Game day update: There is no word yet this morning on Harry’s status, but the fact that he was not downgraded on Saturday suggests he is out of the concussion protocol, pending any last minute changes. Even still, Jakobi Meyers is viewed as the go-to guy among Patriots receivers. ESPN projects him with 10.8 points in PPR leagues, Harry with 6.6 points, and Damiere Byrd with 6.4 points against a tough Ravens defense.
The Patriots are a mess right now, struggling to get anything going on either side of the ball with any consistency. Football Outsiders ranks New England 26th overall and ranks them 28th in passing offense. Cam Newton has shown some flashes, but has been inconsistent all season long.
And now, the Patriots face a Ravens defense that Football Outsiders ranks 7th in defending the pass and 1st defending the run. It’s not ideal, and it probably won’t get much better for the Patriots in Week 10. It isn’t great for your fantasy football options, but maybe there is something to squeeze out.
Fantasy Football analysis: Patriots WRs N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, Damiere Byrd
After Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry got hurt, Jakobi Meyers emerged as a presence for an otherwise inconsistent offense. Over the past three games, Meyers, has 22 receptions for 287 yards. He has not found the end zone, but he has turned into a PPR machine. This game will be a significant test for him. He faces the best defense he’s seen to date and the Patriots also could have Harry back in the lineup.
Harry suffered a concussion in Week 7 and missed the past two weeks, sitting out practice every day. This week, he’s returned in limited fashion and seems to be making progress in the concussion protocol. We’ll get a better handle on his status Friday afternoon after the Patriots get in their final practice. He’s a guy the Patriots have tried to get more involved, but it’s been an inconsistent season. Prior to the team’s early bye week, over four games he had 18 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown. He was making some plays, but not enough to justify regular inclusion in fantasy lineups.
Damiere Byrd has quietly emerged as a regular target for Cam Newton. The numbers aren’t huge, but in eight games, he’s had six with at least three receptions. In some of the deepest PPR leagues, he’s got some flex value, but for most leagues he’s not going to get quiet enough looks to justify inclusion in lineups.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Flex Meyers in PPR leagues and 14+ team standard leagues. Sit Harry and Byrd