News: New England wide receiver Deion Branch caught two passes in the Week 16 win at Jacksonville Sunday. Branch went for 12 yards in the game and each catch went for 6 yards. He was targeted three times overall.
Analysis: Branch has certainly been targeted since joining on with the Patriots before Week 15. He's been effective in how New England wants to use him, but that doesn't create much Fantasy value for him as he is not a top offensive weapon for Brady. Branch is not a recommended Fantasy option in most formats for the regular-season finale Week 17 against Miami.
News: Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch gets set to play at Jacksonville Week 16 in what will be his second game since re-joining New England. Branch will be facing a Jacksonville team that is better against the pass than the run. The Jaguars have allowed only one WR touchdown in the last three weeks. Of course, they have allowed four touchdowns in the last five weeks.
Analysis: Branch isn't the first, second or third option in the passing game for Tom Brady and we expect New England to ground the run game more against the Jaguars. Branch went for four catches for 37 yards last week against San Francisco, but we don't think he'll have as solid a game against Jacksonville. Branch is not a recommended Fantasy option in most formats.
News: After being re-signed earlier in the week, New England wide receiver Deion Branch turned in a productive performance during Sunday's contest against San Francisco in Week 15. Branch was targeted five times and finished with four catches for a season-high 37 yards in a 41-34 defeat.
Analysis: Branch, who was cut a month ago, showed some sign of life against the 49ers Sunday and with Rob Gronkowski still recovering from a broken forearm, Branch may have a chance to make some sort of impact in the passing game. He'll try to keep his production up against the lowly Jaguars in Week 16. Jacksonville has allowed 20.9 Fantasy points per game this season to opposing wide receivers. Consider him as a low-end Fantasy option heading into Week 16.
News: The Patriots re-signed wide receiver Deion Branch Wednesday.
Analysis: Branch had all of nine catches for 80 yards in seven games before being released in mid-November. He is just roster depth at this point in his career and has no Fantasy appeal.
News: The Patriots announced Saturday that they have waived wide receiver Deion Branch and defensive back Malcolm Williams, in order to make room for the addition of defensive back Aqib Talib and wide receiver Greg Salas to the active roster.
Analysis: Branch had a season-best four catches for 30 yards a week ago against the Bills, but suffered a hamstring injury and was limited in practice all week. The Patriots would prefer that the veteran receiver makes it through waivers so they can bring him back later in the year, but he should be ignored in all Fantasy formats at this time.
News: The Patriots announced Saturday that they have waived wide receiver Deion Branch and defensive back Malcolm Williams, in order to make room for the addition of defensive back Aqib Talib and wide receiver Greg Salas to the active roster.
Analysis: Branch had a season-best four catches for 30 yards a week ago against the Bills, but suffered a hamstring injury and was limited in practice all week. The Patriots would prefer that the veteran receiver makes it through waivers so they can bring him back later in the year, but he should be ignored in all Fantasy formats at this time.
News: Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch had another mediocre contest Week 10 against Buffalo on Sunday despite New England pulling out the win. Branch caught just four passes for 30 yards in the game despite being targeted eight times by quarterback Tom Brady. Branch's long grab went for 13 yards.
Analysis: Branch just hasn't been a consistent receiving option for Fantasy owners as the Week 10 game was actually his highest receiving yardage total of the entire season. He hasn't scored a touchdown and is not a recommended start for Week 11 against the Colts.
News: After being shutout a week ago, Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch got back on the board in Week 5 against the Broncos. He was targeted two times by quarterback Tom Brady, catching one pass for 25 yards in the 31-21 win.
Analysis: Branch has just three catches for 36 yards in three games this season as his role is minimal on offense at this point. While he has proven in the past to be a worthwhile option in Fantasy, continue to ignore the 33-year-old in the majority of formats.
News: Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch, who made his 2012 debut in Week 3's loss to the Ravens, looks to improve on his two-catch, 11-yard performance in Week 4 against Buffalo.
Analysis: Branch was signed just over a week ago, but has played the majority of his career with New England, and has a strong understanding of the team's offense. He averaged 704 yards (in an average of 13 games) over the last two seasons, with 10 total touchdowns for the Pats (he played the first four games of 2010 with the Seahawks). In nine games against the Bills, Branch has just 18 receptions for 307 yards, an average of 34.1 yards per game. He's also scored just one touchdown against Buffalo in his career. Even though he has some good seasons under his belt and knows the system, Branch is not worthy of a roster spot at this time. There are too many other options in the New England passing game -- and somewhat unpredictable usage of them to begin with -- to justify the rostering of one of the lower-end options.
News: The Boston Globe reports Tuesday that the Patriots have re-signed wide receiver Deion Branch. Branch takes Greg Salas' roster spot and should help with Aaron Hernandez sidelined.
Analysis: Branch was cut by the Patriots at the end of training camp but is now back with the team. That said, we wouldn't expect much of a Fantasy impact. He has no value entering Week 3 at Baltimore.
News: The Patriots continued their roster turnover in the receiving corps Friday and released wide receiver Deion Branch, according to the Boston Globe. Branch, who was in his second stint with New England after a stop with Seattle from 2006-10, became the third wideout released this week and joins Jabar Gaffney and Donte' Stallworth on the chopping block. The former Super Bowl MVP collected 51 receptions -- his highest total since 2006 as a member of the Seahawks -- for 702 yards and five touchdowns with the Patriots last season.
Analysis: New England has never been shy about making cuts in the past and continued that trend with the release of Branch, who racked up at least 700 yards in each of his past two seasons with the team. But the 33-year-old wasn't a major factor in the preseason (four catches for 64 yards) and the Pats will rely on Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd as their main receiving weapons. Branch, an 11-year veteran, should surface with another team prior to the start of the regular season. He could hold some Fantasy value if he joins a team in desperate need of receiving help. We're looking at you, Miami Dolphins.
News: Patriots receiver Deion Branch had an uneventful night during Friday's preseason action against the Buccaneers. Tom Brady was able to find him just once for a 13-yard gain in the second quarter for his only catch and target of the night.
Analysis: Branch should be behind Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd in the depth chart as he competes with Donte' Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney for the team's third wide receiver spot. It's likely that one of those three will be left out once the Patriots trim their roster. Unless he somehow is able to work his way back up the ladder, only owners in deeper formats should even consider taking a late-round flier on the 33-year-old.
News: With Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski all in street clothes, Patriots receiver Deion Branch got the start during Monday night's preseason game against the Eagles. Branch finished with three catches for 51 yards during his limited reps and had a long of 20 yards. He was also targeted four times before being removed from the game in the third quarter.
Analysis: With coach Bill Belichick deciding to rest most of New England's starting skill position players, Branch found himself in the starting lineup Monday night. However, Fantasy owners shouldn't get used to that as he is currently listed as the team's third WR on the depth chart behind Welker and Lloyd. Unless he somehow is able to work his way back up the ladder, only owners in deeper formats should even consider taking a late-round flier on the 33-year-old.
News: The Boston Herald notes Patriots receiver Deion Branch is only doing positional drills.
Analysis: Branch is slated to play as a backup in the Patriots' offense this season. Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski should dominate the playing time. Branch shouldn't be drafted in any Fantasy league.
News: ESPN reports that Patriots receivers Deion Branch and Donte Stallworth are battling for one roster spot in training camp this summer. Stallworth joined the Patriots as a free agent this offseason after collecting 22 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns with the Redskins last year. Branch tallied 51 grabs on 90 targets for 702 yards and five touchdowns with the Patriots last season.
Analysis: Branch's chemistry with Tom Brady and knowledge of the Patriots offense gives him an obvious edge over Stallworth. If either of these guys is worth a draft pick in Fantasy, it's Branch with a late rounder.
News: The Patriots re-signed wide receiver Deion Branch, making their receiving corps even deeper than it already is. In addition to Branch, the Patriots franchised Wes Welker and signed Brandon Lloyd, Donte Stallworth and Anthony Gonzalez. Matt Slater was also re-signed and Chad Ochocinco is on the roster. That's all in addition to their prime tight ends -- Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez -- being on staff. Branch signed a one-year deal.
Analysis: Branch finished his 10th season with 702 yards and five touchdowns on 51 catches, effectively matching what he did in 11 games with the Patriots in 2010. He has a good relationship with Tom Brady but isn't as fast as he once was and could continue to see his targets diminish as the Patriots' restock their receiving corps. Branch is mildly appealing as a reserve Fantasy receiver and that's about it.
News: Yahoo! Sports reports that Deion Branch is optimistic that he'll re-sign with the Patriots this offseason. "Gotta retire as a Pat," he said.
Analysis: Branch finished his 10th season with 702 yards and five touchdowns on 51 catches, effectively matching what he did in 11 games with the Patriots in 2010. He has a good relationship with Tom Brady but isn't as fast as he once was and could continue to see his targets diminish as Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez continue to develop. The Pats might also replace Chad Ochocinco, giving them another receiver to add to their mix (and take away from Branch). We'll see what happens to Branch but he's mildly appealing as a reserve Fantasy receiver and that's about it.
News: WR Deion Branch said after the Patriots' Super Bowl XLVI loss that he intends to re-sign with the team this offseason. "This is where I want to be, this is where I want to retire," he told ESPN. "This is why I came back, for the opportunity to play in this game. I'm pretty sure I will be here in this position next year."
Analysis: We're not as sure as Branch that he'll be back or at least playing the same amount of playing time as he has. He's a good receiver but isn't as fast as he once was. And though he and Tom Brady have a special relationship, Brady has other quality receivers to look forward to connecting with. Branch finished his 10th season with 702 yards and five touchdowns on 51 catches, effectively matching what he did in 11 games with the Patriots in 2010. We'll see what happens to Branch but he's appealing as a reserve Fantasy receiver and that's about it.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch didn’t have a big game in the Super Bowl, however he did leave his mark on the game – in a negative way. While he did bring in three catches for 45 yards, including one on the final drive, his biggest play game on the first play of the final drive. With the Patriots down 21-17 with less than a minute remaining, he dropped a first-down down pass from Tom Brady that would have started off the drive with momentum. While he did manage to atone for it with his later 19-yard reception on a fourth down, the first drop set the tone for the drive, as they failed to score when needing a touchdown to win. The Patriots wound up losing the game 21-17.
Analysis: In Branch’s previous two Super Bowl appearances, he combined for 21 catches, 276 yards, a touchdown and an MVP trophy, so this one didn’t quite live up to those lofty standards. At this point in his career, that is to be expected as the 32-year old hasn’t been a consistently productive receiver in some time. He’s a free-agent this offseason, and isn’t likely to garner much interest. A return to New England would obviously be in his best interests from a Fantasy perspective, as being the fourth option with Tom Brady throwing to you is a better situation than most. Even if he does return to New England, however, he is unlikely to be a very attractive Fantasy option, so he likely won’t go until the later rounds in deeper Fantasy drafts.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch, who was limited in practice all week with a knee problem, is active for Sunday's AFC Championship Game vs. Baltimore. Branch was questionable to play entering Sunday but most thought he would play.
Analysis: Branch may be active, but. It wouldn't be a shocker if he underperformed in the game. Consider him a fair Fantasy option in Playoff-based leagues. As for 2012, Branch is scheduled to be a free agent and might have to settle if he wants to stick with the Pats. That could mean a reduced role. He's probably best used as a reserve Fantasy WR to start next season.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was limited in practice all week with a knee problem and is listed as questionable for the team's AFC Championship Game vs. Baltimore. Speculation is that Branch should be OK for the game; he spoke as if he was going to play during a press conference on Friday.
Analysis: Though it is possible that the knee could keep Branch from playing, chances are he'll go against a tough Ravens pass defense. It wouldn't be a shocker if he underperformed in the game. Consider him a fair Fantasy option in Playoff-based leagues. As for 2012, Branch is scheduled to be a free agent and might have to settle if he wants to stick with the Pats. That could mean a reduced role. He's probably best used as a reserve Fantasy WR to start next season.
News: WR Deion Branch was limited with a knee injury in practice Wednesday as the Patriots prepare for their AFC title game with the Ravens. Branch caught three passes for 85 yards and a touchdown vs. the Broncos last week.
Analysis: Branch should be fine for the game on Sunday, though he could be slightly limited by the injury. He's fine as a starter in Playoff Fantasy games at this point and will likely be a good reserve WR in Fantasy drafts this summer.
News: The Patriots beat the Broncos, 45-10, on Saturday night as Tom Brady threw six touchdown passes. WR Deion Branch got in the mix with a 61-yard touchdown catch at the end of the second quarter. Brady targeted Branch four times, catching three passes for 85 yards.
Analysis: Branch, a former Super Bowl MVP, knows how to get the job done in the playoffs. Fantasy owners should view Branch as a viable WR option in Playoff formats. Heading into drafts this fall Branch should be considered a potential No. 3 WR option, depending on who the Patriots add in the offseason.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch, who was still dealing with a groin injury leading up to the game, started Week 17 against the Bills, but he wasn't much of a contributor on offense. Not only did he go without a catch in the contest, but he didn't have a single target either.
Analysis: Branch missed Week 15 with the injury but had three catches for 37 yards and a touchdown when he returned in Week 16. He has been a hit-or-miss Fantasy option all year, ranking behind WR Wes Welker and TE Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in QB Tom Brady's pecking order, so his lack of production in Week 17 shouldn't be a major concern entering the playoffs, especially since the Patriots have a bye right away. As long as Branch is part of the Patriots' starting lineup, he'll be worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy WR, but you'll want to keep an eye on the team's additions and subtractions this offseason.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch is active for Week 17 against the Bills. He was listed as questionable for the contest on Friday's injury report. Branch missed Week 15 with the injury, but he returned with three catches for 37 yards and a touchdown last week.
Analysis: Branch has had a few big games this year, but his performance has been spotty with Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski getting the majority of the looks. Because he plays in the Patriots' pass-heavy offense, Branch is worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy WR, but he's not an automatic start.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report. New England takes on Buffalo in Week 17. Branch has been dealing with this injury for a few weeks and missed one game because of it. The Bills rank 15th in the league in pass defense, giving up nearly 225 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 19.2 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Analysis: Branch got into the end zone in the Week 16 game against Miami. He missed Week 15, but has otherwise not been too limited by his groin. The Patriots still have plenty to play for and QB Tom Brady will be looking Branch's way. He's not the best Fantasy option for Week 17, but owners can start him as a No. 3 option.
News: New England WR Deion Branch did not even make a catch in the game the last time the Patriots faced the Buffalo Bills. Branch faces Buffalo in the regular-season finale on Sunday of Week 17. Of course, Branch will need to get healthy first. The receiver was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday due to a groin injury. That said, the groin has given him trouble for a while now and he's not expected to miss the game against the Bills.
Analysis: Branch got into the end zone in the Week 16 game against Miami. He missed Week 15, but has otherwise not been too limited by his groin. The Patriots still have plenty to play for and QB Tom Brady will be looking Branch's way. He's not the best Fantasy option for Week 17, but owners can start him as a No. 3 option.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from QB Tom Brady in the third quarter of Saturday's Week 16 win over Miami. Branch had a solid performance as he caught three passes for 37 yards and the TD in the game. Branch was targeted nine times in the game by Brady.
Analysis: Branch was back in action against the Dolphins after missing the game against the Broncos Week 15. Branch still didn't have a big performance and continued his highly inconsistent ways for the Patriots, though he did get into the end zone. Branch has had several big games this season, but has more consistently put up mediocre production for Fantasy owners, who have certainly been a little frustrated with his play. The Patriots play Buffalo in the regular-season finale Week 17. Branch failed to catch a pass Week 3 at Buffalo. Branch is just a low-end Fantasy start for the Week 17 finale.
News: New England WR Deion Branch is active for the Week 16 game against Miami. Branch was questionable for the game with a troublesome groin injury, but was able to overcome it to avoid being labeled inactive. Branch missed the Patriots' last game but is able to return against the Dolphins. Branch has topped three receptions only once over his past four games.
Analysis: Branch's inconsistent season has frustrated Fantasy owners and his recent injuries have not helped that. Branch is playing against the Dolphins, but might not be 100 percent healthy or effective. Miami is surrendering an average of 21.8 Fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this season and Branch burned the Dolphins for 93 yards on seven receptions in the first meeting. Consider Branch a low-end No. 4 Fantasy WR for the game.
News: New England WR Deion Branch is listed as questionable for Week 16 against Miami with a troublesome groin injury. Branch was a limited participant in practice throughout the past week but is hoping to return to the lineup on Saturday. He missed the Patriots' last game and could be another game-time decision against the Dolphins. Branch has topped three receptions only once over his past four games.
Analysis: Branch's inconsistent season has frustrated Fantasy owners and now his playing status adds to the concern. It's possible he doesn't play Saturday as he has been limited all week but even if he does, he might not be effective as the Patriots have several other receivers who can contribute. Miami is surrendering an average of 21.8 Fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this season and Branch burned the Dolphins for 93 yards on seven receptions in the first meeting. Consider Branch a low-end No. 4 Fantasy WR if he's able to play.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (groin) remained limited in practice Thursday as the team prepares for Week 16 against the Dolphins. Branch is still trying his best to make it back into the lineup Saturday. “Personally I'm doing everything I can to get back on the field. One day at a time,” Branch said Wednesday. “I think I’ve got to go out there and show coach a little more than what I showed him last week and hopefully I’ll get the nod that I can go. My job is to go out, practice is hard as I can and show them what I can do. If he likes it then good, if he don’t than I won’t be playing.”
