options in fantasy football. Also included is a bonus, along with a general idea of when they will come off the draft board.

2) Sony Michel - 4th round

Michel appeared in 13 regular-season games as a rookie and handled a generous 16.1 carries per game. Those numbers allowed the 2018 first-round pick to a top-15 finish in both carries (209) and rushing yards (931). Michel also racked up 12 carries inside the opponent's 5-yard line, which was good enough for the seventh-most among RB's. Furthermore, Michel finished with six rushing touchdowns last year.

The Patriots called a run on an astronomical 76 percent of Michel's snaps a season ago, which meant he had more than enough chances to accumulate rushing yards. However, he was limited to a mere 11 targets. In a PPR league, a running back who can also catch the ball out of the backfield is a huge plus and that is not what Michel brought to the table last year.

If healthy for the entire season, Michel's rushing yards and rushing touchdowns will both increase. Teammate James White is notorious for racking up fantasy points quickly due to all of his receptions, but it is possible that Michel could play a more versatile role in the New England passing game this year. Michel will be a strong option at the RB2 slot this fantasy season.

1) James White - 3rd round

White took his game to another level in 2018 and has cemented himself as one of the game's best receiving backs. Over the last four fantasy football seasons, White ranks first among all RBs in targets (328), second in receptions (243), second in receiving yards (2,141) and first in receiving touchdowns (19). White posted career-high marks in every single one of those categories in 2018, along with carries (94) and yards per carry (4.5). Towards the end of last season, as Michel returned from injury and began to play well, White's production dipped slightly, but that not should scare any fantasy participants away.

White has made a career out of taking quick passes from Brady and turning them into big plays, and fantasy football is where his importance and pure skill becomes even more clear. A similar backfield share is expected in 2019, in which White will rack up a bundle of receptions and Michel will take the load of the carries. White is primed for another massive fantasy football season, which positions him to be a low-end RB1 or a top RB2.

Bonus: Damien Harris - Round 10+

Surprised? That's okay. You may think that New England drafting Harris in the third round this offseason was just a value pick. But that doesn't mean they won't do what they can to try and get the football in his hands this upcoming season.

It would be no surprise at all to see the Patriots run the ball even more this upcoming season, which is where Harris comes into the picture. Michel will not carry the ball any more than he did in 2018 because of his knee and because the team would like to keep him fresh. Giving carries to Harris would keep Michel's touches down, and would also help in short-yardage situations, which New England struggled mightily with last year.

A 1-2 punch of Michel and Harris on early downs is a very real possibility in 2019.

Harris is not under many fantasy owner's radars which is why he isn't going off the board until at best round 10. If you aren't in a league with Patriots fans you could get him as late as round 14. That's a steal for a player that could become the no. 1 RB if Michel misses time because of injury.