In this second part of our Patriots 4-EYED TEAM PREVIEW, we’re going to be covering the Patriots’ IDPs that you should consider rostering for the 2021 fantasy football season.
The Patriots’ defense last year was absolutely ravaged by the COVID opt-out policy. The Patriots went from one of the top units in 2019, to an average defense at best. When you have a league-high 8 opts outs, including D’onta Hightower and Patrick Chung, you are bound to see a drop-off in production. Add in the fact that Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins were free agents, and it’s even more impressive that the Pats were 7th in scoring defense.
This year, Belichick and Co are expecting the new additions to the team to pay dividends and return to 2019 form. The Patriots are welcoming back Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy, in addition to Free Agent signees; Matt Judon and Jalen Mills. With the core in place and some solid draft picks, the Patriots could be one of the top defensive units in the NFL.
The real question is what players will help you win your fantasy championship?
Find out now in the 2021 Patriots’ IDP Team Preview.
Defensive End/Edge Rusher
*Positional designations & ADP data brought to you by Sleeper.
Matt Judon (Current ADP: DL45/LB69)
#Ravens DE Matt Judon has continued to improve every year and timed up a breakout year right before he is about to hit free agency.
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) February 9, 2020
I put together some of his better sacks, pressures, and TFLs from 2019.
He dominates any TE match-ups and shows good length, effort, and bend. pic.twitter.com/KxJOEjcgn2
The Patriots wanted to make a splash in Free Agency, and they certainly did so with the signing of Matt Judon. Judon is coming off of another productive season with Baltimore. On the season, he completed his 4th straight season with 6+ sacks and 18+ QB hits. This was good for a DL30 finish. Since 2018, Judon ranks 5th in the NFL in QB hits, and 22nd in sacks. These totals were definitely benefited from the Ravens’ heavy blitz schemes. What will be telling is if the Patriots, with all of their pieces back in place, return to 2019’s 6th highest blitz% defense or last years’ 21st? One has to assume that Belichick will put his chess pieces in the proper place to succeed, the question is if it will translate to IDP relevancy. On a complete side note, if there is anything whimsical about trends, his last 4 finishes since 2017 have been DL12/DL41/DL14/DL30. Looks like a DL2 finish is in the future! Just call me #Natradamus!
Chase Winovich (Current ADP: DL57)
Winovich enters training camp on the PUP with an undisclosed injury but can be activated at any point. While this isn’t too concerning, it is something to pay attention to. That aside, Winovich is looking at 2021 as a jumping-off point from 2020, which was by far his productive. He played nearly 600 snaps, 48 tackles (33 solos), and 5.5 sacks. There is no denying that Winovich came out hot (3 sacks thru week 4), but that high-motor, raw skills combo came to fruition. At the seasons’ end, Winovich finished as the DL41 (9.3fppg). With a current ADP of DL57, Chase is someone worth chasing on bye weeks and hot streaks.
Kyle Van Noy (Current ADP: DL41/LB63)
Kyle Van Noy returns to New England looking for a rebound from his disaster of a season in Miami in 2020. In 2020, Van Noy missed a few games to injury, but otherwise, was lackluster in production, which resulted in being cut 1 year into a 4-year contract. From a real football standpoint, Van Noy was a disappointment, but from an IDP scenario, he scored 15 fppg, which was the DL9/LB40, due to his all-over play. With Winovich and Van Noy both playing opposite Judon, it will be interesting to see how Bill gets the most out of his DL/LB’s.
Linebacker
*Positional designations & ADP data brought to you by Sleeper.
Dont’a Hightower (Current ADP: LB91)
After opting out for the 2020 season, Hightower is looking to return to the Patriots for the 2021 season. Many speculated that he may not return, but his presence at training camp dispelled any rumors. Despite the season off, it is possible that Hightower can return to 2019 form which is something Patriots IDP managers are hoping for. That year, he was the LB45 (13fppg), with 71 tackles, 4 PD, 5.5 sacks, 9.5 TFL, 13 QB hits, and 1 TD. With plenty of snaps available and an underwhelming Ja’Whaun Bentley manning the middle with him, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him provide bye week fill-ins.
Defensive Back
*Positional designations & ADP data brought to you by Sleeper.
Adrian Phillips (Current ADP: DB41)
Welcome to the Patriots, Adrian Phillips! 💪 pic.twitter.com/U3KeRYZuXu
— Guy Boston Sports (@GuyBostonSports) September 13, 2020
Phillips had his best season in 2020, as he finished DB11, averaging 14fppg. Leading the Patriots in tackles (109/76 solo), Phillips played significant snaps in the box as a hybrid LB/DB. It will be interesting to see how he is utilized this season with Patrick Chung returning. If there is a reason for optimism, Phillips was 3rd in the NFL in run-stopping tackles (45).