Is Brandon LaFell A Must-Own In All Fantasy Leagues?

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 47% of leagues

ANALYSIS: You want the presumptive third option on New England’s prolific offense. You want Brandon LaFell.

One bedrock of my fantasy philosophy is this: always seek players on good offenses with good quarterbacks. It sounds simple, and it is.

Any offense led by Tom Brady is bound to yield enough production to go around. Rob Gronkowski will get the most attention, and rightfully so. Long-time Brady favorite Julian Edelman will always see his share of targets as well.

LaFell figures to slot in third in that equation, now that he is set to return from the foot injury which relegated him to the PUP list for the first six games of the season. The 6’3” receiver proved in his first season with Brady that he is capable of solid fantasy production, as he saw 10+ targets in five separate contests last season, turned in four games with 90-plus yards receiving, and found the end zone seven times.

Now, with New England’s undefeated offensive juggernaut rolling along, LaFell is a must-add in all leagues where is available. Some fantasy owners – and this, unfortunately, includes myself – who drafted LaFell were forced to cut him loose as injuries and bye weeks necessitated roster moves.

A healthy Brandon LaFell figures to assume a prominent role in the Patriots’ offense. Whether or not he returns this week against the Jets, he will be a useful player to stash on your bench for the time being. LaFell has WR3 upside, with the potential to explode on any given week. With Brady slinging him the rock, owners can invest in LaFell as a solid injury replacement and potential starting option for the home stretch or a playoff run.