New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola is owned in just 21.6 percent of ESPN fantasy football leagues. We expect that number to rise this week.
Despite some solid seasons with the St. Louis Rams to start his career, Amendola has largely been a disappointment in New England. However, it's finally his time to shine. Moving forward, he should become one of quarterback Tom Brady's favorite targets during the remainder of this season. Although the Pats offense looked ordinary Sunday against the New York Giants, they are still in good shape with Brady at the helm. But given all of the injuries on that side of the ball, Amendola's opportunities should increase dramatically in the coming weeks. That's good news for fantasy football owners.
"With Julian Edelman likely out for the rest of the regular season with a foot injury, the Patriots need multiple players to step up, and it begins with Amendola," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Field Yates wrote. "He has three games this season with at least nine targets. In those games, he's amassed 25 catches, 270 yards and a touchdown. He's likely to see close to nine targets per game until Edelman returns - a must-add in all leagues."
Overall, Amendola has caught 40 passes for 403 yards and two scores in nine games this year. As Yates mentioned, he should consistently see around nine targets per game the rest of the way (Edelman averaged 9.7 targets per game this year). In Amendola's best year with the Pats (2013), he averaged nearly seven targets per week in 12 games and was able to catch 54 balls for 633 yards. Assuming he stays healthy, he's well on his way to surpassing those totals this year.
Edelman is a bit shiftier than Amendola and is able to more consistently create separation. However, the sheer volume Amendola is expected to see in his absence should be enough to make him roster-worthy in all league formats.
The Patriots next play the Buffalo Bills whose defense ranks 18th in passing yards allowed per game (252), 22nd in touchdown passes (17) and 16th in total receiving yards (2,341).