Analysis: Branch was limited in practice all last week before being ruled inactive, so this could be another game-time decision. Branch had one of his better games this season in Week 1 against Miami, recording seven catches for 93 yards. Even if Branch is active Week 16, consider him more of a No. 4 Fantasy WR.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch, who sat out Week 15 with a groin injury, was limited in practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 16 against the Dolphins. “Personally I'm doing everything I can to get back on the field. One day at a time,” Branch said. “I think I’ve got to go out there and show coach a little more than what I showed him last week and hopefully I’ll get the nod that I can go. My job is to go out, practice is hard as I can and show them what I can do. If he likes it then good, if he don’t than I won’t be playing.”
Analysis: Branch was limited in practice all last week before being ruled inactive, so this could be another game-time decision. Branch had one of his better games this season in Week 1 against Miami, recording seven catches for 93 yards. Even if Branch is active Week 16, consider him more of a No. 4 Fantasy WR.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was listed among the inactives for Week 15 against the Broncos. He was ruled out on Saturday due to a groin injury.
Analysis: Branch sustained the injury during the second half of Week 14 against Washington and did not return to the game. With the veteran out, WR Tiquan Underwood could see an increase in playing time. Fantasy owners should leave the inconsistent Branch on the bench for Sunday.
News: New England WR Deion Branch (groin) will miss the Patriots' matchup against Denver in Week 15 after being ruled out on Saturday. Branch, who was initially listed as questionable on the team's injury report, was limited in practice throughout the past week.
Analysis: Branch sustained a hamstring injury during the second half of Week 14 against Washington and did not return to the game. With the veteran out, WR Tiquan Underwood could see an increase in playing time. Fantasy owners should leave the inconsistent Branch on the bench for Sunday.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (groin) was limited in practice all week and has been listed as questionable for Week 15 at Denver. Denver ranks 16th in the league in pass defense, giving up nearly 233 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 22.7 Fantasy points per week to wideouts.
Analysis: Branch might be limited in practice, but that doesn't mean he is a slam dunk to play. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has had plenty of players as limited in practice all week and not play them over the weekend, so we will just have to keep tabs on Branch's situation. Even if he is active, Branch has been so inconsistent with his play, there is a lot of risk to starting him in Fantasy.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (groin) was limited for a second straight practice Thursday. New England travels to Denver in Week 15. Denver ranks 16th in the league in pass defense, giving up nearly 233 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 22.7 Fantasy points per week to wideouts.
Analysis: Branch might be limited in practice, but that doesn't mean he is a slam dunk to play. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has had plenty of players as limited in practice all week and not play them over the weekend, so we will just have to keep tabs on Branch's situation. Even if he is active, Branch has been so inconsistent with his play, there is a lot of risk to starting him in Fantasy.
News: New England WR Deion Branch, who tweaked his groin Week 14 at Washington, was a limited participant in practice Wednesday in preparation for Week 15 at Denver. Branch left last Sunday's game early and did not make a single catch in the performance. Branch is considered questionable to play against the Broncos at this point in the practice week. Denver ranks 16th in the league in pass defense, giving up nearly 233 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 22.7 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Analysis: Branch is not practicing in full but the fact he's practicing this early in the week is a good sign for his availability against the Broncos Week 15. Branch caught six passes for 125 yards Week 12 at Philadelphia. He has just five catches for 56 yards in the three games surrounding that contest, however, as he continues to be a very inconsistent Fantasy option. The Broncos are in the top five in the NFL in terms of Fantasy points per game allowed to wide receivers and that bodes very well for Branch, who should be considered a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR if he's healthy enough to play Week 15.
News: New England WR Deion Branch was held in check by the Redskins all afternoon on Sunday of Week 14. Branch came up empty in the performance as he couldn't hook up with QB Tom Brady for even a single reception. Branch finished the game without a catch and he was only targeted twice on the afternoon by Brady. Brady actually hit Chad Ochocinco in the game for a completion and even Tiquan Underwood got into the act with Branch being held off the stat sheet. Branch left the game late in the fourth quarter with a groin issue and could not return.
Analysis: Branch caught six passes for 125 yards Week 12 at Philadelphia. He has just five catches for 56 yards in the three games surrounding that contest, however, as he continues to be a very inconsistent Fantasy option. Branch next plays at Denver Week 15 and should produce against the Broncos. Brady's throws should be soaring through the Colorado air and Branch should benefit from that greatly. The Broncos are in the top five in the NFL in terms of Fantasy points per game allowed to wide receivers and that bodes very well for Branch. Minnesota's Percy Harvin torched the Broncos for eight catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns Week 13. Branch could have a nice bounce-back game and should be considered a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR for the Week 15 game.
News: Patriots receiver Deion Branch could have a tough matchup upcoming Week 14 at Washington. The Redskins are allowing the fifth-fewest Fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers on the season. In fact, Washington has not allowed a 100-yard receiver since Steve Smith went for 143 yards for Carolina back in Week 7. However, the Redskins have allowed four WR touchdowns the last three weeks and have been giving up pay dirt more readily of late.
Analysis: Branch doesn't have much of a history against the Redskins. The 32-year-old has only played two career games against Washington and has just four catches for 49 yards over that span. Branch had a dud in Week 13 against the Colts with just three catches for 37 yards. That is especially after he torched the Eagles for six catches and 125 yards Week 12. Branch should get plenty of action Week 14 and Fantasy owners can continue to roll with him as a low-end No. 2 or high-end No. 3 Fantasy option.
News: New England WR Deion Branch notched three receptions for 37 yards during the Patriots' 31-24 victory over Indianapolis in Week 13. Branch, who was targeted six times by QB Tom Brady, turned in a long gain of 17 yards. He was unable to reach the end zone as his scoreless drought matched a season-long three games. Branch is now two receptions shy of recording 50 catches with New England for the first time since 2005.
Analysis: This is starting to become a trend. After every strong performance, Branch has seemingly been unable to duplicate the showing in the next game and that followed suit on Sunday. Branch could not replicate his 125-yard performance in Week 12 at Philadelphia and managed just 12.3 yards per catch against the Colts. Fantasy owners should be hesitant of the unreliability and view him a high-end No. 3 Fantasy WR for Week 14 at Washington.
News: New England WR Deion Branch has topped the century mark in receiving yards only twice this season, but one of those outings came in his previous game. Branch registered 125 yards on six receptions while being targeted 10 times during the Patriots' pummeling of Philadelphia last Sunday. He will look to duplicate that performance in Week 13 against winless Indianapolis, which is allowing 238.7 passing yards per game this season.
Analysis: Branch is unlikely to see 10 targets from QB Tom Brady again as New England could build an early lead and switch to the running game. Overall, Branch's production has been inconsistent this year and he has not reached the end zone in his past two games, one shy of a season high. The Colts are permitting an average of 24.1 Fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts. Consider Branch a quality No. 2 Fantasy WR for Week 13.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch had one of his better games of the season in Week 12 against the Eagles. He led New England in receiving with six catches for 125 yards in the 38-20 win. He had a long reception of 63 yards in the second quarter and was brought down at the 1-yardline, with RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis scoring on one play later. Branch was targeted by QB Tom Brady 10 times in the contest and averaged 20.8 yard per reception.
Analysis: Branch went over the century mark for the second time this season on Sunday as Brady looked his way early and often. He hadn't posted more than 74 yards receiving since Week 2 so it was nice to see him make some big plays after the catch. As owners know, Brady likes to throw to receivers that are reliable so hopefully he will start looking Branch's way more going forward. With the winless Colts on the schedule for Week 13, consider Branch as no worse than a No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch has been ruled active for Week 12 against the Eagles. He was limited in practice earlier in the week due to a hip injury. Philadelphia ranks 12th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 222 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 20.6 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Analysis: Branch has alternated a touchdown over the last six games, which if that current trend continues, means that he will score against the Eagles. However, Branch can sometimes become a forgotten man in the passing game for New England but his four touchdowns on the year keeps him relevant. Since he is active, consider Branch a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR for Week 12.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was listed as questionable for Sunday's meeting with the Eagles. He was limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday with a hip injury. The Eagles rank 12th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 222 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 20.6 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Analysis: Branch has alternated a touchdown over the last six games, which if that current trend continues, means that he will score against the Eagles. However, Branch can sometimes become a forgotten man in the passing game for New England but his four touchdowns on the year keeps him relevant. If he's healthy enough to play, consider him a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR for Week 12.
News: New England WR Deion Branch was limited in practice Thursday with a recent hip issue. Branch was added to the injury report on Thursday, joining fellow starting WR Wes Welker (knee) on the list for Week 12 against Philadelphia. The Eagles rank 12th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 222 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 20.6 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Analysis: Branch has alternated a touchdown over the last six games, which if that current trend continues, means that he will score against the Eagles. However, Branch can sometimes become a forgotten man in the passing game for New England but his four touchdowns on the year keeps him relevant. If he's healthy enough to play, consider him a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR for Week 12.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch has posted only two catches in two of his last three games and could be in for another slow performance in Week 12 against the Eagles. Philadelphia ranks 12th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 222 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 20.6 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Analysis: Branch has alternated a touchdown over the last six games, which if that current trend continues means that he will score against the Eagles. But with all of the talent in their secondary, the 32-year-old could be in for another slow performance. He can sometimes become a forgotten man in the passing game for New England but his four touchdowns on the year keeps him relevant in Fantasy. Consider Branch as a low-end No. 3/high-end No. 4 Fantasy WR for Week 12.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch had one of his slowest performances of the season in Week 11 against the Chiefs. He was held to just two catches for 19 yards in the 34-3 win. He was targeted by QB Tom Brady three times in the contest.
Analysis: Branch posted his lowest totals since being shutout in Week 3 on Monday as the Chiefs did a solid job of slowing down the Patriots' passing game. After finding the end zone in four of his last six games, owners were expecting a bigger performance from the 32-year-old but he was unable to live up to expectations. Hopefully he will be able to get back on track in Week 12 against the Eagles, who have given up 11 touchdowns to wideouts, so consider Branch as no worse than a No. 3 Fantasy WR for that matchup.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch enters Week 11 against the Chiefs with four touchdown receptions on the year. That leaves him two short of tying his career mark, which he did in 2010 while playing for New England and Seattle. Kansas City ranks 16th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 230 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 21.7 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Analysis: Branch has found the end zone in four of his last six games and is coming off a performance in Week 10 in which he caught five passes for 58 yards. While he has gone over the century mark just once thus far, he can go off at any point with the way the Patriots love to spread the ball around. But given his streaky nature in Fantasy, consider Branch as more of a No. 3 WR for Week 11.
News: Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch caught his fourth touchdown of the season in a 37-16 win over the Jets, catching five passes for 58 yards in the process. He caught 12 passes and two touchdowns in New England's two wins over their division rival this season.
Analysis: Branch is a tough guy to read in Fantasy. If he doesn't score he typically doesn't provide much production and Week 10 was no different. Owners should consider him a No. 3 option in Week 11 when the Patriots host the Chiefs on Monday Night Football.
News: Veteran WR Deion Branch has faced his Week 10 opponent, New York, nine times in his career. He's compiled 453 yards on 35 receptions and scored four touchdowns in those outings. He's coming off a game where he caught just two passes for 21 yards, but looks to rebound versus the Jets. So far this season, New York is allowing 196 passing yards per contest and have given up just five passing scores in eight games. Opposing team's receivers are tallying 14.50 Fantasy points per contest versus the Jets this year.
Analysis: It won't be an easy matchup this Sunday for Branch and the Patriots. He has three touchdowns over his last five games, which shows his inconsistency. Branch caught seven passes for 74 yards and a touchdown when he faced New York earlier in the year. Because of his up-and-down performances, Fantasy owners should consider Branch a No. 3 WR option for Week 10.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was not able to come up with many catches in Week 9 against the Giants. He was targeted five time by QB Tom Brady, catching two passes for 21 yards in the 24-20 loss. He had a long reception of 15 and averaged 10.5 yards per catch.
Analysis: Branch had caught three touchdown passes over his last four games but he was not targeted much in the red zone on Sunday. His hot-and-cold performances thus far have made him a bit of an enigma in Fantasy, but the ability for a breakout performance is always there. Hopefully he will be able to get back on track in Week 10 against the Jets so consider Branch a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy WR for that matchup. Branch caught seven passes for 74 yards and a touchdown when he faced New York earlier in the year.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch has caught a touchdown pass in three of his last four games and will be looking to find the end zone again in Week 9 against the Giants. New York ranks 13th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 225 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 23.7 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Analysis: Branch has seen a dropoff in his yardage since Week 2 but is starting to contribute with some touchdowns, which keeps him relevant in Fantasy. With the way QB Tom Brady likes to spread the ball around, it is kind of hard to predict who will be productive on a weekly basis but he also targets receivers who prove to be reliable. Branch could be among that bunch at this point to target him as a No. 2 Fantasy WR for Week 9.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch caught four passes for 36 yards in Week 8 against the Steelers. He was targeted seven times by Tom Brady and caught a 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter. New England would lose the game, 25-17.
Analysis: Branch found the end zone in Week 8, his third score of the year. Brady normally spreads the ball around a lot, but completed passes to just five receivers on Sunday. Branch may not be his top target, but he definitely made an impact for the Patriots. The Patriots host the Giants in Week 9, a team that has allowed seven passing touchdowns through seven games. Fantasy owners should consider Branch a No. 2 or 3 WR option for next Sunday.
News: New England WR Deion Branch has a tough matchup waiting for him this Sunday. In Week 8, the Patriots face the Steelers a team that is tough against the pass. Pittsburgh's giving up just 171.9 passing yards per game and eight touchdowns through the air in seven games. That comes out to 13.43 Fantasy points per contest to opposing team's wide receivers. In his career, Branch has faced the Steelers four times. He's hauled in 21 passes for 246 yards and one score in those outings.
Analysis: Branch has caught 26 passes for 369 yards and two scores so far this season for the Patriots. But Tom Brady spreads the ball around so much, Branch is not one of the top three targets on offense. Still, New England can put up some points, and if he's lucky Branch will be the beneficiary of some scoring strikes from Brady. Fantasy owners should view Branch as a No. 2 WR option for this Sunday.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch failed to find the end zone in Week 6 against the Cowboys, but he did have some key plays. Branch caught three passes for 69 yards, his longest going for 45, which eventually set up a Stephen Gostkowski field goal. New England would go on to win the game, 20-16, on a last minute drive.
Analysis: The Patriots utilize many weapons on offense and have two very good tight ends that get a ton of looks. That makes Branch the fourth or fifth option on the team. New England is on a bye next week, so Fantasy owners can keep Branch reserved until Week 8 when they travel to Pittsburgh. The Steelers are tough against the pass and Branch doesn't produce consistent numbers, so Branch should be viewed as a low-end start for that game.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch has scored a touchdown in two straight games and will look to keep that trend going in Week 6 against the Cowboys. Dallas is allowing 19 Fantasy points per contest to opposing team's receivers this season. Branch has faced the Cowboys three times in his career, grabbing 10 catches for 161 yards and one score. Dallas has given up seven receiving touchdowns in four games this season.
Analysis: Branch is one of many weapons for Tom Brady in New England's offense. He's stepped up the last two weeks, but was quiet through the first two weeks of the season. While his inconsistent production troubles Fantasy owners a bit, heading into Week 6 Branch should be viewed as a low-end No. 2 WR option.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was able to get back on the end zone during Week 5 against the Jets. Branch was on the receiving end of a 2-yard touchdown strike from Tom Brady in the third quarter, which capped off a four-play, 80-yard scoring drive. He finished with a team-high seven receptions for 74 yards in the 30-21 victory and was targeted eight times. Branch's longest catch went for 29 yards and he averaged 10.6 yards every time he touched the ball.
Analysis: Branch has now found the end zone in each of his last two games, although Sunday might have been his best all-around performance. Hopefully his latest effort can get him off the little two-game slump he was going through after putting up good numbers over the first two weeks of the year. While the Patriots like to spread the ball around, Brady still looks Branch's way quite often, although he can be extremely tough to peg from a value standpoint. New England now will welcome the Cowboys to town in Week 6, who ranked 15th in pass defense heading into Sunday. Consider Branch a No. 3 Fantasy WR against Dallas, but his inconsistent production makes him an intriguing sell-high candidate.
News: Patriots coach Bill Belichick said WR Deion Branch is one of the smartest players he's every coached. "There’s not a smarter receiver," Belichick said. "(Branch is) instinctive and smart." Branch will be out to prove his coach correct, as well as get back on track Week 5 against the Jets. New York is allowing WRs to average 12.5 Fantasy points per week, which is tied for second lowest in the NFL. Branch, however, totaled 64 yards and one touchdown on three catches in his lone game against New York last season.
Analysis: Through two weeks, Branch was one of the league's best receivers and becoming a steady Fantasy option. After the last two weeks, Fantasy owners now want little to do with Branch, who has one catch for 4 yards since Week 3. Perhaps if TE Aaron Hernandez returns in Week 5 that will allow Branch to become a factor on offense again by opening up passing lanes. But he is clearly a low-end Fantasy option because of his recent performance and the tough matchup.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch only had one catch in Week 4 against the Raiders but it was a productive one. He caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from QB Tom Brady in the fourth quarter for his first score of the year. Branch was targeted four times in the 31-19 win.
