Fansided

32 breakout fantasy football players for the 2016-17 NFL season

By Andrew C. Lovell

May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
21 of 33
Next
Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) celebrates after he catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) celebrates after he catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots – TE Martellus Bennett

Now this is a match made in heaven, isn’t it? Bennett, a massive 6-foot-6, 270-pound tight end, catching passes from Brady — the thought should have fantasy owners and Patriots fans alike smiling.

Two years ago, Bennett was one of fantasy’s top tight ends, posting 90 receptions for 916 yards and six receptions. He was gold at a position that seems to always lack true elite options. Bennett’s numbers dipped to 53 catches for 439 yards and three scores in an injury-plagued 2015 season, and he was subsequently traded to New England in March.

Bennett goes from Cutler and the Bears’ inconsistent offense to Brady and the Patriots’ unstoppable machine-line offense. In 2011, with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez both healthy and in their primes, the tight end duo combined for more than 2,200 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. The Patriots can now re-create that dynamic with Gronkowski and Bennett.

This doesn’t even take into account speedy slot receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola drawing attention over the middle. That further opens up space for Bennett to operate opposite Gronkowski.

Despite being the No. 2 tight end on his own team, Bennett should see enough targets — especially in the red zone — to again rise to TE1 fantasy status.

Next: New Orleans Saints

Home/Arizona Cardinals