An early fantasy football outlook for Patriots RB Sony Michel

With the 2020 season approaching, we take a look at fantasy football expectations for Sony Michel.

New England Patriots running back Sony Michel is heading into an unprecedented situation with Tom Brady out of the picture.

The ground-and-pound running back is heading into his third NFL season and was used as the Patriots’ workhorse over the first two years. Michel’s most productive stint was during the 2018 playoffs — while slightly regressing in the 2019 season. He rushed for 912 yards and seven touchdowns last season with an average of 3.7 yards per carry.

Michel is missing a pass-catching dynamic in his game and it’s hurt his overall value as a fantasy football prospect. He’s handled 54 percent of the team’s carries in 29 games played, making him still a valuable back to add later in the draft. Brady’s absence will lead to a strong rushing attack and Michel will likely lead that category again.

The 2020 season will be a heavy load on Michel.

ADP on Fantasy Pros: #75
Where we think you should take him: ninth round
ESPN’s projected stats: 196 carries, 771 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns
Our projected stats: 260 carries, 912 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns

The backfield will feature Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead and Damien Harris this year. As aforementioned, the Patriots will likely rely on their defense and a run-heavy gameplan to make life easier on second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham. In situations where Brady would’ve thrown the ball in the red zone, Michel will get more attempts to burst into the end zone.

It’s difficult to gauge Michel’s value, but he won’t be an RB1 because of his inability to make plays through the air. He can be used as an RB2 in a deeper league, but keeping him as a FLEX player to start is the safest decision. His production is unpredictable, but he has the capability to carry the ball more than 20 times a game and collect around 10 touchdowns on the season.

The Patriots drafted two tight ends and three interior offensive linemen to compete for roles on the team. They also signed fullback Danny Vitale — giving them a strong front to pound the rock. New England had little tight end presence last season and lost James Develin to a neck injury.

Though the Patriots’ running backs are always unpredictable, it’s very possible Michel puts up his best fantasy football year.

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