The New England Patriots have already locked up a first-round bye, letting them take things slower with injured players and make sure they are fully healthy in a few weeks for the divisional playoff round. As a result of the caution being taken, wide receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola will both be out in Week 16.
Edelman was never expected to play, but has made progress since breaking a bone in his foot in early November. Given Edelman is used heavily in the slot and relies on quick movements and cutting, New England was cautious with the foot and should feel confident that he will be ready to go on January 10, more than eight weeks of time off since he had surgery.
Amendola's absence isn't surprising, though if this were a playoff game he probably could have played through the knee injury. It is the same knee that pulled him out of action on November 23 against the Buffalo Bills then re-aggravated in Week 15. He was able to practice on a limited basis this week, but New England opted to be cautious.
With Edelman and Amendola out, more pressure will be put on Brandon LaFell and Keshawn Martin to step up as starters against the New York Jets secondary. Given the Patriots just released Leonard Hankerson, LaFell and Martin should see almost every snap on Sunday. LaFell offers some fantasy upside but given his issues with drops, he is a risky WR3.