Fantasy Football 2020: Sorting out the New England Patriots backfield

For as long as anyone can remember, Bill Belichick’s deployment of New England Patriots running backs has been a bane to the existence of fantasy football owners. There has certainly been production and value to be had, but predicting who would deliver it (at times on a weekly basis) has been a challenge.

This year will be no different. Sony Michel is the proverbial lead back, with James White as the passing down guy. 2019 third-round pick Damien Harris is also in the mix, as is fellow holdover Rex Burkhead.

Michel opened camp on the active/PUP list, so Lamar Miller was signed. Miller is working his way back from a torn ACL, but he seems on track to be ready for Week 1.

Harris has been a camp standout. Michel returned to practice last week, sharing first teams reps with Harris by the end of the week

Damien Harris continues to stand out, and it's not just as a runner. He did a nice job picking up a block today and looks comfortable in his route tree. He's been the best back in camp.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 23, 2020

And let’s not forget the addition of Cam Newton, one of the most prolific running quarterbacks in NFL history.

So how should fantasy owners approach the Patriots running back rotation?