Analysis: After being shutout a week ago, Branch gave Fantasy owners a little bit of production on Sunday. But he has come no where close to the numbers he posted over the first two games of the season. The way the Patriots spread the ball around, he could go off for a big performance at any point to keep Branch rostered in the majority of Fantasy leagues. For Week 5 against the Jets, consider him as a low-end No. 3/high-end No. 4 Fantasy WR.
News: After being held without a catch a week ago, Patriots WR Deion Branch will be looking to get back on track in Week 4 against the Raiders. Oakland ranks 28th in the league against the pass, giving up over 289 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 23 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts. In three career games against the Raiders, Branch has two touchdowns.
Analysis: After productive games in each of the first two weeks, Branch was shut out a week ago but should have some success against the Raiders weak pass D. And since he has yet to find the end zone this season, his career numbers against Oakland suggests he should be able to rectify that problem. But, as Fantasy owners know, it's hard to tell who QB Tom Brady will throw to more on a weekly basis so there is always a risk in starting the 32-year-old. Branch should be considered a low-end No. 3/high-end No. 4 Fantasy WR for Week 4.
News: Patriots QB Tom Brady passed for 387 yards and four touchdowns in Week 3 against the Bills. Unfortunately, WR Deion Branch didn't contribute to any of Brady's numbers. He was held without a catch in a 34-31 loss. He was targeted three times.
Analysis: Branch just went from everyone's favorite Fantasy receiver to everyone's most hated Fantasy receiver. He came into the game with 15 catches for 222 yards through two contests and was going up against a suspect Buffalo secondary. This matchup was tailor made for Fantasy owners. Unfortunately, Branch disappeared as Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski stole the show for New England. Hopefully, Branch will get back on track in Week 4 against the Raiders, but he is still more of a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch doesn't have a touchdown in his first two games in 2011 despite averaging 7.5 catches for 111 yards. He will look to change his scoring fortune heading into Week 3 against the Bills. Branch has 18 catches for 307 yards and one touchdown in seven career games against the Bills, who are allowing WRs to average 19 Fantasy points per week in 2011.
Analysis: It's amazing the turnaround Branch has had to start the season after he had no catches in the preseason. The Patriots were never concerned about Branch and his play to begin the season echoes those sentiments. Although Branch hasn't found the end zone this season, he still does enough on offense to be consider a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy WR for Week 3.
News: New England WR Deion Branch finished with eight receptions for a team-high 129 yards during the Patriots' 35-21 win over San Diego in Week 2 on Sunday. Branch, who was targeted 10 times by QB Tom Brady, averaged a stellar 16.1 yards per catch in the outing.
Analysis: Branch was second in targets as he was one shy of matching Wes Welker for the team lead (11). The 32-year-old seems rejuvenated since his return to New England and racked up 222 yards on 15 receptions during his first two games of the season. Branch seems to be trusted by Brady as the team's primary deep threat as he hauled in a long pass of 33 yards. Consider him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR for Week 3 at Buffalo.
News: New England WR Deion Branch can recall his second game back with the Patriots last season following a four-year absence. New England was held to 179 yards of total offense -- the team's worst offensive output in its previous 134 games -- but still managed a 23-20 victory over San Diego, its opponent Sunday in Week 2. "We didn't execute as properly as we wanted to. Hopefully this year, this week will be a different outcome," Branch said. "We've got to go out and execute, got to convert on third down, we got to score in the red, the things that we didn't do last year."
Analysis: After earning MVP honors in the 2005 Super Bowl, Branch spent four-plus seasons in Seattle before returning to New England last October. He was limited to four receptions and 39 yards by San Diego's top-ranked defense in that game. Branch still finished the 2010 season on a high note and carried that success into last week's season-opener when he had seven receptions for 93 yards against Miami. Fantasy owners shouldn't rely on the exact same production, but he should be considered a quality No. 3 Fantasy WR against the Chargers.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch finished third on his team in receiving in Week 1 against the Dolphins. He gained 93 yards on seven catches in the 38-24 win. Branch was targeted nine times by QB Tom Brady in the victory and had a long reception of 24 yards. He finished behind Wes Welker (160 yards) and Aaron Hernandez (103 yards).
Analysis: Branch saw plenty of passes thrown his way on Monday night and was able to come up with some big grabs. He averaged 13.3 yards per catch and was able to find some open holes in the Dolphins secondary. The offseason acquisition of Chad Ochocinco did not affect his production much but Fantasy owners should keep it is still early in the season. Keep an eye on how the wideouts in New England are utilized going forward and consider Branch as no worse than a No. 4 Fantasy WR or flex option for Week 2 against the Chargers. Branch caught nine passes for 99 yards in two games against San Diego a year ago.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch will be looking to get off to a fast start during his Week 1 matchup against the Dolphins. Branch, who traded to New England during the beginning of last season, has averaged 60.2 yards per game and scored one touchdown in three career matchups with the Dolphins. Miami ranked sixth in total defense last season, allowing 209.3 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air. The Dolphins also gave up an average of 17.8 Fantasy points per contest to opposing WRs in 2010.
Analysis: Branch did not catch a pass in the preseason, but still earned rave reviews from head coach Bill Belichick at a press conference on Tuesday about his work ethic. However, the acquisition of Chad Ochocinco could take some targets away from the veteran, who will also have to compete with Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski for looks. Still, Branch racked up 61 catches for 818 yards and six touchdowns in 2010 and built a nice rapport with QB Tom Brady. While he is once again expected to play a major role in the Patriots' offense this season, New England's abundance of playmakers makes him a risky play heading into Week 1.
News: Although he did not record a catch in the preseason, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was still complimentary of WR Deion Branch in his Tuesday press conference as New England gears up to play Miami in Week 1. "I think Deion [Branch] has had a pretty good camp -- [he] hasn't missed any time at all and that was something he wasn't able to do last year," Belichick said. "We had to manage him a little bit in practice but he was, I think, in good condition. He took certainly his share of reps out there in training camp and I thought he looked good doing it. I think he's in position, based on what I've seen so far and what he has done in training camp and preseason, I think he's ready to have a good year. I think everybody in the organization feels good about counting on Deion."
Analysis: Branch totaled 61 catches for 818 yards and six touchdowns in 2010 as he made his return to New England after a disappointing stint with the Seahawks. It probably would have been better for Branch's Fantasy value heading into 2011 had the team not acquired Chad Ochocinco. That's just another body Branch has to compete with for targets from a group that already consists of We Welker, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. Branch is worth a look as a late-round Fantasy option, if you are still drafting, but he is more of a desperation start for Week 1 coming off a quiet preseason.
News: The Providence Journal reports that Patriots WR Deion Branch, who has not hauled in a single pass this preseason, understands his role and the fact that the stat should not be read into at this point. "As a receiver, you want the ball. But I understand what we're doing as far as working the kinks out in our offense," Branch said. "Trust me, I have all the confidence in the world Tom [Brady] will find me when he needs me. Right now, I'm not stressing over the fact I haven't caught a ball in the preseason."
Analysis: Branch played in nine game with the Pats after rejoining the squad and he hauled in 48 passes for 706 yards while reconnecting instantly with Brady. The good news is that he remains sharp when the coaching staff evaluates him as well. "He's running well -- good routes," head coach Bill Belichick said. "He's catching the ball well in practice. I'm sure his opportunities and production will come, but I think he's had a good training camp." Fantasy owners should not read into veterans' preseason numbers as much, though we would like to see him snag a few balls. Branch has some company on the field, but he is still worth a late-round selection as a No. 4 WR on Draft Day.
News: The Albany Herald reports that Patriots WR Deion Branch said last year's move back to New England was one of the happiest moments of his career. “I felt a little rejuvenated going back to New England. I felt happy again and I got excited about playing the game,” Branch said. “You go from winning a Super Bowl, and then you go somewhere where things don’t work out right. Then you get an opportunity to go back and compete for something special. You can’t compare the environment (in New England) to anywhere else in football. It’s a first-class organization.”
Analysis: Branch is coming off one of his most successful seasons in his nine-year career in the NFL. Branch, who finished the year with six touchdowns and 818 receiving yards, was traded midway through the season from the Seahawks back to the Patriots. We expect him to play well again in 2011 as he is expected to start opposite Wes Welker. Consider Branch a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR in all leagues. He is worth drafting with a mid-round pick.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch notch his third post season touchdown reception in Sunday's Divisional Playoff loss to the Jets. Branch, who was limited in practice all week with a knee injury, was on the receiving end of a 13-yard strike from Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter. He didn't record his first reception until the third quarter, but still was able to finish with five receptions for 59 yards. He was targeted 10 times in the defeat, however, had a crucial drop late in the fourth quarter. Trailing by 10 points with five minutes left, Branch dropped a pass that hit him right on the hands on fourth down. Branch had a long of 16 yards in the contest.
Analysis: Branch had to deal with Darrelle Revis all game long but was finally able to break free a bit in the second half. He played well in his second stint with the Patriots as he racked up 48 receptions for 706 yards and five touchdowns in the 11 games he played with New England. He averaged a career-high 64.2 yards per game in a Patriots uniform this and made people forget all about Randy Moss. Branch will be back as the starter opposite of Wes Welker in 2011 and can be considered a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR in all leagues next season.
News: New England wide receiver Deion Branch is active for Sunday's AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Jets. Branch had been questionable to play with a knee injury and had been limited in practice all week. Still, he was always expected to play.
Analysis: Branch is a big-game receiver and should play well in the playoffs, so consider him a quality option for the Fantasy Playoff Challenge. And heading into 2011, Branch has the potential to be a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR in all leagues.
News: The Patriots have listed WR Deion Branch as questionable for Sunday's Divisional Playoff game against the Jets. Branch was limited in practice all week, including Friday, but he is expected to play.
Analysis: We expect Branch to play well in the playoffs, so consider him a quality option for the Fantasy Playoff Challenge. And heading into 2011, Branch has the potential to be a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR in all leagues.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was limited in practice for the second day in a row Thursday with a knee injury. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's Divisional Playoffs against the Jets, but he is expected to play.
Analysis: We expect Branch to play well in the playoffs, so consider him a quality option for the Fantasy Playoff Challenge. And heading into 2011, Branch has the potential to be a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR in all leagues.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was limited in practice Wednesday with a knee injury. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's Divisional Playoffs against the Jets, but he is expected to play.
Analysis: We expect Branch to play well in the playoffs, so consider him a quality option for the Fantasy Playoff Challenge. And heading into 2011, Branch has the potential to be a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR in all leagues.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch began the season with the Seahawks, but he has elevated his play since re-joining New England on October 12. Branch finished the season with 48 receptions and six touchdowns in 11 games with New England. Now, he is ready for another run at a championship, beginning with the Jets in the Divisional round. "That would have been crazy" to be told when the season began that he'd be playing the New York Jets in a divisional playoff game Sunday, " Branch said. "The opportunity that I had to come back here was just a blessing."
Analysis: Branch receives praise from teammates and even coach Bill Belichick. "He's a very intelligent player, really smart, really instinctive guy," Belichick said. "No matter what the route, no matter what the coverage is, he always seems to do the right thing, make the right adjustment, make the right decision." Branch will try his luck against one of the game's best corners on Sunday, Darrelle Revis. He limited Indianapolis' Reggie Wayne, the AFC leader in receptions, to one catch for 1 yard in New York's 17-16 wild-card win last Saturday night. Still, the Pats run an entirely different offense than the Colts, so Branch will have some opportunities. We expect him to play well throughout the playoffs, so consider him a quality option for the Fantasy Playoff Challenge. And heading into 2011, Branch has the potential to be a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR in all leagues.
News: The Providence Journal reports that Patriots WR Deion Branch has been dealing with a lingering knee injury for a couple of weeks, which is why he was ruled inactive in Week 17 against Miami to rest. The Patriots want to make sure that he’ll be completely healthy for the playoffs, and Branch said Wednesday that he was “feeling great” heading into the playoffs. New England has a bye in the first round, which should allow Branch another week to get healthy. “[He’s a] very intelligent player, really smart, really instinctive guy,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “No matter what the route, no matter what the coverage is, he always seems to do the right thing, make the right adjustment, make the right decision, and I think that gives the quarterbacks a lot of confidence in him.” Branch has 61 catches for 818 yards and a career-high six touchdown catches for the season. His catches and yards are the second highest of his career.
Analysis: In 11 regular-season games with the Patriots, Branch ranked second on the team behind Wes Welker (86 catches, 848 yards, 7 touchdowns) in catches with 48 and yards with 706. He’s averaging a career-high 64.2 yards per game in a Patriots uniform this season and he’s made people forget all about Moss. We expect Branch to play well in the playoffs, so consider him a quality option for the Fantasy Playoff Challenge. And heading into 2011, Branch has the potential to be a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR in all leagues.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (knee) was listed among the inactives for Week 17 vs. Miami.
Analysis: Coach Bill Belichick was coy all week about how much his starters would play on Sunday, but he's not stupid and doesn't want to risk one of his injured players getting hurt further. Be sure to bench Branch for Week 17. His Fantasy value heading into 2011 should be as a must-own No. 2 or No. 3 option in all formats, depending on who the Pats bring at WR this offseason.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 17 against the Dolphins. He was limited in practice all week. Branch has 61 receptions for 818 yards and six touchdowns this season -- with five of the scores coming as a member of the Patriots. Branch was not with the Patriots the first time they played the Dolphins. However, he has 26 catches for 361 yards and one touchdown in six career games against the Dolphins.
Analysis: Branch has been bothered by this knee injury the last few weeks and it has certainly shown up in the stat column. He has just four catches for 58 yards in his last two games. Perhaps Week 17 will be an ideal time for Branch to rest since New England has already locked up the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Fantasy owners probably shouldn't bank on using Branch or expecting much from him Week 17, if he does play.
News: New England WR Deion Branch (knee) was a limited participant in practice again Thursday as the Patriots prepared for their Week 17 game against Miami. Branch was limited for the second day in a row after being hobbled in Week 16 by a knee injury he sustained against Green Bay on Dec. 19. Branch has 61 receptions for 818 yards and six touchdowns this season -- with five of the scores coming as a member of the Patriots.
Analysis: Branch was certainly affected by the knee problem against Buffalo last week and managed just two receptions for 25 yards -- both accounting for his lowest totals in the seven games. He might not receive much playing time as New England has already locked up a spot in the upcoming NFL playoffs. Fantasy owners should consider Branch a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR and have a backup plan prepared if Branch doesn't play.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday as New England began on-field preparations for its Week 17 game vs. Miami.
Analysis: Branch had just two grabs for 25 yards on Sunday, and as one of the banged-up Patriots, he might not play a whole lot against the Dolphins in a game that means nothing. Fantasy owners should probably avoid Branch for Week 17 if they can afford to.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was held to just two catches for 25 yards in a Week 16 rout of the Bills. He was targeted five times.
Analysis: Branch came into this game with a knee injury, and was a risky start with the Patriots expected to rely heavily on the running game against the worst ground defense in the league. New England did just that, running the ball 41 times for 217 yards, while passing just 27 times. With the top seed wrapped up in the AFC, New England might well rest banged-up guys like Branch in Week 17 against the Dolphins, so he will be even more of a risky start for the final week of the season.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (knee) was not named among the inactives for Week 16 at Buffalo. He had been listed as probable. The Bills have allowed 23 passing touchdowns this season.
Analysis: Branch was pretty much a non-factor in Week 15 against the Packers, making just two grabs, and he might see limited targets again on Sunday if the Patriots can exploit the worst run defense in the league and take the ball out of QB Tom Brady's hands a little. Branch did not play against the Bills earlier this season. For Week 16, consider Branch a solid No. 2 Fantasy option, but temper your expectations a little, especially as he's banged up.
News: After sitting out practice on Wednesday and Thursday, Patriots WR Deion Branch was limited in practice Friday but is listed as probable for the team's Week 16 showdown at Buffalo. Branch is dealing with a balky knee but appears to be ready to play against Buffalo and their pass defense that's allowed 23 touchdowns through the air.
Analysis: Branch was pretty much a non-factor in Week 15 against the Packers, making just two grabs, and he might see limited targets again on Sunday if the Patriots can exploit the worst run defense in the league and take the ball out of QB Tom Brady's hands a little. Branch did not play against the Bills earlier this season. For Week 16, consider Branch a solid No. 2 Fantasy option, but temper your expectations a little, especially as he's banged up.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch sat out a second straight practice Thursday with the knee injury that caused him to be limited headed into Week 15's win over the Packers. New England will visit Buffalo in Week 16. The Bills appear to be tough against the pass according to the rankings (they're seventh), but that's mostly because they're so easy to run against.
Analysis: Branch was pretty much a non-factor in Week 15 against the Packers, making just two grabs, and he might see limited targets again on Sunday if the Patriots can exploit the worst run defense in the league and take the ball out of QB Tom Brady's hands a little. Branch did not play against the Bills earlier this season. For Week 16, consider Branch a solid No. 2 Fantasy option, but temper your expectations a little, especially as he's banged up.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch sat out practice Wednesday with the knee injury that caused him to be limited headed into Week 15's win over the Packers. New England will visit Buffalo in Week 16.
Analysis: Branch was pretty much a non-factor in Week 15 against the Packers, making just two grabs, and he might see limited targets again on Sunday if the Patriots can exploit the worst run defense in the league and take the ball out of QB Tom Brady's hands a little. Branch did not play against the Bills earlier this season. For Week 16, consider Branch a solid No. 2 Fantasy option, but temper your expectations a little. He should be healthy for the contest.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was not able to find the end zone in the Week 15 win over the Packers after doing so in the last three games. In fact, he had his worst game in the last month after finishing with just two catches for 33 yards. The receiving day was his least productive since Week 8, when he went for two grabs and 21 yards. QB Tom Brady targeted him just twice on the night.
