Julian Edelman

Julian Edelman is not expected to play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, the Boston Herald reports.

Fantasy Impact

The is no need for Edelman to play in all the preseason games for the Patriots so sitting out the opener makes sense. The 31-year-old is coming off a 2016 season in which he caught 98 passes for 1,106 yards and three TDs in 16 games.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the New England Patriots and wide receiver Julian Edelman have agreed to terms on a multi-year contract extension.

Fantasy Impact

As NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported earlier in the day Thursday, it was only a matter of time before Edelman and the Patriots struck a deal. It only took a few hours until an agreement was reached. Edelman, 31, is coming off of a 2016 season in which he played a full 16 game slate for the first time since 2013. He accumulated a 98-1,106-3 stat line while averaging 11.3 YPC and 69.1 YPG. Despite the acquisition of Brandin Cooks this offseason, Edelman is still expected to enter the 2017 season as New England's No. 1 receiver, likely due to his existing rapport with quarterback Tom Brady.

Julian Edelman caught 5-of-13 targets for 87 yards in the Patriot's comeback Super Bowl win against the Falcons. He also rushed once for two yards and threw an incomplete pass.

Fantasy Impact

The Patriots constantly tried to focus on Edelman throughout the night but the Falcons defense was able to contain him. He did make a miraculous catch to help the Patriots continue a drive in the fourth quarter. Look for Edelman to once again be a top WR in fantasy for 2017.

Julian Edelman caught eight-of-10 targets for 118 yards and a touchdown Sunday in the Patriots' AFC Championship Game win over the Steelers.

Fantasy Impact

Fellow WR Chris Hogan led the Patriots in catches and targets but Edelman was able to also have a big game. He is Tom Brady's main man in the Patriots offense and should be heavily targeted in the Super Bowl in two weeks.

Julian Edelman caught 8-of-13 targets for 137 yards in the Patriots' Divisional Round win over the Texans.

Fantasy Impact

As it has been the case all season, Edelman was Tom Brady's favorite target on Saturday. Expect this to continue in the AFC championship as Brady likes to lean on Edelman especially when the Patriots need a big catch. The speedy WR is a great play in DFS and should see double figures in targets once again next Sunday.