The New England Patriots did not even make a game out of their 51-23 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 8. With a 38-7 lead at halftime, Tom Brady and his offense cruised to improve to 6-2 on the year.
Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski dominate Bears for major fantasy points in Patriots win
It’s hard to remember the Patriots slow start to 2014. New England scored 51 points in Week 8. We break down the fantasy implications.
Jim Rogash
Brady looked as sharp as ever, and his favorite target Rob Gronkowski proved he's still a force to be reckoned with. Let's take a look at the fantasy performances from Week 8.
Tom Brady: He completed 30 of 35 passes for 354 yards and a season-high five touchdowns. Brady has 12 touchdown passes over the past three weeks and he looks locked in as a QB1. He focused most of his attention on Gronkowski and Brandon LaFell, completing 20 of his passes to these two targets. The Patriots face the Denver Broncos in Week 9, so we can expect a shootout for that matchup. Brady is a must-start once again.
Jonas Gray and Shane Vereen: Of course you can't predict what will happen with the Patriots backfield, as Gray led the team with 86 yards rushing on 17 carries in Week 8. Vereen rushed for 22 yards and caught three passes for 23 yards against the Bears. Bill Belichick will continue to ride the hot hand at times and change up his strategy week-to-week. Vereen remains in the RB2 conversation, but he'll disappear some games like on Sunday.
Brandon LaFell: His season continues to be a roller coaster ride, but LaFell is shaping up to be a WR3 every week. He caught 11 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown in Week 8 and he’s now on pace for 60 receptions and eight touchdowns. Brady continues to favor him as a reliable target lining up outside.
Rob Gronkowski: What a show Gronk put on. He caught nine passes for 149 yards and three touchdowns, with his highlight of the day coming on a 46-yard score where he literally threw down one Bears defender and carried another on his back into the end zone. Gronkowski caught every pass that came his way. Fantasy owners won’t be questioning his health anymore after this showing. He could finish as the TE1 if he continues to dominate like this.