Analysis: The Packers approached the Patriots in a way most team's wouldn't dare; man coverage. CB Traman Williams did an excellent job on Branch, who caught both passes while the defense switched to a zone scheme. The entire Patriots offense saw limited opportunity because they possessed the ball for less than 20 minutes. Green Bay converted on 11 of 19 third-downs attempts on the night, which extended several of their drives drives. Branch will try to rebound in Week 16 against the Bills, who have allowed an opposing WR to eclipse the 100-yard mark in three of the last four games. Branch should be considered a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR heading into that matchup.
News: Despite being listed on the team's injury report with a knee issue, Patriots WR Deion Branch is active for the Week 15 game against the Packers. Green Bay sports the third-best Fantasy defense against WRs, giving up just over 15 Fantasy points per game to the position.
Analysis: Branch caught eight passes for a season-high 151 yards last week in snowy Chicago, and his owners might be hoping the weather's a mess again this week in Massachusetts, although it seems fairly average at this point. Branch has been solid down the stretch for his Fantasy owners and now that he's healthy for Sunday night, should be a nice flex option in the majority of formats.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (knee) is listed as probable for the Week 15 game against the Packers. He saw limited action in practice all week. Branch faces a defense that has not allowed an opposing WR to find the end zone in four straight games. Green Bay sports the third-best Fantasy defense against WRs, giving up just over 15 Fantasy points per game to the position. They have allowed less than 10 points to receivers in each of their last three games.
Analysis: Branch caught eight passes for a season-high 151 yards last week in snowy Chicago, and his owners might be hoping the weather's a mess again this week in Massachusetts, although it seems fairly average at this point. Branch has been solid down the stretch for his Fantasy owners and if he's healthy for Sunday, should be a nice flex option in the majority of formats. To be sure of his status, check back with us around 7 p.m. EST on Sunday when the inactives are released.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (knee) was limited in practice for a second straight day Thursday as the team prepares for the Week 15 game against the Packers.
Analysis: Branch caught eight passes for a season-high 151 yards last week in snowy Chicago, and his owners might be hoping the weather's a mess again this week in Massachusetts. Branch has been solid down the stretch for his Fantasy owners and if he's healthy for Sunday, should be a nice flex option in the majority of formats.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday as New England began preparations for its Week 15 game vs. Green Bay.
Analysis: Branch caught eight passes for a season-high 151 yards last week in snowy Chicago, and his owners might be hoping the weather's a mess again this week in Massachusetts. Branch has been solid down the stretch for his Fantasy owners and if he's healthy for Sunday, should be a nice flex option in the majority of formats.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch had one of his better games of the year in Week 14 against the Bears. He caught eight passes for a season-high 151 yards in the 36-7 win. His biggest grab came on a 59-yard touchdown strike from QB Tom Brady on the final play of the first half. The sideline called for Brady to take a knee but he ignored the order and completed his longest pass play of the game. "There was a lot of yelling and screaming," Branch said. "I do know that I heard one of the coaches saying they wanted to take a knee, but I think Tom's eyes got a little big. He looked over at me like, 'No, take this shot."' Branch was targeted 10 times in the victory and finished tied with WR Wes Welker for the most receptions on New England. He has caught at least one touchdown in three straight games.
Analysis: Even frigid weather and howling winds couldn't slow down Branch in Week 14 as he was able to find holes in the Bears cover-2 scheme and make big plays. His touchdown grab was especially nice as he went 59-yards untouched on a broken defensive play. Branch has gotten more involved in the offense in recent weeks and has been lights out over the last three games. He has caught 14 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns over that span. It took a little while for him to get going but the 31-year-old looks primed for a huge stretch run. Continue to view Branch as no worse than a No. 3 Fantasy WR heading into Week 15 against the Packers.
News: The Patriots-Bears Week 14 matchup in Chicago will be impacted by freezing temperatures, strong winds including gusts over 40 m.p.h. and several inches of snow. That could impact the Patriots' passing offense and could mean less-than-ideal numbers for Deion Branch. The receiver has been hot of late, catching six passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns over his last two games, and with the Pats' dink-and-dunk offense allowing for lots of short, quick-hit passes that generally won't be affected by the wind, he could still rack up a decent amount of catches. However, the snow could make his yardage after the catch minimal, and that's been key to his success of late. “There will be low visibility, probably even in the stadium,” National Weather Service meteorologist Richard Castro told the DeKalb Daily Chronicle. “There will be snow on the field, and that will be blowing around with the very strong winds. The other thing is, being right on the lakefront, that’s where we’re expecting the strongest wind gusts out of this storm.”
Analysis: You can read more on the weather at Soldier Field in Chicago here. We wouldn't trust Branch for a big week here since the Bears have been playing strong, disciplined football (only seven touchdowns allowed to receivers all year) and he typically doesn't get the ball as much as Welker. Sit Branch if you can in Week 14.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch has caught just six passes in his last two contests, but he has been able to produce 177 yards and three touchdowns. He will face a Bears defense in Week 14 that ranks 13th in the league against the pass, allowing over 215 yards per game, and have given up an average of 17.2 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts. In four career games against Chicago, Branch has caught 10 passes for 110 yards.
Analysis: Branch has made some big plays in recent weeks and has seen his Fantasy value blow up since being re-acquired by the Patriots. He has at least 60 yards receiving in each of his last three games with three touchdown grabs over that span. Chicago has been solid on defense this season but have been susceptible against the pass. Branch is playing his best ball right now and should be considered a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy WR for Week 14 against the Bears.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch had another solid performance in Week 13 against the Jets. He caught three passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in the 45-3 win. QB Tom Brady found him on a fourth-and-3 in the first quarter, which the receiver broke Antonio Cromartie's feeble tackle and took it 25 yards for the score. Branch was targeted seven times in the victory and averaged 21.3 yards per reception.
Analysis: Branch had two touchdown grabs in his last game and kept things going with another score on Monday night. He has seen his Fantasy value blow up since being re-acquired by the Patriots and is doing much more than he ever could with the Seahawks. He has at least 60 yards receiving in each of his last three games and has seen more passes thrown his way by Brady in recent weeks. While Branch has yet to go over the century mark this season, his is playing his best ball right now and should be considered no worse than a No. 4 Fantasy WR for Week 14 against the Bears.
News: After catching two touchdown passes on Thanksgiving, Patriots WR Deion Branch will look to start a touchdown streak against the Jets in Week 13. New York ranks 12th in the league against the pass, allowing over 210 yards per game, and have given up an average of 20.6 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts. In seven career games against the division rival, Branch has caught 25 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns.
Analysis: Branch was not a member of the Patriots when the two teams met in Week 2 but went 7-1 against the Jets from 2002 to 2005, including six straight victories. He has really come alive of late and has at least 70 yards receiving in each of his last three outings. Branch will most likely have to deal with either Darrelle Revis or Antonio Cromartie on Monday night so Fantasy owners should not expect the same type of production out of the 31-year-old. Both teams will be up for the division showdown but Fantasy owners should consider Branch a No. 4 or flex option for Week 13.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch only caught three passes on Thursday at Detroit, but made them count. In addition to a 12-yard catch to convert a first down, Branch hauled in a deep ball and ran past Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith to the end zone for a 79-yard reception and tacked on a 22-yard catch-and-run score (again on Smith) to help the Patriots pull away. In total, Branch's three catches went for 113 yards and two scores.
Analysis: Making the feat even more impressive is that Branch didn't catch any of his passes in the first half. Branch had seven catches in each of his previous two games, so it's obvious that he's a key part of the Patriots' offense, but don't count on him to give you anything close to this against the Jets in Week 13, though the Patriots will have a full 11 days before playing that game. He's still only reliable as a No. 3 Fantasy WR at best.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch hasn't scored since his first game back with the team in Week 6, but that could change Thursday at the Lions. For starters, Branch has landed seven receptions in each of his last two games, getting at least 70 yards in the process. His targets are also up from earlier in the year as he has been in Brady's sights 18 times in the last two weeks. Now Branch will play against a Lions defense that has allowed 10 touchdowns to wide receivers on the season. Branch is expected to draw journeyman cornerback Chris Houston in coverage for much of the game, and he's the weaker Lions starting corner.
Analysis: Branch nearly had a touchdown last week if the ball didn't bounce off his arms, perhaps he rights the ship in Week 12. Consider him a good No. 3 Fantasy WR, especially in PPR leagues.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was fairly productive in Week 11 against the Colts. Branch was targeted a team-high 10 times in the 31-28 win and finished with seven receptions for 70 yards. Branch averaged 10 yards per reception and had a long of 18 yards but failed to score in the victory.
Analysis: Branch has now put consecutive solid outings after not producing much in his three previous games. He seems to be getting on the same page as Tom Brady and has 18 targets over his last two games. While Branch has increased his production over the last few weeks, Branch still hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 6. He will look to put an end to his scoring drought when the Patriots head up to Detroit to face the Lions on Thanksgiving. Consider Branch a No. 4 Fantasy WR heading into Week 12.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch, who is coming off one of his better games of the season last week against the Steelers, will be looking to find the end zone in Week 11 against Indianapolis. Branch had 71 yards receiving on seven receptions in Week 10 and emphasized the importance of scoring touchdowns this week against the Colts. "You can't kick field goals," Branch said. The Colts boasts the leagues 10th best pass defense and have allowed an average of 19.7 Fantasy points to opposing WRs this season.
Analysis: Branch rebounded well from a recent three-game slump against the Steelers, but hasn't scored since Week 6 against the Seahawks. The Colts have been very good at defending the pass this season and have only allowed four WRs to eclipse the 100-yard mark against them this season. Branch has yet to record a 100-yard receiving game this season. Consider him just a low-end No. 4/ flex option heading in Week 11.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch caught seven passes for 81 yards in the three games preceding the Week 10 game against the Steelers. He finished the Sunday night contest with seven catches for 71 yards. He was targeted eight times by QB Tom Brady.
Analysis: Branch rebounded well from a recent three-game slump against the Steelers, and looked like his usual self. He caught underneath passes and helped the Pats move the chains in the win. In Week 11, he will look to continue producing, and maybe find the end zone for the first time in four games, against the Colts. Indianapolis has allowed just four WRs to eclipse the 100-yard mark against them this season. We'll call Branch a low-end No. 3 Fantasy option heading into that matchup.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch has caught just seven passes for 81 yards after breaking out in his debut with the team, going for 98 yards and a touchdown in Week 6. In Week 10, he faces a Steelers defense that ranks 24th against the pass, giving up 240 yards a game. Only Roddy White and Terrell Owens have eclipsed the 100-yard mark against Pittsburgh in 2010.
Analysis: Branch has fallen back into the mold of the old Patriots WRs from the early 2000's, when he, Troy Brown, David Givens and David Patten helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls. The formula was methodical drives based on short passes, but the WRs seldom broke 100 yards on a consistent basis. Still, he should see some targets, but not enough to warrant high-end value. We'll call him a No. 4 Fantasy WR in Week 10.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch disappointed for a third straight game Sunday as New England fell 34-14 to the Browns in Week 9. Branch finished with two catches for 21 yards.
Analysis: Branch teased Fantasy owners with his big outing in Week 6 and has vanished completely since then with just seven catches for 81 yards in his last three contests. He will surely be dumped in a ton of formats come Tuesday or Wednesday and it will be very hard to trust him as a starter in any league from here on out. Use him as a flex option at best in Week 10 at Pittsburgh.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (hamstring) was not listed among the inactives for Week 9 at Cleveland. Cleveland is allowing opposing WRs to average 25.6 Fantasy points per week, which is fifth highest in the NFL. The Browns have allowed receivers to rack up 10 touchdowns, which is tied for fourth highest in the NFL. Receivers Anquan Boldin, Terrell Owens, Roddy White and Marques Colston have all had 100-yard games against the Browns.
Analysis: Branch was limited by this same injury leading up to Week 8 against the Vikings, but he did dress. The injury didn't play a part in his poor performance, however, as the Vikings just did a good job. Branch has slowed down for New England after posting 98 yards and one touchdown in Week 6 against the Ravens. He could be in for a big week against Cleveland, but view him as a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option to be on the safe side.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (questionable, hamstring) was on the field jogging and stretching before Sunday's game against the Browns. Cleveland is allowing opposing WRs to average 25.6 Fantasy points per week, which is fifth highest in the NFL. The Browns have allowed receivers to rack up 10 touchdowns, which is tied for fourth highest in the NFL. Receivers Anquan Boldin, Terrell Owens, Roddy White and Marques Colston have all had 100-yard games against the Browns.
Analysis: Branch was limited by this same injury leading up to Week 8 against the Vikings, but he did dress. The injury didn't play a part in his poor performance, however. The Vikings just did a good job against Branch. We expect Branch to take the field in Week 9, but you can never be for sure with a Patriots player since coach Bill Belichick is tight-lipped about injuries. Branch has slowed down for New England after posting 98 yards and one touchdown in Week 6 against the Ravens. He could be in for a big week against Cleveland, but view him as a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option to be on the safe side.
News: The Patriots have listed WR Deion Branch (hamstring) as questionable for Week 9 at Cleveland. Branch was limited in practice all week. The Browns are allowing opposing WRs to average 25.6 Fantasy points per week, which is fifth highest in the NFL. The Browns have allowed receivers to rack up 10 touchdowns, which is tied for fourth highest in the NFL. Receivers Anquan Boldin, Terrell Owens, Roddy White and Marques Colston have all had 100-yard games against the Browns.
Analysis: Branch was limited by the same injury leading up to Week 8 against the Vikings, but he did dress. The injury didn't play a part in his poor performance, however. The Vikings just did a good job against Branch. We expect Branch to take the field in Week 9, but you can never be for sure with a Patriots player since coach Bill Belichick is tight-lipped about injuries. Branch has slowed down for New England after posting 98 yards and one touchdown in Week 6 against the Ravens. He could be in for a big week against Cleveland, but view him as a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option to be on the safe side.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was limited in practice Thursday for a second straight day because of a hamstring injury. New England is preparing to face Cleveland in Week 9. The Browns are allowing opposing WRs to average 25.6 Fantasy points per week, which is fifth highest in the NFL. The Browns have allowed receivers to rack up 10 touchdowns, which is tied for fourth highest in the NFL. Receivers Anquan Boldin, Terrell Owens, Roddy White and Marques Colston have all had 100-yard games against the Browns.
Analysis: Branch was limited by the same injury leading up to Week 8 against the Vikings, but he did dress. The injury didn't play a part in his poor performance, however. The Vikings just did a good job against Branch. We expect Branch to take the field in Week 9, but you can never be for sure with a Patriots player since coach Bill Belichick is tight-lipped about injuries. Branch has slowed down for New England after posting 98 yards and one touchdown in Week 6 against the Ravens. He could be in for a big week against Cleveland, but view him as a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option to be on the safe side.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (hamstring) was limited in practice Wednesday as New England began preparations for its Week 9 game at Cleveland.
Analysis: Branch had a great first game after moving to New England, but he was clearly bothered by this hamstring problem in a Week 8 win over the Vikings and caught just one pass for 21 yards. If he is able to give it a go on Sunday against the Browns, he would be a nice No. 3 Fantasy option as Cleveland struggles vs. the pass.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch, who was questionable with a hamstring injury coming into the game, was not much of a factor in Week 8 against the Vikings. Branch was targeted three times in the 28-18 win, but finished with just one catch for 21 yards in the victory. His lone reception came in the second quarter and was part of a eight-play, 75-yard scoring drive the ended that was capped off by a Danny Woodhead 3-yard touchdown run.
Analysis: Branch, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, was not 100 percent on Sunday. He was limping around the field all game long and really had a hard time getting any separation from defenders. Branch is a more than viable Fantasy WR, when healthy, so Fantasy owners should monitor his status over the next few days to see if he can get back to 100 percent by Sunday. He has 14 receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown since re-joining New England and can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy WR heading into Week 9, if fully recovered from his hamstring injury.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch, who was questionable with a hamstring injury coming into the game, was not much of a factor in Week 8 against the Vikings. Branch was targeted three times in the 28-18 win, but finished with just one catch for 21 yards in the victory. His lone reception came in the second quarter and was part of a eight-play, 75-yard scoring drive the ended that was capped off by a Danny Woodhead 3-yard touchdown run.
Analysis: Branch, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, was not 100 percent on Sunday. He was limping around the field all game long and really had a hard time getting any separation from defenders. Branch is a more than viable Fantasy WR, when healthy, so Fantasy owners should monitor his status over the next few days to see if he can get back to 100 percent by Sunday. He has 14 receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown since re-joining New England and can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy WR heading into Week 9, if fully recovered from his hamstring injury.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch has officially been ruled active for Week 8 against the Vikings. Branch was limited in practice this week with a hamstring injury. Minnesota is ranked 11th in pass defense and has allowed an average of 19 Fantasy points to opposing WRs.
Analysis: Branch vanished a little last week after his huge Pats debut, but Fantasy owners should certainly not jump off this bus just yet. The Vikings are decent against the pass (13th) this season, but did allow James Jones to go for 107 yards last week and Greg Jennings also caught a touchdown. Consider Branch a low-end No. 2/top-end No. 3 Fantasy WR heading into Week 8.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch (hamstring) is officially listed as questionable for Week 8 vs. Minnesota after popping up on the injury report Thursday. He was limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday. Minnesota is ranked 11th in pass defense and has allowed an average of 19 Fantasy points to opposing WRs.
