Fantasy Forecast: Week 5

Tom Brady

The Pats threw a bit of a curveball in Week 4 by focusing on the running game, limiting Brady’s numbers. Against a Jets defense that has been gashed on the ground in recent weeks, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brady’s numbers in the same ballpark. Expect somewhere close to 300 yards and 2-3 scores.

Benjarvus Green-Ellis/Stevan Ridley

Ridley emerged in a big way last week with close to 100 yards and a score in limited playing time. With Woodhead day-to-day with an ankle injury, Ridley will have an opportunity to carve out a substantial role in the running game as the primary change-of-pace back to the Law Firm. Look for BJGE to get at least 15 touches and close to 100 total yards and a score while Ridley helps move the chains with another 40-50 yards on the ground. I think you’ll see the Pats using both players in the passing game as well, so they both make a sneaky-good play in PPR leagues.

Wes Welker/Deion Branch

Branch hasn’t figured into the New England gameplan much the past two weeks. He figures to draw coverage from Revis again since the Jets favored that pairing in the playoffs last year. The Jets will focus on shutting down Welker with Cromartie and help, but the Patriots will move Wes around enough to keep the Jets guessing. Expect Branch to haul in 2-3 passes for around 30 yards and Welker to get his hands on 7 passes for close to 100 and a score.

Rob Gronkowski

The Pats used Gronk mainly as a blocker against the Raiders, and I think he’ll be helping open holes a lot this week as well. Still, the Patriots will probably not have the luxury of pounding the ball all day against the Jets, so I could see Gronkowski getting loose in the secondary for 4 or 5 grabs for around 70 yards and a possible score. The Pats offense will have to take what the Jets’ D gives them, so he should be a prominent part of the gameplan.

Stephen Gostkowski

Gostkowski hasn’t been called upon to kick many field goals since the offense has been putting the ball in the end zone so often. That could change this week. Expect 3-4 XPs and 2-3 FGs.

Patriots Defense/Special Teams

Mark Sanchez was beaten like a rented mule last week against the Ravens, and he doesn’t inspire much confidence even when he’s standing clean in the pocket. He should be good for around 2 turnovers. The Patriots haven’t gotten to the QB often this year with just 6 sacks in four games. Anything more than 2-3 in this game would be gravy. If 2 sacks, 2 turnovers and 24 points allowed is what you’re looking for, then you’ve found it here.