New England Patriots Best Bets and Fantasy Preview

Week 2: New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers

That New England Patriots will try to turn the page after a demoralizing loss to the Miami Dolphins, 20-7. They generated just 271 total offense yards. They’re now trying to fix the ship while they head to Pittsburgh to take on him Steeler.

The Steelers win a wild overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals, 23-20. They probably would have lost if the Bengals hit a 29-yard field goal in overtime or if the Bengals challenged a potential TD catch by Ja’Maar Chase with 2:54 left.

Pittsburgh lost TJ Watt to a chest injury but their defense is still solid. Najee HarrisHaving been in a shoe at times, he is optimistic about the game. Mike Tomlin says he has to prove he can play in training this week though. If the Steelers win this game, it will likely be down to their defense Mitch Trubisky distribute the ball.

Best Bets:

Pittsburgh Steelers +2 points (-110)

Pittsburgh Steelers Money Line (+110)

New England Patriots under 20.5 points (-115)

(Odds from DraftKings SportsBook, and they fluctuate)

Same game Parlay:

Steeler’s money line

+

New England Patriots under 20.5 points

+

Overall less than 40.5 points

CHANCES +300

This is the best combination, meaning it is the most likely to win. For higher odds use Patriots under 17.5 or look at different sportsbooks.

Fantasy Football: Start or sit

Beginning:

Diontae Johnson, WR, Steelers: Johnson is the top receiver in this matchup. He had seven catches for 55 yards on 12 targets last week.

Najee Harris, RB, Steelers (foot injury): Harris expects to play, so unless you’re in an eight-person league or somehow have a better option, you’ll have to start him. Even if he’s playing in pain, he’ll face a solid running defense that gave up just 65 yards to rush to the Dolphins last week. Harris was in hiking boots after the game and it’s hard to imagine he won’t be restricted. However, Harris also catches passes, which could allow him to beat the Patriots defense.

Pat Freiermuth, TE, Steelers: Volunteer courage is a top 10 tight end so it’s a must start. He had five catches for 75 yards on 10 targets last week! He is also a great play in everyday fantasy.

Chris Boswell, K, Steelers: This game looks set to be a field goal contest and the Steelers will likely have the most chances.

Nick Folk, K, Patriots: Folk is a very reliable kicker within 40 yards. It’s easy to see the Patriots’ offense faltering against this defense and needing to kick often.

Steelers Defense/ Special Teams: The Steelers are a top 10 defense this week, even without watts. The Patriots struggled on offense throughout preseason and Week 1, which should continue.

Sit:

Damien Harris, RB, Patriots: It’s hard to sit harris, but that feels justified, and it’s not his fault. He has worked hard and looks great. It’s just that the Patriots’ offense isn’t working and Harris isn’t getting enough opportunities. He had nine carries for 48 yards and two catches for 10 yards against Miami. It feels like this stat line is repeating itself.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Patriots: Stevenson is another player who is difficult to sit down. He also looks great but doesn’t get enough chances on a weak offensive that will likely lag behind.

Jakobi (Wan-Kenobi) Meyers, WR, Patriots: Meyers had four catches for 55 yards on six targets and was the leading receiver. He looks solid, but those stats will likely repeat themselves with this offense.

Hunter Henry, TE, Patriots: Henry had three goals and caught two for 20 yards. He also competes with Jonnu Smith, who had four, for goals. There aren’t enough balls in New England.

Daily Fantasy Sleeper Picks:

Kendrick Bourne, WR, Patriots ($4,000 at DraftKings)

Yes, he played two snaps against Miami and was targeted once. That sounds terrible for fantasy purposes. However, it was a 41-yard reception that saw him badly hit his man on the touchline. They only arrested him for what appeared to be disciplinary reasons. bournes was her second-best receiver last year and one of Mac Jones’ favorite targets.

Jones and Bourne have spent a lot of time working on their timing this offseason, and Jones didn’t have it for most of this game. Bourne also picked up handoffs in the preseason, so hopefully we should see those games around the goal line sometime this week. With Bourne’s great play potential, he’s excellent value at low ownership 4k.

Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers ($5400 at DraftKings)

Warren is the clear favorite if Najee Harris is unable to walk or is restricted. He is listed second on the depth chart and got all the snaps when Harris went under. He may not be gaining many yards against the Patriots defense, but he will have opportunities to score.