Analysis: Branch vanished a little last week after his huge Pats debut, but Fantasy owners should certainly not jump off this bus just yet. The Vikings are decent against the pass (13th) this season, but did allow James Jones to go for 107 yards last week and Greg Jennings also caught a touchdown. Consider Branch a low-end No. 2/top-end No. 3 Fantasy WR heading into Week 8.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch was added to the Week 8 injury report on Thursday after he was limited with a hamstring problem in practice. New England hosts Minnesota on Sunday. Branch said on Thursday that he is not worried about playing against Randy Moss, who he is replacing as a starter in New England, he is just worried about winning. "If the coach needs me to catch 10 balls to win, that'll be cool," Branch said. "If I need to catch two to win, that's cool, too. I think the biggest thing is just worrying about the win."
Analysis: Branch vanished a little last week after his huge Pats debut, but Fantasy owners should certainly not jump off this bus just yet. The Vikings are decent against the pass (13th) this season, but did allow James Jones to go for 107 yards last week and Greg Jennings also caught a touchdown. Consider Branch a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR heading into Week 8.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch, who caught nine passes for 98 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 against the Ravens, wasn't nearly as effective in Week 7 against the Chargers. Branch was targeted eight times, but finished with just four receptions for 39 yards in the 23-20 win. He had a long of 17 yards and did not score in the contest.
Analysis: Branch was held in check for most of the game on Sunday and didn't record his first catch until the second half. He had eight targets, which was tied for the most on the team with Aaron Hernandez, but failed to produce any big plays. Fantasy owners should keep in mind that San Diego was ranked No. 1in pass defense heading into Sunday and none of the Patriots' receivers had a good day. Branch will be expected to pick up some of the slack left by the departure of Randy Moss and should continue to see plenty of passes thrown his way. Consider him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR heading into Week 8 against the Vikings.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch, who caught nine passes for 98 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 against the Ravens, will be looking to build off that effort in Week 7 against the Chargers. However, Branch might have a hard time against a San Diego defense that is only allowing 163.7 passing yards per game. The Chargers have only allowed five touchdowns through the air on the season while holding opposing WRs to an average of 11.3 Fantasy points per week.
Analysis: Playing in his first game with the Patriots since leaving them three-plus years ago, WR Deion Branch worked as if he's been with them the entire time. He was targeted 12 times in the victory and should see plenty of passes thrown his way against San Diego. Based on his tough matchup Fantasy owners should consider Branch a low-end No. Fantasy WR heading into Week 7.
News: Playing in his first game with the Patriots since leaving them three-plus years ago, WR Deion Branch worked as if he's been with them the entire time, catching nine passes for 98 yards and a touchdown vs. Baltimore in Week 6. Tom Brady's first pass of the game was targeted for Branch, and the two connected for a score in the second half when Brady found him open in the back right of the end zone on a broken play. Twelve of Brady's 44 pass attempts were targeted for Branch.
Analysis: It's a great sign that Brady looked for Branch so often in the game, and the two should continue to connect often going forward. Though he won't be expected to put up ridiculous stats like Randy Moss, Branch should still find ways to exploit defenses and grab a lot of passes. The Patriots play at San Diego in Week 7, a rival that's familiar with New England. The Chargers defense looked a little suspect at St. Louis, but they have a pretty good receiving corps. Look for Branch to help as a No. 3 Fantasy RB at the very least in Week 7.
News:Deion Branch is back at practice with the Patriots. The wide receiver drafted by the team in 2002 passed his physical Tuesday after being traded by the Seahawks for a fourth-round draft pick. He was catching passes from Tom Brady in the early afternoon for the first time in four years, which is when New England had traded him to Seattle. Branch and Brady even walked onto the field together then stretched with their teammates before the quarterbacks began throwing. The Patriots needed an experienced wide receiver after trading Randy Moss to the Minnesota Vikings last Wednesday.
Analysis: In his first stint with the Patriots, Branch was MVP of the 2005 Super Bowl and caught 213 passes in 53 regular-season games. Though he's very injury prone and not nearly as speedy as he was in his first stint with the Pats, Branch will be a favorite target of Brady's and be a candidate for several receptions per game. We like Branch as no more than a No. 3 Fantasy WR in deeper leagues; do not expect him to put up Moss-like stats.
News: The Patriots re-acquired WR Deion Branch from the Seahawks on Monday in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. Branch, who played for New England from 2002 to 2005, had 13 catches this season for 112 yards and a touchdown for Seattle. The trade ended a day of speculation after Branch was absent from Seahawks practice. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said he gave Branch a "personal day" but also expected Branch to be with the team at its next practice on Wednesday. "[He's] excited as can be," Branch's agent, Jason Chayut said Monday night.
Analysis: Branch only had one catch for Seattle in Week 4 and is now headed back to the team he broke in with. The Patriots traded him after he won the Super Bowl MVP in 2006 for a first-round pick but Branch really never flourished out west. This gives his Fantasy value a huge boost after New England traded away WR Randy Moss earlier in the week. Branch had his best years with the Patriots and should start garnering more attention in most Fantasy leagues starting in Week 6 against the Ravens.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch made a 10-yard catch in Seattle's Week 4 loss at St. Louis. He was targeted twice.
Analysis: Branch had made progress in each of his first three games of the season but took a big step back in Week 4. With the way the Seattle offense struggles most of the time, Branch will have games on occasion and so remains just a low-end emergency Fantasy option in very deep formats. The Seahawks are off in Week 5, so ignore Branch until at least Week 6 at Chicago.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch nearly had the breakout game he was looking for in Week 3. He caught what looked like a 42-yard touchdown against the Chargers, but was stripped of the football just short of the goal line by S Paul Oliver. As Week 4 approaches, Branch looks to make the most of his opportunities against the Rams, who yield the 9th most passing yards in the NFL ( 243.3 yards per game). St. Louis has allowed a couple of big games to opposing WRs, including allowing both Steve Breaston and Santana Moss to rack up over 120 receiving yards. Moss added a TD.
Analysis: Former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch has established good chemistry with QB Matt Hasselbeck, connecting on 12 passes out of 16 targets. Against the Rams, expect Hasselbeck to look for Branch as a second option to TE John Carlson, who leads the team with 24 targets. Consider Branch to be a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option for Week 4 at St. Louis.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch appeared to score on 42-yard touchdown in the second quarter, but had the touchdown reversed on replay as Chargers safety Paul Oliver punched the ball loose from behind for a touchback. Branch would finish the day being targeted six times, catching five for 60 yards. That touchdown would have been his second of the season. Going into Sunday he had just 42 receiving yards.
Analysis: Despite Branch's nice outing versus the Chargers, he still has to prove he's worth owning and starting in Fantasy leagues. He had the second most targets and receiving yards on Sunday, so he may be taking the right steps to being a solid option for Matt Hasselbeck. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on Branch as he could be a nice bye-week pickup down the road, but as of right now is a risky start heading into Week 4 against the Rams.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch didn't have a stellar performance against Denver in Week 2, but he did manage to gain 31 yards on four catches. He was targeted seven times and was kept out of the end zone. He scored in Week 1, but had just three catches for 11 yards.
Analysis: Branch is healthy for the Seahawks, which is something they haven't been used to since adding him to the team back in 2006. With little production on the field and fighting for looks, Branch doesn't bring much to the Fantasy table. Seattle hosts San Diego in Week 3, and they gave up just 148 yards to Jacksonville receivers in Week 2. Fantasy owners should monitor the veteran to see if he makes any noise down the road, but as of right now he is a risky option in Week 3.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch took a step toward regaining a reputation in the NFL with a touchdown in Week 1 against the 49ers. He looks to build off that performance heading into Week 2 against the Broncos. Branch has 13 catches for 217 yards and one touchdown in four career games against Denver and will face a Broncos secondary that was beaten for seven catches, 113 yards and one touchdown by Jacksonville receivers in Week 1.
Analysis: Branch has battled a ton of injuries since coming to Seattle and that has put his career in jeopardy. But now that he is finally healthy and getting a second chance under first-year coach Pete Carroll, he is not looking to waste his golden opportunity. Branch did score in Week 1, but he managed just three catches for 11 yards. The score is nice, but we need to see better stats from Branch before he becomes a reliable Fantasy play. He is still a risky option for Week 2.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch was on the receiving end of one of the two touchdown passes thrown by Matt Hasselbeck during Week 1. Branch snagged the 3-yard TD reception in the third quarter to put the Seahawks up 28-6. He finished with three catches for 11 yards during the 31-6 victory.
Analysis: While Branch did catch a touchdown on Sunday, it is hard to get excited about a three catch performance totaling 11 yards. His longest reception on the day was for 5 yards. He was the third most targeted receiver on Sunday, but will need to put up better numbers to have any Fantasy value moving forward. Consider him a low-end No. 4/flex option for his Week 2 matchup at Denver.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch had one catch Saturday at Minnesota, but it was a big one. He hauled in a 42-yard reception from Matt Hasselbeck on his lone target of the game.
Analysis: Branch is likely going to be the No. 3 WR for Seattle in 2010 behind T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Mike Williams. We're not expecting much from Branch this year, and he is not worth drafting in the majority of leagues. Ignore him in most formats on Draft Day.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch, who many thought wouldn’t still be on the team, continues to impress in training camp and could end up starting. He turned in one of the plays of the day Thursday, hauling in a one-handed catch on a long pass from Matt Hasselbeck. "I really love what Deion Branch is bringing us," head coach Pete Carroll told seattlepi.com. "He's got a real style to him that is unique and he's quick and he can catch everything. He and Matt are really hitting it off well, learning how to work with one another, probably in a more directed fashion than before. We're really looking at him to do a lot of special things."
Analysis: Branch has definitely been a bust of a player since he demanded a trade out of New England and landed in Seattle in 2006. He hasn't played a full season due to injuries and has played in just 22 games (13 starts) the last two seasons. It's no wonder folks have given up on Branch. But there is a new regime in Seattle, so he gets a second lease on life. It's worth keeping tabs on Branch, but we figure he is going to be one of those players that can go undrafted and be added in-season in the event he breaks out.
News:Deion Branch was back on the field this week for Seattle's final minicamp, doing individual drills. The receiver didn't participate in any 11-on-11 activities. That will wait for another month when training camp begins, when Branch says he will be a full go with his left knee. "I feel good. Last year (I) did the same thing, and had it cleaned out," Branch said on Wednesday after Seattle wrapped up its minicamp. "This year was probably a little lighter, not as intense as last year's surgery. It's just a normal clean out, nothing major. It's nothing that nobody is worried about."
Analysis: Despite Branch's confidence that his knee is fine and it shouldn't be a concern, the April surgery was his third knee operation in two years. And it comes at a time when Branch will likely need to be at his best to ensure himself a spot on Seattle's roster when the season begins. Being injury prone and limited in productivity doesn't make for a good combination for Fantasy. Keep his risk limited by taking him very late in drafts this summer.
News: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday that receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch both returned to practice. Houshmandzadeh returned from offseason hernia surgery, and Branch was back after offseason knee surgery. "This was an exciting day for us to see T.J. get back on the field and Deion get back on the field and catch some balls – it's been a long time those guys have been out," Carroll said. "Of course the rehab concern, are they going to make it? Finally at the end of practice, it was great to see these guys get out and with a really good tempo run some routes, which means that they are really on the mend, and I wouldn't be surprised if they can do some work next week. But certainly they're going to be ready to go for camp."
Analysis: Branch is expected to be the No. 3 WR for the Seahawks behind T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Golden Tate. Branch has minimal Fantasy value even if he's 100 percent for the start of the season. He is only worth drafting with a late-round pick in deeper leagues.
News: The Seahawks are hopeful Seahawks WR Deion Branch can make it back from another knee surgery by training camp. New coach Pete Carroll said Monday that he saw enough from Branch in a minicamp last month to carve out a role for the oft-injured former Super Bowl MVP this season. Branch then had his third knee surgery in 26 months. Carroll says Branch is perhaps unfortunately well-versed on how to rehabilitate the knee and that he should be able to get back to form for the season.
Analysis: Branch is expected to be the No. 3 WR for the Seahawks behind T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Golden Tate. Branch has minimal Fantasy value even if he's 100 percent for the start of the season. He is only worth drafting with a late-round pick in deeper leagues.
News: The News Tribune reports Seattle WR Deion Branch, who recently had minor knee surgery, did not practice Monday during OTA workouts.
Analysis: Branch will likely be fine for the start of training camp, which is all that matters for Fantasy owners coming into the season. But Branch has minimal Fantasy value this season. Branch scored two touchdowns last season with no game over 77 yards receiving, and that game came in Week 17. You can find more reliable Fantasy options than Branch, and he should not be drafted in the majority of leagues.
News: WR Deion Branch had his third knee surgery in a little over two years this offseason and missed the Seahawks' recent minicamp. Head coach Pete Carroll said there's "always concerns" whenever a knee is operated on for a third time, but that Branch's arthroscopic surgery last week in Philadelphia was a "very minor" cleanup. He's played in 33 games over his last three seasons. "There was a little something in there that they could fix up and clean up for the long haul. It was really a good decision," Carroll said.
Analysis: We expect Branch to receive competition from rookie WR Golden Tate for playing time this season, especially if his knee isn't in tip-top shape. Branch scored two touchdowns last season with no game over 77 yards receiving, and that game came in Week 17. You can find more reliable Fantasy options that Branch this summer -- he's not worth drafting unless you're in a deep league with roster space to stash injured players.
News: The Seahawks drafted WR Golden Tate in the second round of the NFL Draft at No. 60 overall. Tate, who was a standout at Notre Dame, has the chance to start this season opposite T.J. Houshmandzadeh with Nate Burleson now in Detroit. Tate's main competition will likely come from Deion Branch and Deon Butler, but we expect Tate to win the job under the new coaching staff for the Seahawks.
Analysis: Even without Tate, Branch has minimal Fantasy value. Keep an eye on how he's used in training camp, but Branch should only be drafted with a late-round pick in deep leagues this year.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch is a candidate to be cut this offseason because of his expensive contract with the team, says the Tacoma News Tribune.
Analysis: According to the NFLPA, Branch is scheduled to make just under $5.5 million in 2010 and just under $6 million in 2011. For a receiver who caught 45 passes for just 437 yards and a pair of touchdowns over 14 games, that's too much money. Unless Branch restructures his deal, expect him to be a cap casualty before the summer begins. He's not a high-profile Fantasy option anyway.
News: In the season finale Week 17 against the Titans, Seahawks WR Deion Branch had four catches for a season-high 77 yards, leading the team in both categories. He finishes the year with less than 500 receiving yards for the second straight season.
Analysis: Branch didn't make a smooth return from offseason knee surgery and, at age 30, seems unlikely to regain a starting job at any point in his career. Don't bother with him in 2010 except in the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch, who got the start in place of the injured Nate Burleson, was the team’s leading receiver in a 48-10 loss to the Packers. Branch caught five passes in the game, gaining 53 yards. His longest reception on the day went for 18 yards. He did not find the end zone.
Analysis: Branch has had some success the past three weeks, catching at least four passes in each of those games. However, he has only two scores on the season and does not contribute enough to be worth having active in anything other than the deepest of Fantasy formats for Week 17 against the Titans.
News:Nate Burleson missed the full week of practice and is doubtful for Week 16 at Green Bay. Deion Branch is expected to play in his place. Seattle coach Jim Mora said Thursday that WR Nate Burleson is "very unlikely" to play. He's dealing with a high-ankle sprain.
Analysis: Burleson should be benched or cut in all leagues since he might not be healthy enough to play in Week 17. Branch shouldn't be considered a useful Fantasy option unless you're desperate since his matchup will be a tough one and he hasn't been very productive when he's been healthy.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch caught four passes for 28 yards in the Week 15 loss to Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Branch has been solid as the Seahawks second receiving option but barely solid enough for Fantasy owners to really notice. Against the No. 3-ranked Packers secondary in Week 16 in Green Bay, we'd keep him on benches or waivers in most leagues.
News: Seahawks WR Nate Burleson is in a walking boot after being diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain following his team's loss at Houston last week. Burleson is not expected to play against the Buccaneers on Sunday as a high-ankle sprain typically takes at least two weeks to heal. Deon Butler and Deion Branch are expected to split Burleson's reps, with Butler the wideout with more upside.
Analysis: There's a chance the Seahawks will put Burleson on injured reserve -- with three games left the team might opt to rest him up for 2010 and not rush him back to the field for meaningless games. If you own Burleson, expect to be without him for at least the next two weeks, which might warrant releasing him in seasonal formats. As for his replacements, neither are worth adding off waivers but Butler does have some upside.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch made five catches for 33 yards in a Week 14 loss to the Texans.
Analysis: Branch has five catches or more only twice this season, which tells you how little he's been targeted in the Seattle offense. Continue to ignore him in Week 15 vs. Tampa Bay.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch had just one catch for 7 yards Week 13 against the 49ers. It went for a touchdown, though, his second of the season.
Analysis: Branch has only five catches for 41 yards over the last three games, so he's not a consistent part of the Seahawks offense. Don't bother with him in Fantasy when the Seahawks visit the Texans in Week 14.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch had three catches for 19 yards in a Week 12 win over the Rams.
