We’re finally here, after months of uncertainty, NFL Sundays are back, and more importantly, so is Patriots football. Here’s your Game Day supplement for all of the latest news ahead of today’s opener against Miami.
Roster News
Main Roster
K Nick Folk (Signed from PS)
DL Xavier Williams (Signed from PS)
Placed on Injured Reserve
WR Gunner Olszewski
OL Yodny Cajuste
Practice Squad
Cut
OL Corey Levin
Signed
OL Caleb Benenoch
Hopes for second-year Gunner Olszewski to make a contribution in the team’s offense will have to wait a while, as he joins Yodny Cajuste, Damien Harris, and Beau Allen on IR, keeping them out for at least the first three weeks of the regular season.
Nick Folk will begin the season as the team’s kicker, rookie Justin Rohrwasser remains on the PS. Also promoted to the main roster is Xavier Williams, who could suit up for today’s game to add additional depth on the front line.
Injury Check-In
In Friday’s final injury report, there were four Patriots listed as questionable for today’s game.
QUESTIONABLE
LB Cassh Maluia (Knee)
TE Dalton Keene (Neck)
WR N’Keal Harry (Shoulder)
DL Chase Winovich (Shoulder)
Good news for N’Keal Harry, who was questionable during Friday’s practice, is expected to play today, as reported by Ian Rapoport. Chase Winovich, Dalton Keene, and Cassh Maluia were also questionable, but with no indications that they’ll miss out, the consensus is that they should also be good to go by game time.
Fantasy Starts (PPR)
QB Cam Newton
Newton is good enough to be your starting QB, and for PPR leagues, as he’s mobile, he brings into play the run option to earn you more points. After missing time over the past couple of seasons through injury, if Newton remains healthy, he’ll score points. Week 1 proj points (NFL Fantasy) – 18.15
WR Julian Edelman
Edelman remains the top receiver for the Patriots and will be a good flex option if you have 2 strong WR’s, if not, he can comfortably take up one of the main WR positions. If he remains healthy, he can provide points as I believe he will be Newton’s favorite target. Week 1 proj points (NFL Fantasy) – 13.87
RB James White
After Damien Harris was placed on IR, Michel is set to lead the backfield in today’s game, but I’m still going with James White as my pick to start. Purely from a PPR perspective, White is more likely to have multiple receptions and is a much stronger pass catcher than Michel. Although both are fine picks as RB options/flex, White gets the nod to start in my team. Week 1 proj points (NFL Fantasy) – 11.49
DEF – New England Patriots
One of the most picked defenses in the league, it’s a given, if you have the Patriots D, they’ll be starting, if somehow they’re available, pick them up.
GAME DAY LFG!
Make sure you tune into the Patriots pre-game live stream here.
