Question: Who will Brady throw to against the Jets?
Answer: It doesn’t matter.

Just in time for tonight’s match up against the Jets, Dr. Mike provides us with another pulitzer-prize worthy write-up.

As avid haters of all things Boston (Sam Adams and Harpoon notable exceptions), the injury bug that is plaguing the Patriots makes The Machine wicked happy (note: anyone over the age of 25 that uses “wicked” in their daily vernacular should be shot on site).  However, what do all of these injuries mean for our fantasy teams, and, what do they mean for those of you (like Ginger King) that picked New England in this weeks’ Survivor Pool?  Dr. Mike explains. 

First, let’s talk about the RB position. Shane Vereen played almost the entire game on Sunday with a fractured wrist bone (for that Dr. Mike gives him the Bad Ass of the Week Award), but was placed on IR with designation to return after it was decided he would undergo surgical stabilization of the fractured bone (which may or may not have displaced because he played the whole game).  This means he is ineligible to practice for 6 weeks and cannot play in a game for 8.  The Pats are off Week 10, so the earliest he can return is Week 11.  I am going to assume (since the Pats organization does not release any information that they are not required) that the fractured bone is his scaphoid.  This small peanut shaped bone on the thumb side of your wrist is the most common fractured carpal (wrist) bone (and fractures are commonly misdiagnosed as sprains).  The issue with the scaphoid is the lack of blood supply to half of the bone when fractured.  Surgical fixation should correct this problem (up to 10% of fixated scaphoids fail).  The time off will be plenty of time for his wrist to heal, but he will have to undergo rehab to get back his motion and strength.  Bottom line is unless you have an IR spot on your roster; it is safe to release Vereen, and maybe snag him off the wire after Week 9. 

The Pats are not short on RB options.  In theory Stevan Ridley should see a significant amount of action on Thursday night, but since his fumblitis (a/k/a David Wilson Disorder) has recently flared up again, he will probably be on a short leash.  After Ridley that leaves Leon Washington, LaGarrette Blount, and Brandon Boldon.  Out of these 3 guys only Washington is a viable weapon in the passing game (though he is listed a questionable because the Pats put everyone on the injury report).  Unless you are short on RB’s in an extremely deep league, you should avoid all 3 of these guys like a four-toothed hooker. 

Now on to the WR/TE position.  Oft-injured Danny Amendola is at it again, this time with a flared-up groin injury.  He is currently listed as “doubtful”, but he is almost a guarantee not to play Week 2.  These injuries tend to nag and, with Amendola’s history of injuries, I would not be surprised if he is out until Week 4 or 5.  It’s not time to panic, and I would not release Amendola, but you better find a good backup.  This groin injury could be an ongoing theme this year, especially if the Pats try to bring him back too soon. 

With Gronk still out for at least another week and Zach Sudfeld’s hamstring issue, the Pats are thin at TE.  Hamstring injuries have a tendency to flare-up and nag, especially if proper healing time is not given.  Sudfeld only saw 1 target in Week 1 and is now banged up, so his upside is limited and is unplayable in all fantasy leagues this week. 

So who on the Pats is startable this week?  As always, Tom Brady is a must start, but I would downgrade expectations as many of his weapons are out.  Even if the receiving corps was made up of Gisele and a bunch of her super model friends (supermodels in football pants…you’re welcome for the visual) Brady would still complete passes, but we saw how out of sync he was with Kenbrell Thompkins last week (14 targets only 4 receptions).  Julian Edelman is a start this week, and is the only real weapon Brady has in the passing game.  Stevan Ridley is a flex start in deeper leagues, but be ready for him to get pulled the first time the football even shimmies in his arm. 

Turning to the actual game itself, even with all these injuries, the Pats should have enough to outlast the Jets at home.  Unless, of course, this happens:

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The sun is shining.  Birds are chirping.  Mrs. Machine is rocking her Big Red Sports Machine hoody.  That can only mean one thing:  it’s time for football!!! 

Yes, I’m back from my (perfectly timed) family vacation, and now, for the next six months, can focus on nothing but football (perhaps the occasional World Series game).  I’m already a perfect 1-0 on the season (suck it, Hank Goldberg) so let’s get right in to some of the Week 1 games we can’t wait for.

New England (+10) at Buffalo

It’s tough to bet on football on Week 1.  Tough, but not impossible.  One thing you want to look for Home Dogs.  The Pats at Gronk-less and double-digit favorites.  Buffalo is unveiling the much-hyped Doug Marrone, and the much-hyped EJ Manual.  With CJ Spiller and Stevie Johnson, EJ could become the missing piece of this young, revamped Bills offense.  If nothing else, we like the Bills -10 because it’s September, and Buffalo always plays its best ball early.  Spirits are high in Buffalo (for now), and the fans will carry them to a less than 10 point loss, which folks in Buffalo will consider a win.

Green Bay (-4.5) at San Francisco

Ginger King’s lock of the week (LOTW).  Aaron Rodgers and crew are back in San Fran and that playoff beat-down is still fresh in their minds.  This will likely be the only time all season the Pack are underdogs.  Both teams are the studs of the NFC.  Harbaugh and his tough as nails defense and read option (yes, it’s still a fad) offense, and McCarthy with his high-powered (and now balanced?) Green Bay Packers. 

This game has last second field goal written all over it. 

New York Giants (+3.5) at Dallas

Another game that should come down to the wire, The Giants march into Dallas, where they are undefeated (4-0) playing in the house that Jerrah built. Dez Bryant should be able to get past the G-Men secondary at will, the question is whether the Giants d-line can put enough pressure on Romo.  Eli has a healthy (for now) Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, and the Giants will throw early and often, and sprinkle in the home run running game of David Wilson.  The Giants average 35 pts. a game in Jerrah’s house.  Expect a high scoring affair.