The Patriots have altered their injury report. Kenbrell Thompkins (hip) and Aaron Dobson (foot) have been downgraded from questionable to out. This clears up how they'll use their receivers on Sunday. Josh Boyce becomes the sleeper to keep an eye on.
Julian Edelman is their main slot guy. He's caught 23 passes in the last three games, and with Rob Gronkowski out, he's sure to be busy again.
Danny Amendola will play plenty, and he's the same kind of receiver -- a slot-type guy. We're thinking he'll probably catch 4-6 balls.
With Dobson and Thompkins out, Josh Boyce should be their main outside receiver. When the balls on the 30-35 yard line and Tom Brady throws a deep ball down to the end zone, trying to hit a receiver on a fly route to the pylon, that's Boyce. If you're in a big league, particularly of the TD-only variety, it could make sense to roll the dice on Boyce.
They also have Austin Collie at wide receiver. We don't think he'll play a big role.
At tight end, Michael Hoomanawanui should be their most productive pass catcher. He had one good game earlier this year, against the Saints, but otherwise didn't do much when Gronkowski was sidelined earlier in the year.
Shane Vereen is a running back, but he'll be a huge part of the passing game. He's in the Woodhead-Sproles role for them. Vereen has caught 25 passes in his last three games.
--Ian Allan
