Malcolm Mitchell (WR, NE) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 10- and 12-Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 25% Fleaflicker

ANALYSIS: After his performances of late along with Rob Gronkowski out the lineup for the remainder of the season, and expanded role in the offense was expected for Mitchell. He responded by catching 8-of-10 targets for 82 yards, while playing 85% of the team’s offensive snaps; the most for him this season. As if his job wasn’t already secure enough, Danny Amendola suffered a high ankle sprain, which will be season-ending for the WR. Mitchell seems to be locked into a prime starting role in this Patriots offense for the remainder of the season.

Over the past three weeks, he is second on the team in targets with 22, behind only Julian Edelman with 40. Though there are a bevy of options in this passing attack, Mitchell is carving himself out a nice role behind Edelman on the WR depth chart. His increasing targets (five, seven, 10) show that Brady is trusting him more as the weeks go on. Even with a rest of season schedule that is less than ideal, Mitchell is a solid flex option in a top-notch offense.