Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 17: Danny Amendola makes for risky play with Aaron Dobson in action

Fantasy owners who drafted Danny Amendola did not get what they thought they would this season. He has not been the consistent slot presence that Wes Welker provided during his days with the New England Patriots, and his weeks of fantasy relevance have seemingly come up at random.

The most recent two weeks are a solid example of that, as Amendola erupted for 10 catches and 131 yards vs. the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. The following week, Amendola built off of his third 100-yard game of the season with just two catches for 45 yards.

Fantasy Spin: There are several factors for Amendola's fluctuating numbers, as is the case for seemingly everyone within the Patriots offense this season. Playing with a comfortable lead for most of the matchup with the Ravens allowed the Patriots to take a more ground-based attack, and the return of Aaron Dobson to the lineup threw a wrench into Amendola's snap totals. Amendola went from playing in 81 percent of the Patriots snaps to just 46 with Dobson's return in Week 16.

With Dobson back in action for Week 17, and with the Patriots playing for playoff seeding, they will want all hands on deck. As a result, Amendola does not make for an attractive start, even vs. a leaky Buffalo Bills defense. Pen Amendola in as a desperate flex play, but nothing more.