Fantasy Football: 4 Things We Learned From Week 4

The Patriots Defense Is the New Browns Defense

Allow me to explain.

In 2016, you wanted to target the Cleveland Browns defense in fantasy football. Cleveland surrendered the most fantasy points in the league to opposing quarterbacks and tight ends, and the 2nd-most points to opposing running backs.

The 2017 New England Patriots have allowed the most fantasy points in the league to opposing quarterbacks, the 2nd-most to opposing running backs, the 7th-most points to opposing wide receivers, and the most points to opposing tight ends.

That's positively Cleveland-esque.

Distinctly non-stud pass catchers like Devin Funchess and Ryan Griffin have posted top fantasy weeks agains the Pats, and quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Cam Newton -- both of whom started their seasons relatively slowly -- had their best fantasy (and reality) games taking on Team Belichick.

The Patriots' offense and Tom Brady are keeping the team competitive by scoring the 2nd-most points in the NFL, but the defense is allowing the 2nd-most points in the NFL. This leads to high-scoring games, which are conducive to valuable fantasy football production -- on both sides of the ball.