3. Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, New England Patriots
Let’s skip past Brady’s four-game suspension that looks likely to stick and get to the final picture.
There’s little chance Rex Ryan’s Bills (who recently claimed they “won the offseason“), a Geno Smith-led New York Jets or Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins will oust the Patriots out of a playoff spot this year.
Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman will hold down the fort even if they are catching passes from Jimmy Garoppolo during Weeks 1-4. Brady, who keeps in tremendous shape, will return with his gloves on and ready to dominate.
Gronk is a beast, and if health prevails he’ll surely outplay any guy at his position after recording a total of 154 catches for 2,300 yards and 23 touchdowns in the last two years.
Edelman compliments the Patriots’ offense as Brady’s go-to guy. During the past three seasons, Brady has targeted him an average of 11.3 times per game, resulting in 82.4 yards per contest.
Speaking of Brady, there’s nothing to suggest he won’t return to form. He should come close to his average of 298 passing yards per contest, sending the Patriots to the playoffs for their eighth consecutive year.