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2016 Fantasy Football: Five Must Start Players in Patriots vs Jets

By Nick Ziegler

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) pulls in pass reception during overtime to setup winning touchdown as he is defended by New England Patriots cornerback Duron Harmon (30) at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) pulls in pass reception during overtime to setup winning touchdown as he is defended by New England Patriots cornerback Duron Harmon (30) at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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2016 Fantasy Football
Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) escapes San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Nick Bellore (50) during the second quarter at Levi /

LeGarrette Blount

The return of Tom Brady led many to believe that the Patriots would be going away from running the football. However, that has not been the case. Brady is certainly having a great season since he has returned, and the Patriots have been extremely balanced on offense.

Carrying the load for the Patriots running game has been running back LeGarrette Blount. This season, Blount has been one of the best-running backs in the entire NFL. In the entire NFL, Blount is tied for sixth in the league in rushing with Jay Ajayi of the Miami Dolphins.

The matchup against the Jets is far from ideal for Blount, but he has totaled 12 rushing touchdowns this season. Even if the Jets stop Blount from doing a lot of damage on the ground, he will be utilized in goal-line situations. One way or another, the Patriots are going to be moving the ball up and down the field on the Jets. With plenty of scoring opportunities likely for New England, Blount can benefit from them.

The Jets have had one of the best rushing defenses in the league this season, but they have shown vulnerabilities at times. The Patriots appear to be committed to this balanced offense, and the power-running of Blount might wear the Jets front out.

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