The Patriots’ offense was not expected to be a source of fantasy greatness this season, but they have been very competitive in both their games. The offense led by Jacoby Brissett has been better than expected, and could open up fantasy football opportunities. Rookie receiver Ja’Lynn Polk stepped up in Week 2 against the Seahawks and, is someone to keep a close eye on for your fantasy roster in deep leagues.
Polk was the Pats’ second-round pick in last year’s NFL Draft after taking QB Drake Maye No. 3 overall in the first round. The team’s goal will be to develop both players into huge parts of the offense going forward. While Maye is still backing up Brissett, Polk is showing he can make a more instant impact.
In Week 1, he only played 35 of the Patriots’ 65 snaps on offense (53.8%), but in Week 2, he played 41-of-68 snaps (60%). After just one target in Week 1, he had three targets in Week 2. While three targets still isn’t a lot, it was the most of any wide receiver on the team.
He turned those three targets into two catches for 12 yards and his first NFL touchdown.
Polk has the potential to emerge as the team’s top WR option as the year goes on after already taking a big leap from Week 1 to Week 2. He has the physical tools to be a good option in the short game, where Brissett has had to focus for most of the season so far. He has a great catch radius and should be a good possession option who could become a favorite target near the goal line.
Polk has had the best “separation score” of all the Patriots’ receivers in each of the two games, and he should get increased work going forward. If and when the Patriots have to play from behind, they’ll have to open up the offense more, which could also lead to more work for Polk.
The lack of top-end receiver talent ahead of him and his long-term upside gives him potential for the rest of the season. That potential makes him an intriguing option to monitor on waiver wires or stash on your bench in deep leagues.
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