Analysis: Branch has been a huge disappointment this season and remains barely worth using in Fantasy play heading into Week 13 vs. San Francisco.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch caught one pass for 15 yards in Week 11 at the Vikings.
Analysis: Branch is seeing some decent playing time but is far too inconsistent to warrant Fantasy use. Keep him off of rosters going forward. The Seahawks play at the Rams in Week 12.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch totaled four receptions for 50 yards during a Week 10 loss to the Cardinals. His longest reception went 15 yards and he was targeted eight times. Branch had six catches for 59 yards in two games against Arizona this season.
Analysis: Branch had his 50-yard game of the season in Week 10. Branch has really fallen down the depth chart in Seattle mostly because of injuries and the arrival of T.J. Houshmandzadeh. He is no longer a reliable Fantasy WR and has marginal appeal heading into Week 11 against the Vikings.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch made three catches for 25 yards on Sunday in a Week 9 win over the Lions.
Analysis: Branch picked up his first TD of the season in Week 8 but went back to doing little to nothing Week 9 against a poor Lions defense. He is no longer a featured option in Seattle and should be considered a low-end option for Week 10 at Arizona.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch had three catches for 36 yards and a touchdown Sunday at Dallas. This was Branch's first touchdown of the season.
Analysis: Even with the score, Branch has minimal Fantasy value. He's the No. 3 WR at best behind Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and should only be owned in deep formats. Don't plan on using Branch in any leagues for Week 9 vs. Detroit.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch totaled two catches for 9 yards during a Week 6 loss to the Cardinals. He was targeted seven times in the game. Branch has 12 catches for 94 yards in four games.
Analysis: Burleson hasn't been much of a factor in the passing game since finally getting past his early-season injury woes. Branch is at best the team's third receiver behind Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Injuries have taken Branch's career off track and he has minimal Fantasy appeal. The Seahawks don't play again until Week 8 against Dallas (bye in Week 7).
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch had two catches in the team's Week 5 41-0 win over the Jaguars. Branch gained a total of 23 yards in the game.
Analysis: Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh had the majority of the passes thrown their way Week 5, leaving Branch with few opportunities. He remains just a low-end option for Week 6 against Arizona.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch, who had just 13 yards in his Week 3 debut, caught six passes for 49 yards in a Week 4 loss to the Colts.
Analysis: Branch is a bit of a sleeper option right now as he hasn't been thrown a ball by No. 1 QB Matt Hasselbeck yet, but will only be a No. 3 Fantasy WR option for Week 5 vs. Jacksonville.
News: The oft-injured Deion Branch made his season debut during a Week 3 loss to the Bears. Branch came away with just two catches for 13 yards. He was targeted just four times in the game and had a long reception of seven yards. He also rushed for minus-8 yards.
Analysis: We expected Branch to be a little rusty coming off injury and he was. Also, we weren't sure where he would fit into the game plan now that he is behind T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Nate Burleson on the depth chart. Maybe when Branch gets into a rhythm and Matt Hasselbeck is back from a rib injury, his numbers will improve. Until that happens, he has minimal Fantasy appeal heading into Week 4 against the Colts.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (hamstring) and WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back) are both active for Week 3 vs. Chicago. Both players were probable on the injury report.
Analysis: Branch will finally make his season debut for the Seahawks, but we will wait to see what his role is behind Housh and Nate Burleson. The Seahawks are down QB Matt Hasselbeck (rib) in Week 3, so Seneca Wallace will start. Housh remains a viable Fantasy WR, but Branch is merely a desperation start.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch was able to practice all week and is expected to make his season debut against Chicago in Week 3. The former Super Bowl MVP has been out since Labor Day with a hamstring injury and has had two knee surgeries in as many offseasons.
Analysis: T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Nate Burleson seem to have taken hold of the top two spots on the depth chart. Branch is expected to return Week 3 against the Bears, but he likely won't be more than a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR at any point this season.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch, who has yet to play a game after having knee surgery in the offseason, was inactive for a second straight Week 2 at San Francisco because of a hamstring injury.
Analysis: Branch was questionable for the game, so he had a chance, but even if he returned, he wouldn't have started. T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Nate Burleson seem to have taken hold of the top two spots on the depth chart. Branch might return Week 3 against the Bears, but he likely won't be more than a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR at any point this season.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Week 2 at San Francisco. Deion Branch is less likely to play than fellow injured WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who practiced Friday for the first time this week following back spasms. Branch missed another day with a strained hamstring that he first hurt in practice on Sept. 7.
Analysis: Branch has yet to make the impact the Seahawks thought they'd get in 2006, when they traded a first-round draft choice to New England to get the former Super Bowl MVP and then gave him a $39 million contract with $13 million guaranteed. Branch senses that, which is why he is anxious to get back -- strained hamstring or not. "I would hate for Deion to go out there because he is so anxious to play, and prove his worth and make plays to help this team win, that he re-strains that thing and he misses three or four more games," head coach Jim Mora said. "We just want to make sure he is healthy." There is potential for Branch to succeed once he is healthy, but until that time comes, he has low-end Fantasy appeal. He is not a recommended start for Week 2.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch was limited, but practiced on Thursday for the first time since the former Super Bowl MVP injured his hamstring in practice Sept. 7. He is considered questionable for the team's Week 2 game against the 49ers.
Analysis: Branch probably should have never left New England. Since coming to the Seahawks a few years ago, his career has gone downhill, largely due to injury. There is potential for Branch to succeed once he is healthy, but until that time comes, he has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 2 at San Francisco. Seahawks head coach Jim Mora told The Tacoma News Tribune that he isn't sure if Branch, who missed the opener, will play Sunday.
Analysis: Branch probably should have never left New England. Since coming to the Seahawks a few years ago, his career has gone downhill, largely due to injury. There is potential for Branch to succeed once he is healthy, but until that time comes, he has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch was not active for the team's Week 1 game against the Rams with a hamstring injury. He was expected to be a game-time decision to play.
Analysis: Branch was expected to do some workouts before the game and he must have not been feeling good enough to go after doing them. The Seahawks are hoping to use Branch a good deal in the offense this season but he'll have to get healthy in order to achieve that. Monitor his status this week before making a decision on him for Week 2 at San Francisco.
News: Receiver Deion Branch's ability to play in the Seattle Seahawks' opener against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday will be a game-time decision. Branch appeared to injure his hamstring toward the end of practice on Monday and he didn't practice all week. He did work out with a trainer on a separate field Friday.
Analysis: Coach Jim Mora says the team will have Branch go through workouts at the stadium early Sunday to see if they feel comfortable with Branch's progress. The Seahawks are hoping Branch can stay healthy and be a viable part of their offense, but that continues to be a big issue. Branch is too risky for Fantasy purposes in Week 1 and should be reserved until further notice.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (hamstring) did not participate in his second straight practice on Thursday. He is listed as questionable on the injury report.
Analysis: It seems like one injury after the other for Branch, who has severely let down expectations since leaving New England in 2006. The Seahawks are hoping Branch can stay healthy and be a viable part of their offense, but that continues to be a big issue. Branch is a risky play for Week 1. He had five catches for 76 yards in one game against St. Louis last season.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch missed practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury, two days after he returned kickoffs for the first time this summer but was then bent over on the sidelines with a trainer and in obvious pain while skipping the last plays of Monday's workout. The 2005 Super Bowl MVP has had two knee operations since February 2008. Head coach Jim Mora said Branch will be "limited" this week and didn't give a status for Sunday's game against the Rams.
Analysis: Oh, brother. It seems like one injury after the other for Branch, who has severely let down expectations since leaving New England in 2006. The Seahawks are hoping Branch can stay healthy and be a viable part of their offense, but that continues to be a big issue. Branch is a risky play for Week 1. He had five catches for 76 yards in one game against St. Louis last season.
News: Seahawks WR coach Robert Prince is still unsure who will grab the two starting spots from the three-way competition among T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch and Nate Burleson. "I have three starting guys," Prince said Monday. "If it's up to me, we're starting all three of them." Branch appears to have shaken off the effects of a sore knee that kept him out of three straight practices. The former Super Bowl MVP sprinted deep down the left sideline past FS Brian Russell to make a catch.
Analysis: We fully expect Houshmandzadeh to be in the starting lineup, and it would be surprising if Branch wasn't there with him as long as he's healthy. Burleson, who is also coming back from a knee injury last year, should be the No. 3 WR but still see plenty of playing time. Consider Houshmandzadeh a No. 2 Fantasy option worth a pick around Round 4 in all leagues. Branch and Burleson should be considered late-round fliers since they are injury risks and coming back from injury.
News: Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch missed a second consecutive day of practice on Thursday because of a sore knee. He's considered day-to-day. He has had two surgeries on his left knee since he hurt it making a cut on a snowy field at Green Bay in the playoffs in January 2008. Branch downplayed the most recent procedure, done in March, as a minor clean-out that he said is common following knee reconstruction, though he said in June that he didn't feel normal.
Analysis: Branch has said he will attempt to play the same way and make the same moves that made him a star earlier this decade with the Patriots. But Fantasy owners should know better -- Branch has missed 13 games over the last two seasons and enters this year's training camp hobbling already. Counting on him to be anything more than a reserve Fantasy WR is a mistake. He's worth a late-round flier in drafts.
News:Deion Branch had his first workout, limited to position drills, this week -- his first practice of any kind with the team since the days leading into last season's finale Dec. 28 against Arizona. He then elected to have a second, clean-out surgery on his reconstructed left knee. What he called a "minor, routine" operation in early March was his second on the knee in 13 months since he shredded it making a cut on a snowy field at Green Bay in the playoffs in January 2008. Just because Branch is back on the field doesn't mean he's back to normal. As in, how he felt in 2006 when Seattle traded a first-round draft choice to New England to get the former Super Bowl MVP, and then signed him to a $39 million contract with $13 million guaranteed. That was before he destroyed his knee. "You will never be back to normal once you have this type of procedure done. I actually feel stronger, but it's not normal," said Branch, who turns 30 next month. "Something has been done that removed (parts) of my knee. My biggest thing is to continue to strengthen it."
Analysis: Branch said he will attempt to play the same way and make the same moves that made him a star earlier this decade with the Patriots. But Fantasy owners should know better -- Branch has missed 13 games over the last two seasons and enters this year's training camp hobbling already. Counting on him to be anything more than a reserve Fantasy WR is a mistake. He's worth a late-round flier in drafts.
News: The Seattle Times reports Seahawks WR Deion Branch, who's recovering from an arthroscopic knee surgery, missed the team's three-day minicamp this past weekend. He is expected to be out until June and could be delayed for the start of training camp.
Analysis: Branch is competing for a starting spot as the slot WR for the Seahawks with T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Nate Burleson expected to start outside. Branch could be a good source of receptions and be a solid Fantasy option if he's healthy, but that's the big question at this time. Continue to monitor his status and hope he can return at 100 percent.
News: Right when we thought Deion Branch would be healthy heading into the 2009 season, the Seattle Times reports that the receiver had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and might be out until June. He did not practice with the team at their recent minicamp just prior to the NFL draft.
Analysis: Branch can't shake the injury prone label, and it's a strike against him when judging potential Fantasy receivers. True, arthroscopic surgery isn't as invasive as other procedures he's had, but the reality is that he's got knees that aren't likely to hold up for 16 games. He came back from a torn ACL last season and still couldn't stay off the trainer's table as he had a bruised heel. Furthermore, the club signed T.J. Houshmandzadeh this offseason and also will get Nate Burleson back from a torn ACL (Burleson did individual drills at the recent minicamp). Branch is no better than a middle- to late-round pick as a low-end No. 3/top-end reserve Fantasy receiver.
News: With the addition of WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks receivers Deion Branch and Nate Burleson along with TE John Carlson all will have someone new to share the field (and ball) with. Houshmandzadeh is known as a terrific hands/size wideout capable of catching a bushel of passes for nominal yardage totals. He's expected to garner lots of QB Matt Hasselbeck's attention, leaving fewer passes to go the way of the other receivers.
Analysis: Branch, Burleson and Carlson aren't busts by any means, but their upside is snipped by Houshmandzadeh's signing. For now, consider Branch a middle- to low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR, Burleson a No. 4/reserve option and Carlson a middle-end No. 1 Fantasy TE. Don't expect any of these guys to get close to 1,000 yards or more than five touchdowns in 2009.
News: New Seattle wide receivers coach Robert Prince is confident in the Seahawks' receiving corps, even though the unit had trouble staying healthy last season. Prince said he likes the Seahawks' top two receivers returning in Nate Burleson and Deion Branch but understands Seattle ultimately will have to develop playmakers who can complement the team's passing game, report the News Tribune.
Analysis: Burleson was lost for the year in 2008 in Week 1 with a torn ACL, while Branch came into the year following a torn ACL and then was limited throughout the year. When healthy, Burleson and Branch are No. 2 Fantasy WRs at best but could be solid sleepers in 2009 if healthy. Continue to monitor their offseason and see how Burleson and Branch do coming into the year.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch caught six passes for 90 yards in Week 17, including a pair of touchdowns from QB Seneca Wallace. He doubled his touchdown count for the season.
Analysis: Branch had just 30 catches and 412 yards in what was a lot season for him. He missed half the season due to injuries and was part of a very mediocre pass offense when he was healthy. Depending on what the Seahawks do in the offseason, Branch could once again become a reliable Fantasy starter. As it stands, he'll be a late-round draft pick next summer.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch had only two catches for six yards Week 16 against the Jets. Branch, who has been playing better the past three weeks, had been a solid contributor until Week 16's performance.
Analysis: The Seahawks take on a Cardinals team Week 17 that has looked awful the past two weeks after clinching the division. Branch had four catches for 54 yards in his first meeting with the Cardinals, but could have a bigger output Week 17. Consider him a No. 3 option Week 17.
News: On paper, the matchup with the Jets at Seattle appears to favor WR Deion Branch since the Jets, who are coming to the West Coast, are No. 29 in pass defense with 20 touchdowns allowed. Branch has also played well the past three weeks with 14 catches for 220 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas, New England and St. Louis. But Branch will likely face Darrelle Revis, who should keep Branch from doing much this week. Revis limited Lee Evans to four catches for 22 yards and no touchdowns and should keep Branch from doing much in this matchup.
Analysis: Go into this game with Branch as a No. 3 Fantasy WR and look for Revis to limit his production this week.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch, coming off a two-touchdown performance, had five catches for 76 yards Week 15 at St. Louis. He has at least four catches in each of his last three games, averaging 73.3 yards per game during that stretch.
Analysis: Branch has reemerged as the Seahawks' go-to guy, but on an inconsistent passing offense led by Deion Branch, that's not saying much. He can suffice as a No. 3 Fantasy WR in Week 16 against the Jets.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch caught four passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 14 loss to the Patriots.
Analysis: That's the kind of performance we know the speedy Branch is capable of! The veteran has been working his way back from a couple of injuries and maybe this outing is a sign that he can once again be used in Fantasy leagues. The Seahawks play at St. Louis in Week 15, which a great matchup, but you'll only want to rely on Branch in deeper leagues as a 'flex' option for the time being.
News: The Boston Herald reports Seattle WR Deion Branch doesn't have any hard feelings about what happened with New England, his former team and opponent Sunday. Two years have gone by since Branch left. "It was very businesslike. Both sides respect each other. I respect coach Belichick. I respect everything he did. I'm pretty sure he respects everything I did," said Branch, who was part of two championships and MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX. "They had to do what was best for the organization. I had to do what was best for my family. There's no love lost at all. It was just a business move."
Analysis: The Patriots come into this game with a weakened secondary that has allowed 21 touchdowns, which is tied for second with San Diego behind Arizona (26). Branch continues to work his way back from knee and heel injuries this season, but he had five catches for 56 yards last week at Dallas and has shown improvement. You know he would love to hurt his former team, so expect Matt Hasselbeck to give him some opportunities to make plays. You should consider Branch a No. 3 Fantasy wide receiver this week.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch had five catches for 56 yards Thursday at Dallas.
Analysis: Branch continues to work his way back from knee and heel injuries this season. He is worth a look in deeper leagues as a No. 4 Fantasy WR but not much more. Don't plan on using him in Week 14 against New England.
News: With five catches and 65 yards in two games since missing five in a row with injury, Seattle WR Deion Branch is still not back to full speed as the team prepares for Week 13 at Dallas on Thanksgiving.
Analysis: Branch has been a solid Fantasy receiver in his career but not lately because of injuries and because the Seattle passing game is a mess. That figures to continue against a tough Cowboys defense on Thanksgiving. Don't start Branch yet as he's still not 100 percent and neither is his quarterback.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch caught just one pass for 11 yards in Week 12's loss to the Redskins.
Analysis: Branch is still working his way back from missing five consecutive weeks with a heel injury and he's obviously not yet back into the flow of things in the offense. Until Branch becomes a consistent threat, he remains a low-end Fantasy WR in Week 13 at Dallas on Thursday.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch (heel) is active and starting for the Seahawks against Washington in Week 12.
Analysis: Branch was back in action Week 11 against the Cardinals after sitting out five games with the heel injury. Until Branch becomes a consistent threat, he remains a low-end Fantasy WR.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch (heel) is listed as probable for Week 12 vs. Washington. He was back at a full practice Friday after limited reps earlier in the week.
