As been the case for the majority of the season, the New England Patriots‘ offense once again wasn’t able to do much on Sunday as the Patriots lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-17, and Bailey Zappe threw for only 180 yards and one touchdown.
However, Demario Douglas has been a bright spot on offense when he’s been healthy, as he leads the team with 443 receiving yards. Should fantasy football managers be looking to scoop him up going into Week 16?
Should Demario Douglas Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 16?
When you look at the 17 points the Patriots scored against the Chiefs, it doesn’t sound like a horrific number. Despite the Chiefs’ struggles on the offensive side of the ball, the defense has been as good as there is in the NFL.
The 17 points doesn’t sound terrible, but when you survey at the stats, it looks worse.
The Patriots had three scoring drives, with only one of them being more than 29 yards. The score was tied at 7 in the second quarter, and the Patriots picked off Patrick Mahomes and started at the Chiefs’ 10-yard line. However, New England could only muster a field goal.
Later in the game, they again picked Mahomes off because of Kadarius Toney dropping the ball, and the defender was able to recover. They started that drive from the Chiefs at the 29 and were able to get in for the touchdown.
All in all, Douglas had just three catches for 33 yards in the game. Unfortunately, he shouldn’t be a waiver wire addition in Week 16.
For the absolute majority of the game, the Patriots’ offense wasn’t able to muster anything offensively. If you take a look at their schedule, that would be another reason not to take a look at Douglas (or any other skill-position player for the Patriots).
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
The next two weeks are road games at the Denver Broncos and at the Buffalo Bills. Both of these teams are playing well right now and playing for potential playoff spots. The Broncos’ defense got a ton of grief early in the year, especially after that historic game against the Miami Dolphins. Make no mistake about it, though, this unit is playing some excellent football recently.
Next week, Douglas could find himself matched up against Patrick Surtain Jr., who may be the best cornerback in the NFL. Like the Broncos, the Bills are playing some tremendous football as of late, and once again, look like a major contender in the AFC.
For Douglas, yes, he is the No. 1 receiver right now in New England now that he’s healthy. But that isn’t enough for any fantasy manager to have him on their team, let alone their lineup.
The Patriots just aren’t going to be able to score enough points against any team this year, so stay away from their players. There is a reason why you are still playing at this point of the year, and that is because you have a good team. Trust the guys you have had all year, and go win that title.
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