NFL

7 Deep Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 16

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Mike Gillislee, RB, New England Patriots

Yahoo! Ownership: 28%

Through the first half of the season, Mike Gillislee was somewhat of a workhorse back for the New England Patriots, averaging 12.3 carries per game. While he was moderately productive -- 355 yards and 4 touchdowns -- as soon as Rex Burkhead was healthy enough, Gillislee lost his role as the goal-line and short-yardage back. That left jim as the odd man out in the backfield, becoming a healthy scratch the last six weeks. With Burkhead out for at least the rest of the regular season, Gillislee looks like he will reclaim his old gig this week against his former club, the Buffalo Bills.

In the Pats-Bills last meeting just three weeks ago, Burkhead saw 12 carries as New England went run-heavy in a 23-3 road win. This week, the Patriots are expected to do more of the same as 11.5-point home favorites. The Bills have also allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including a league-high 19 rushing touchdowns, giving Gillislee plenty of upside.