Analysis: Branch was back in action Week 11 against the Cardinals after sitting out five games with the heel injury. Seattle will take it easy on him during the week to make sure he is healthy for Sunday. Until Branch becomes a consistent threat, he remains a low-end Fantasy WR.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch is on the injury report again. Seattle listed Branch as a limited participant in Thursday's practice with a heel injury. It is the same issue that kept him out for the previous five games. He's still expected to play in Week 12.
Analysis: Branch has seven catches for 85 yards in the two games he has played this season. Branch could end up being Seattle's top receiver down the stretch, so consider taking a flier on him in larger leagues. Right now, however, he is a low-end Fantasy WR heading into Week 12 against the Redskins, if healthy.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch returned to action Week 11 against the Cardinals after missing the previous five games with a heel injury. Branch ended up leading the team with four catches and 54 yards. His longest gain went 33 yards and was targeted nine times in the game. One of his intended passes was picked off.
Analysis: Branch has seven catches for 85 yards in the two games he has played this season. While his stat line might not have been overly impressive Week 11, the good news is that he made it through a game without getting injured. That's a huge step for a player that hasn't played a full season since arriving in Seattle in 2006. Branch could end up being Seattle's top receiver down the stretch, so consider taking a flier on him in larger leagues. Right now, however, he is a low-end Fantasy WR heading into Week 12 against the Redskins.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (heel) is active for Week 11 vs. Arizona. Branch was listed as probable on the injury report.
Analysis: Branch has played in just one half of one game since January following reconstructive knee surgery and a bruised heel. He might take it a little slow in his first game back, but since we aren't quite sure how he will be used against Arizona, he remains a desperation Fantasy start.
News: Finally, Matt Hasselbeck and Deion Branch are facing a challenge the Seahawks are thrilled to be dealing with: rust. Seattle's three-time Pro Bowl passer and former Super Bowl MVP receiver worked with the first-team offense for the entire practice Friday. So each is ready to start for the first time in six weeks Sunday against first-place Arizona. They're back for what coach Mike Holmgren says is a must-win game to save Seattle's season. The four-time defending division champions are 2-7 and trail the Cardinals by four games in the NFC West with seven games remaining. "We can label it. It's about time we label one," Holmgren said, laughing. "I've always said that, until mathematically you can't do it anymore, you have hope. So, we're getting to that point right now. This is a must-win game."
Analysis: Branch will try to play his first full game since January following reconstructive knee surgery and a bruised heel. He will start with Bobby Engram and, when Seattle goes to three wide receivers, Koren Robinson. So the Seahawks will finally have the receivers they've been wanting to use together since mid-September. Branch may not be in shape to play the entire game, and Seattle has promoted opening-game starter Courtney Taylor from the practice squad this week to spell him. Branch said his conditioning is not as good as it was back on Oct. 5 when, he said, "I was in better shape than anyone in this whole locker room." That was from months of workouts he likened to that of a long-distance runner to strengthen his knee. Track Branch's progress on the field Week 11 before deciding to insert him back into active lineups the following weeks.
News: Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch will return against the Cardinals in Week 11, the team reported Monday. Branch has played in just one half of one game since January following reconstructive knee surgery and a bruised heel.
Analysis: Branch's return comes at the same time as QB Matt Hasselbeck is returning from a back/knee injury. Branch has the talent to be a viable Fantasy WR, but injuries have really hurt his career. Track his progress on the field Week 11 before deciding to insert him back into active lineups the following weeks.
News: The Seattle Seahawks have listed the Week 10 inactives for their game at Miami. Not in uniform will be: third QB Charlie Frye, QB Matt Hasselbeck (back), LB David Hawthorne (calf), DT Red Bryant (ankle), WR Deion Branch (heel), TE Will Heller (coach's decision) and DE Patrick Kerney (shoulder).
Analysis: Hasselbeck and Kerney were already declared out earlier in the week, so their inclusion on this list was not a surprise. Branch was questionable with his ankle injury, and he will sit for a fifth straight game and eighth overall. None of the other guys have any Fantasy value.
News: Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch practiced with the first-team offense and has a chance to play Sunday. Branch's work was his first on a field in more than a month. It was so encouraging Holmgren said the former Super Bowl MVP has a chance to play against Miami in Week 10. Branch has played just one half in one game since January following reconstructive knee surgery and a bruised heel. "We still have to see. What can't happen is you put someone down, activate Deion and then after 10 plays he comes up and goes, 'Coach, I can't go.' That won't work very well," Holmgren said, recalling Branch's brief appearance in a loss on Oct. 5 at the Giants.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should back off of starting Branch in Week 10. Instead, consider him off the waiver wire as a cheap flier. If he plays and goes off, he might be worth starting late in the season. Just don't count on him for much this weekend.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch continued to miss practice Thursday because of his bruised heel. He remains out indefinitely. He still might play Week 10 at Miami.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Brach's status this week, but don't count on him even if he does return. When healthy, Branch is a No. 4 Fantasy option at best because the Seahawks have quarterback problems with Matt Hasselbeck (knee) out.
News: The Tacoma News Tribune reports Seattle WR Deion Branch might be able to play in Week 10 at Miami. Branch will test the foot Wedneday, and depending on how it reacts Thursday he could increase his practice time this week. Branch has played in only one game this season because of knee and heel injuries.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Brach's status this week, but don't count on him even if he does return. When healthy, Branch is a No. 4 Fantasy option at best because the Seahawks have quarterback problems with Matt Hasselbeck (knee) out.
News: Seahawks K Brandon Coutu, QB Matt Hasselbeck, WR Deion Branch, LB Lofa Tatupu, TE Will Heller, DL Patrick Kerney and DL Howard Green have all been ruled inactive for Week 9 vs. Philadelphia.
Analysis: The Seahawks are a bit banged up by injuries Week 9 as starters Hasselbeck, Branch, Tatupu and Kerney are all out due to injury. All four players are viable Fantasy options when healthy. Make sure to keep all of these players reserved Week 9.
News: Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren said wide receiver Deion Branch will miss Sunday's game vs. Philadelphia because of a bruised heel. He has played in one game since January.
Analysis: The Seahawks don't have a surplus of receivers, which works in Branch's favor, but they do have quarterback problems, which works against it. Branch is only worth owning in deeper leagues as a low-end reserve. Chances are there are better options at receiver who can play now on your waiver wire.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch, who has missed three straight games with a bruised heel, will likely miss a fourth Week 9 against the Eagles. The former Super Bowl MVP has played in just one half of a game since reconstructive knee surgery last February. "We look to maybe get him back next week," Holmgren said.
Analysis: The Seahawks don't have a surplus of receivers, which works in Branch's favor, but they do have quarterback problems, which works against it. Keep an eye on Branch's progress leading into Week 9 against the Eagles, but he probably wouldn't serve as more than a No. 3 Fantasy WR even if he did miraculously return.
News: The Seahawks declared WR Deion Branch inactive for Week 8 at San Francisco, meaning he'll miss his third straight game because of a heel injury. He participated in practice all week.
Analysis: Branch has played only one game this season, missing the first three while recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. The Seahawks don't have a surplus of receivers, but they do have quarterback problems. Keep an eye on Branch's progress leading into Week 9 against the Eagles, but he probably wouldn't serve as more than a No. 3 Fantasy WR even if he did return.
News:Matt Hasselbeck will again be watching from the sidelines. Deion Branch is likely to join him. The Seahawks' starting quarterback will not play Sunday when Seattle travels to San Francisco. Hasselbeck still has not reached the required benchmarks as part of his recovery from a bulging disk in his back causing weakening in his right knee. Branch missed the previous two games with a bruised heel after getting hurt against the Giants in his first game back from major reconstructive knee surgery in the offseason. The swelling and bruising in Branch's heal have gone down, but the foot is still sore.
Analysis: Despite not practicing all week, Branch was listed as questionable for Sunday's game. "I talked to (Hasselbeck and Branch) both yesterday. They both want to play and we'll get them out there as soon as we can," coach Mike Holmgren said. Branch has played in just one game since last January following reconstructive knee surgery. Branch has been a walking medical problem the last few seasons and hasn't been a very reliable Fantasy option. Keep him reserved in Fantasy until he can put through some consistent stat lines.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch missed another practice Thursday because of a bruised heel. He's still listed as questionable for Week 8 at San Francisco.
Analysis: Branch has played in just one game since last January following reconstructive knee surgery. Branch has been a walking medical problem the last few seasons and hasn't been a very reliable Fantasy option. Check back throughout the week for his updated practice report. He's probably not worth starting against the 49ers, anyway.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Seattle WR Deion Branch has a heel injury and will practice this week to determine if he can play against San Francisco. He's questionable for the game Week 8.
Analysis: Branch has been a walking medical problem the last few seasons and hasn't been a very reliable Fantasy option. Check back throughout the week for his updated practice report. He's probably not worth starting against the 49ers, anyway.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch is officially inactive and out for Week 7's game at Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Branch has been a walking medical problem the last few seasons and hasn't been a very reliable Fantasy option. Hopefully he'll be able to return in Week 8 at San Francisco.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch is questionable for Week 7 at Tampa Bay with a bruised heel, but his side work with a trainer on Friday was the first time he's been on the field in weeks. He will make the trip. Head coach Mike Holmgren is holding out hope Branch will play his second game since reconstructive knee surgery in February.
Analysis: Branch has been a walking medical problem the last few seasons and hasn't been a very reliable Fantasy option. If Branch is able to play Week 7, he is nothing more than an injury-risk start. Continue to follow the situation up until inactives.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (heel) did not practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 7 at Tampa Bay. However, Seattle Holmgren said Monday that he expects Branch to play in Week 7 at Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Holmgrem said Branch will play as long as he gets on the practice field, but so far he hasn't. Branch has been a walking medical problem the last few seasons and hasn't been a very reliable Fantasy option. If Branch is able to play Week 7, he is nothing more than an injury-risk start.
News: Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said he expects WR Deion Branch to play in Week 7 at Tampa Bay. Branch, who missed the first three games this season with a knee injury but returned in Week 5, was out in Week 6 against Seattle. "I hope to have back this week," Holmgren said. "His attitude is good. Now he has to just get on the field and practice a little bit."
Analysis: Keep an eye on if Branch is able to practice. When healthy, he would be a No. 4 Fantasy WR at this time, but he has a tough matchup at Tampa Bay and would be better off used as a reserve.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (heel) was inactive for Week 6 vs. Green Bay. He had been unable to practice all week.
Analysis: First a knee injury, and now a foot injury. What's next for Branch? While that's impossible to predict, obviously, Branch could be out longer than just this week. Feel free to hold on to him in deeper leagues just in case he comes back as a Fantasy contributor at some point, but don't hold your breath.
News: Seattle likely won't have receiver Deion Branch for Week 6 against the Packers. Branch did not practice all week and is questionable with a bruised heel.
Analysis: First a knee injury, and now a foot injury. What's next for Branch? While that's impossible to predict, obviously, Branch is very likely to be out for Week 6 vs. Green Bay and probably longer. Feel free to hold on to him in deeper leagues just in case he comes back as a Fantasy contributor at some point, but don't hold your breath.
News: The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that Seahawks WR Deion Branch has a bruised right heel and will be sidelined indefinitely.
Analysis: First a knee injury, and now a foot injury. What's next for Branch? While that's impossible to predict, obviously, Branch is very likely to be out for Week 6 vs. Green Bay and probably longer. Feel free to hold on to him in deeper leagues just in case he comes back as a Fantasy contributor at some point, but don't hold your breath.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch was able to start in Week 5 at the Giants for the first time this season after undergoing knee surgery. But he had to leave the game in the second half after suffering an injury to his left foot.
Analysis: Branch left the game with his team trailing 34-6 in the third quarter, so it is very possible that the team just did not want him to aggravate any injury in a lost cause. He had three catches for 31 yards in the game prior to getting hurt and will be a very low-end option for Week 6 against Green Bay. Wait until he proves healthy and productive.
News:Deion Branch will start for the Seahawks on Sunday against the New York Giants, eight months after the veteran receiver had reconstructive knee surgery. Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Branch and Bobby Engram passed their tests of three consecutive practices this week. Both receivers will make their season debut at New York. The coach added after practice Friday morning that Keary Colbert or Billy McMullen will start opposite Branch. Engram will be in his normal role as the slot receiver. "They really did have a good week. Now, how much they play in the football game, we kind of have to see," Holmgren said after Friday's short, light practice just before the team flew east. "They'll be honest about it, they'll let us know."
Analysis: Branch is a former Super Bowl MVP who tore a knee ligament in Seattle's playoff loss at Green Bay in January. "I'm ready," Branch said. Branch is eager to get on the field and the Seahawks are glad to have him back since the receiving corps is depleted. Branch still could be a little rusty coming off a long break, so consider him a low-end Fantasy option heading into Week 5.
News:The Sports Xchange notes, if Seattle WR Deion Branch can play Sunday in New York, it appears he will be starting flanker, while Billy McMullen will remain the starting split end. Bobby Engram appears to be the slot receiver, and Keary Colbert is probably the fourth receiver.
Analysis: Branch is eager to get on the field and the Seahawks are glad to have him back since the receiving corps is depleted. Branch still could be a little rusty coming off a long break, so consider him a low-end Fantasy option heading into Week 5.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (knee) went through a full practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 5 at N.Y. Giants. Branch has not played in the team's first three games since undergoing offseason knee surgery, but is expected to play against the Giants.
Analysis: Branch is eager to get on the field and the Seahawks are glad to have him back since the receiving corps is depleted. Branch still could be a little rusty coming off a long break, so consider him a low-end Fantasy option heading into Week 5.
News:The Sports Xchange notes, Seattle Seahawks WR Deion Branch declared himself ready to play in Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Branch had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee on Feb. 7 and has been unavailable to the Seahawks since their playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers in January. But following several weeks of workouts with the team and the bye week to get healthier, Branch said he would be able to boost Seattle's aching receiving corps. "I'm feeling good, I'm ready to go," Branch said.
Analysis: The Seahawks have direly needed receivers, so you know they and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck are excited to have Branch back. But based on the fact that coach Mike Holmgren said he has to practice a full week and practice well to prove he's ready to play, you probably don't want to start him just yet. Time to snag him off the waiver wire, though.
News: Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said WR Deion Branch, who participated in practice for the first time Monday since tearing the ACL in his left knee January in a playoff loss at Green Bay, should make his season debut Week 5 at the Giants. Holmgren said Branch must practice well this week to prove he can play, and even then the coach doesn't expect him to last the entire game. He is about six weeks ahead of the nine-month rehabilitation time commonly cited for reconstructive knee surgery. But Branch, 29, said he is ready. He doesn't fear he is coming back too soon after being reassured by Dr. James Andrews, the noted specialist in Birmingham, Ala., who operated on the knee Feb. 7.
Analysis: Branch said every route he has been running in workouts has tested the strength in his knee. "I've taken the right amount of time," Branch said. "Dr. Andrews told me my leg was healed a long time ago, that it was now breaking through that mental part. I think I'm there." The Seahawks have direly needed receivers, so you know they and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck are excited to have Branch back. But based on Holmgren's comments, you probably don't want to start him just yet. Time to snag him off the waiver wire, though.
News: The Seattle Seahawks have announced the inactives for their Week 3 game vs. the St. Louis Rams. Not in uniform will be: WR Deion Branch, RB Maurice Morris, WR Koren Robinson, WR Bobby Engram, DE Red Bryant, QB Seneca Wallace and K Brandon Coutu.
Analysis: Branch, Morris, Robinson and Engram all have Fantasy value, but they had all been declared out earlier this week or were doubtful. Make sure they're on your bench for Week 3.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (knee) is listed as doubtful for Week 3 vs. St. Louis. He did run through limited practice reps all week, but Branch is not expected to play until after the bye Week 4.
Analysis: The Seahawks are going to be extra cautious with Branch since they are losing receivers left and right, so don't expect to see Branch active until Week 5. At that point, he is expected to become a viable Fantasy WR.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (knee) went through limited practice reps Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 3 vs. St. Louis. The Tacoma News-Tribune reported Branch showed bounce in his step, got in and out of his breaks quicker and ran with a bit of burst Wednesday. Branch has missed the first two games of the season and remains questionable for Week 3.
Analysis: The Seahawks are missing a handful of receivers and had to even sign a few this week to have enough able bodies Sunday. There is a need for Branch to be active, but he still hasn't participated in a lot of contact drills. Continue to monitor Branch's status. If healthy, he could be a sleeper in deeper formats Week 3.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch is officially inactive for Week 2's game against the 49ers.
Analysis: Keep Branch reserved for now and hopefully he can return soon. When healthy, Branch will be the No. 1 receiver for the Seahawks with all the injuries so far this season.
News: Injured Seattle WR Deion Branch (knee) once again took part in most of the practice Thursday, but his participation is limited to about half speed. Coach Mike Holmgren said Branch is not likely to return until after the bye week.
Analysis: Keep Branch reserved for now and hopefully he can return soon. When healthy, Branch will be the No. 1 receiver for the Seahawks with all the injuries so far this season.
News: Seahawks wide receiver Nate Burleson is out for the season because of a knee injury. Burleson tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while trying to cut outside on a pass pattern on a rain-slicked field in Buffalo on Sunday during Seattle's 34-10 loss in its season opener. Coach Mike Holmgren said his team will also again be without veteran receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram for this Sunday's game against San Francisco.
Analysis: Branch is seven months into recovery for reconstructive knee surgery similar to what Burleson now faces. Branch was hoping to play Week 1 as well, but since the Seattle receiving core is thin, the team didn't want to risk losing Branch for the season. He is going to be a valuable Fantasy option when healthy, but keep Branch reserved Week 2.
News: The Seahawks have announced their Week 1 inactives for their game at Buffalo. The following players will not be taking part in the contest: WR Deion Branch, WR Bobby Engram, K Brandon Coutu, RB Justin Forsett, LB Leroy Hill and QB Charlie Frye.
Analysis: Branch and Engram are viable Fantasy WRs when healthy, but they had already been declared out earlier in the week. Everyone else should be ignored in all Fantasy formats.
News: The return of Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch is going to wait at least a week. Coach Mike Holmgren says Branch will not play Sunday when the Seahawks open their season at Buffalo. Branch was trying to get back in time for the season opener just seven months after having major reconstructive surgery on his left knee. Branch was injured in January's NFC playoff loss to Green Bay. He returned to doing some drills with the team this week after doing mostly individual work during training camp.
Analysis: The miracle return to the field for Branch is on hold, as expected. Keep him benched in all Fantasy leagues until his return seems more reasonable.
News:Deion Branch is testing his surgically reconstructed knee for the first time to see if he can play in the Seahawks' season opener Sunday. Coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday his receiver will practice this week for the first time since surgery seven months ago. If that goes well, he will play at Buffalo. Full recovery from reconstructive knee surgery sometimes takes 12 months or more, but Holmgren said Branch has been progressing well in his rehabilitation. Seattle needs Branch more than it did even last week, following the loss of receiver Ben Obomanu for the season because of a broken collarbone. Leading returning receiver Bobby Engram remains out indefinitely with a broken shoulder.
Analysis: We do not recommend relying on Branch as he seems to be rushing back from major knee surgery. Keep him benched for Week 1, and possibly longer, until he proves that he can play at the level we're used to seeing.
News: Barring a sudden improvement in the health of WR Deion Branch, the Seahawks are counting on Courtney Taylor, Jordan Kent and Logan Payne to help the ailing receiving corps. Branch had knee surgery and is working his way back after not playing in exhibition games nor practicing in training camp. Coach Mike Holmgren had hoped to have Branch back this week. But Branch didn't take part in Monday's short practice and his status is unknown, reports the Seattle Times.
Analysis: Branch remains a low-end Fantasy WR heading into the season since there are so many questions surrounding his health. He could be a decent add off waivers later down the road, however. Even if he does play against the Bills, keep him reserved in all leagues.
News: Former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch is just seven months into rehabilitation from reconstructive knee surgery. He might test his knee next week to see if he can play in the opener against the Bills.
Analysis: The Seahawks are on the fence about opening the season with Branch on the PUP list, but it seems likely if his knee is not at 100 percent. Branch remains a low-end Fantasy WR heading into the season since there are so many questions surrounding his health. He could be a decent add off waivers later down the road, however.
News: Seattle coach Mike Holmgren was asked about a timeline for WR Deion Branch, and Holmgren was unsure when Branch would be ready coming off a torn ACL suffered in January. "I don't know," Holmgren. "I was hoping that we'd have him for the first ball game. And I've said it before, I think the important thing is how he feels about it. You come off that particular surgery, it's a bugger, it's tough. ... I'm hopeful that he gets back sooner. But it doesn't really matter what I think. It's important how he feels and how he’s going to do." Holmgren said Branch could start the season on the PUP list. "Well, because he has not been cleared yet, you could(put him on the PUP)," Holmgren said. That's an option you have. Buti t's too early. All those lists and things take a back seat to his ability to play, and when he can play. And that determination hasn't been made yet. That is an option for him."
Analysis: It appears likely Branch will be on the PUP list to start the year, which means he could miss the first six games. At best, draft Branch with a late-round pick in deep Fantasy leagues.
News: The Seahawks placed WR Deion Branch on the Physically Unable to Perform list at the start of training camp as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL suffered in January. Branch can come off the list at any time until the regular season starts, then he'll be forced to sit out for six weeks. From there, a three-week window opens for him to be activated. If he's not activated, then he'll be out for the rest of the season.
Analysis: Between recovery time from the surgery, offseason rehab and getting into game shape, Branch won't likely be an effective Fantasy option for at least the first three weeks of the 2008 season. There has been speculation that Branch might miss the whole season. Ultimately, figure Branch to be a late-round flier in all Fantasy drafts this summer.
News: The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports Seahawks WR Deion Branch is five months into what is typically a nine-month rehabilitation following reconstructive knee surgery at the end of the 2007 season. That means he likely will not be ready for the season opener, or even the first month of the season.
Analysis: Look for Branch to be slow in his recovery, but he should play during the season. At what point, however, is the question. For now, consider Branch a No. 4 Fantasy option and hope he can return to form once he gets back on the field.
News: The Tacoma News Tribune reports that Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said in a radio interview that putting Deion Branch on Injured Reserve in 2008 is an option depending on how the receiver rehabs from his torn left ACL. The coach estimated earlier in the week that the former Super Bowl MVP, injured early in the loss to the Packers, will miss at least nine months. Branch finished 2007 with 661 yards on 49 catches (13.5 avg.) with four touchdowns in a dozen games.
Analysis: Between recovery time from the surgery, offseason rehab and getting into game shape, Branch won't likely be an effective Fantasy option for at least the first three weeks of the 2008 season. That's going to push Nate Burleson into a starting role opposite Bobby Engram (if the club doesn't re-sign D.J. Hackett) for the Seahawks to start the year. Figure Branch to be a late-round pick in all Fantasy drafts this summer.
News: Seattle coach Mike Holmgren announced Tuesday that leading receiver Deion Branch will have knee surgery that's likely to keep him out past next season's opener. Branch sought the second opinion this week of noted specialist Dr. James Andrews, who confirmed the team's diagnosis of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Branch's left knee. Andrews will perform the surgery in Alabama "soon," Holmgren said. The coach estimated that the former Super Bowl MVP, injured early in the loss to the Packers, will miss at least nine months.
Analysis: Between recovery time from the surgery, offseason rehab and getting into game shape, Branch won't likely be an effective Fantasy option for at least the first three weeks of the 2008 season. That's going to push Nate Burleson into a starting role opposite Bobby Engram (if the club doesn't re-sign D.J. Hackett) for the Seahawks to start the year. Figure Branch to be a late-round pick in all Fantasy drafts this summer.
News: The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that Seahawks WR Deion Branch will need surgery to repair unspecified left knee ligament damage, according to league sources. Branch may have torn his ACL in the team's Divisional Playoff game at Green Bay. Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren called it "a pretty good injury." (That's good as in bad.)
Analysis: Branch might be sidelined for as long as nine months with rehab work, depending on the severity of his knee injury. When healthy, Branch is a good No. 2 Fantasy WR, but with his knee now an issue, he's more of a No. 3 heading into the 2008 season.
News: Former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch's return to the field lasted only a few plays for Seattle in the Divisional Playoff game Saturday at Green Bay. He hurt his left knee and did not return. "It's a pretty good injury," coach Mike Holmgren said. Branch had not played since Dec. 26 because of a strained right calf.
Analysis: Branch had an injury-plagued 2007, missing four games with a sprained foot before his calf injury took root. He has a chance to emerge as a No. 2 Fantasy WR if he can stay healthy, but Bobby Engram, D.J. Hackett and Nate Burleson have all closed the gap on Seattle's depth chart this season.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since Dec. 26. The 2005 Super Bowl MVP, one of Seattle's most experienced playoff performers, practiced again Thursday and had precautionary ice on his strained right calf as he walked off the field after the workout. When asked to confirm Branch's proclamation he would play against the Packers in the Divisional Playoff game, head coach Mike Holmgren said, "Looks like it, yeah." The team officially lists him as probable.
Analysis: Branch has 49 catches this season and missed four games with a sprained foot. He hasn't played since this latest injury on Dec. 26, missing the season finale at Atlanta, as well a Wild Card win against Washington. It appears as though Branch will take the field against the Packers and can be considered a viable WR in Fantasy postseason formats. He will likely be a No. 2 Fantasy WR come Draft Day 2008.
News:Deion Branch came off the field cracking jokes with his fellow Seattle wide receivers, in a good mood after practicing for the first time in two weeks. "Out there running, getting pushed around by the guys, it felt good," Branch said Wednesday. Since injuring his right calf during practice in Dec. 26, Branch has loitered around team practices, waiting to get clearance from the Seahawks medical staff to return to action. He tried to give it a shot before last Saturday's NFC wild-card game against Washington, but didn't have the speed and quickness coach Mike Holmgren felt Branch needs to play effectively. So Branch, who has been in the second-most playoff games on Seattle's roster, was just a spectator as the Seahawks beat Washington 35-14.
Analysis: It wasn't easy for Branch, the 2005 Super Bowl MVP while with the Patriots, just to watch a playoff game. "I asked the guys before the game, just give me the opportunity to go out there one more time this season, and they did that," Branch said. "There (are) no ifs, ands or buts, I have to (play against the Packers in the Divisional Playoffs). Tell coach Holmgren not to worry about it, I'm playing." Branch has 49 catches this season and missed four games with a sprained foot. He hasn't played since this latest injury on Dec. 26, missing the season finale at Atlanta, as well. It appears as though Branch will take the field against the Packers and can be considered a viable WR in Fantasy postseason formats. He will likely be a No. 2 Fantasy WR come Draft Day 2008.
News: The Seahawks decided to hold out WR Deion Branch from their Wild Card game vs. Washington because of a calf injury. Branch came into the game as questionable after not practicing for most of the week. Branch missed four games earlier in the season because of a foot injury and has now missed Seattle's last two games because of the calf strain.
Analysis: The Seahawks were really hopeful that resting Branch would pay off, but it did not. If the Seahawks make it into the second round, Branch is still a viable Fantasy WR in postseason formats. He will likely be a No. 2 Fantasy WR come Draft Day 2008.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (calf) is listed as questionable for a Wild Card game vs. Washington. Branch missed Week 17 because of the calf injury and missed four games earlier in the season because of a foot injury. Branch told the Tacoma News-Tribube that he will be a game-time decision. "I am going to do everything I can do and then he is going to make the decision on Saturday," he said. "I felt better (Friday)."
Analysis: Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren said earlier in the week that he was confident Branch would face the Redskins and they would take it easy on him in practice. So far, he stayed true to his word as Branch hardly practiced during the week. Let's hope he is also right about Branch taking the field Saturday. Branch is a solid Fantasy WR in playoff formats, if healthy. Continue to track his progress. He will likely be a No. 2 Fantasy WR come Draft Day 2008.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (calf) did not practice Wednesday or Thursday as the team prepares for a Wild Card game vs. Washington. Branch missed Week 17 because of the calf injury and missed four games earlier in the season because of a foot injury. "I guess Branch is the one I am most concerned about, but I am pretty sure he is going to be able to play," head coach Mike Holmgren said. "We are going real conservative with him during the week."
Analysis: The Seahawks opted to rest Branch in the final week of the regular season since they were already headed to the playoffs. The fact he has yet to take the practice field is of some concern, but as Holmgren said, they will take it easy on him in practice. Branch is a solid Fantasy WR in playoff formats, if healthy. Continue to track his progress. He will likely be a No. 2 Fantasy WR come Draft Day 2008.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (calf) did not practice Wednesday as the team prepares for a Wild Card game vs. Washington. Branch missed Week 17 because of the calf injury and missed four games earlier in the season because of a foot injury.
Analysis: The Seahawks opted to rest Branch in the final week of the regular season since they were already headed to the playoffs. But the fact he has yet to take the practice field is of some concern. Branch is a solid Fantasy WR in playoff formats, if healthy. Continue to track his progress. He will likely be a No. 2 Fantasy WR come Draft Day 2008.
News: The Seahawks have listed WR Deion Branch as inactive for Week 17 at Atlanta. Branch has been dealing with a calf injury, and the Seahawks are trying to be safe with the playoffs set for next week.
Analysis: Branch should be fine for the first round of the playoffs. But keep him reserved in all leagues for Week 17 at Atlanta.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch didn't practice either Thursday or Friday after tweaking his injured calf in practice earlier in the week. According to the Tacoma News Tribune, coach Mike Holmgren thinks he might have to sit out Week 17 at Atlanta. The team lists him as questionable.
Analysis: With the Seahawks preparing for the playoffs, they don't have much to lose by sitting Branch. Holmgren said earlier in the week that he wouldn't rest his starters, but factor in an injury, and everything changes. Don't plan on using Branch in Week 17.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (calf) practiced in only a limited capacity Wednesday and Thursday, but The Sports Xchange reports that the team considers him probable to play Week 17 at Atlanta.
Analysis: Coach Mike Holmgren has indicated that he might not rest his starters this week, making Branch one of the more valuable receivers in Fantasy if he can play. Continue to monitor his status this week.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (calf) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 17 at Atlanta.
Analysis: Coach Mike Holmgren has indicated that he might not rest his starters this week, making Branch one of the more valuable receivers in Fantasy if he can play. Continue to monitor his status this week.
News: The Seahawks have clinched the No. 3 seed in the NFC. That means nothing they do in Atlanta will change their first-round home date against the NFC's final wild-card entrant, with a potential second-round game at second-seeded Green Bay. Coach Mike Holmgren prefers to play his starters through the end of the season to carry continuity and sharpness into the postseason, but he admits to being conflicted. "We haven't made any decisions yet about how we're going to play the game," Holmgren said Monday. The debate of whether to play or preserve the veterans is so deep, Holmgren will be reconvening the coaching staff late on Christmas morning through midday to set a plan. The players, meanwhile, get the holiday off. "My inclination right now is that we're going to keep playing and hopefully keep our momentum up a little bit," Holmgren said.
Analysis: At this point, expect at least one half of action from Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Deion Branch, Bobby Engram and the premier members of the Seahawks DST. Facing the Falcons should result in nominal statistics (but not great numbers) for these normally quality Fantasy players. We should know more about the Seahawks' plans as the week develops.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch failed to record a touchdown for the third straight game during a Week 16 win against the Ravens. He finished the game with two catches for 24 yards, including a 19-yard grab, after totaling 11 catches for 131 yards and two touchdowns in his previous two games.
Analysis: Branch has been a decent touchdown target for Matt Hasselbeck since returning from a foot injury six weeks ago. However, there is a chance he rests Week 17 against the Falcons since the Seahawks already solidified their playoff ranking. Branch is usually a solid No. 2 Fantasy WR, but there is just no telling how much he will play.
News:Deion Branch has three TDs in his last four games with 21 catches for 163 yards. He should keep that going in Week 16 vs. a lagging Baltimore pass defense. The Ravens have allowed 10 passing touchdowns in their last four games.
Analysis: With Seattle expected to lean more on the pass than the run to close the season, expect nice numbers from their receivers, and that includes Branch. He's a must-start in all Fantasy leagues as a No. 2 option heading into Week 16.
News:Deion Branch caught a late touchdown off a carom from a Panthers defender's helmet and finished with eight receptions for 79 yards at Carolina in Week 15. Branch has four touchdowns on the season.
Analysis: Returning to form as a regular part of the Seattle offense, Branch remains a good No. 2 Fantasy WR vs. Baltimore's shaky pass defense in Week 16. Expect to start him.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch has not caught more than five balls since coming back from injury, and he's topped 70 yards just once in those four games. Branch plays at Carolina in Week 15 against a Panthers pass defense that has given up 10 passing touchdowns in their last five games.
Analysis: Branch is all set to be a decent low-end No. 2/top-end No. 3 Fantasy WR this week. Start him as such in what should be a good outing for the Seahawks.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch contributed to his team's 42-21 win against the Cardinals Week 14 by scoring on a 17-yard catch in the second quarter. He finished the game with three catches for 52 yards. He now has two of his three touchdowns in the last three games. He hasn't totaled more than 100 yards in his last five games.
Analysis: Branch hasn't been as explosive of a player since injuring his foot early in the season. He is still the top guy in Seattle, but often draws the other team's top cornerback. Consider him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR heading into Week 15 against the Panthers.
News: In Seattle's Week 2 game with Arizona, Seahawks WR Deion Branch caught seven balls for 122 yards. He has only gone over the 100-yard once in six games since and will try to get back into triple digits against the Cardinals' 24th-ranked pass defense in Week 14.
Analysis: Branch is getting more targets in the Seahawks passing game than Bobby Engram or Nate Burleson, but just gets covered a lot more effectively by opposing defenses, which leaves the other two to make more open catches. Consider Branch a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR in Week 14.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch caught five passes for 40 yards at Philadelphia in Week 13.
Analysis: Once figured to be Seattle's go-to receiver, Branch has almost been playing a complementary role behind Bobby Engram. He's a No. 2 Fantasy WR at best vs. Arizona in Week 14.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch faces the Eagles in Week 13 for the first time since he tied a Super Bowl record with 11 receptions (133 yards) and was named MVP in Super Bowl XXXIX. With his injury situation this season, Branch has been anything but a Fantasy MVP so far, but has a chance to redeem himself with a big outing on Sunday in Philly.
Analysis: The Eagles are all about stopping the run, but they held Randy Moss in check last week and their DBs are pretty darn good. Branch has two monster games this season and is coming off a nice 92-yard game with a touchdown in Week 12. With D.J. Hackett out for Week 13, Branch and Bobby Engram should both get targeted plenty of times. Consider Branch a No. 2 Fantasy WR in Week 13.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch had five catches for 92 yards and a touchdown Sunday at St. Louis.
Analysis: This was Branch's first touchdown since returning from injury last week. Branch is a solid option in all Fantasy leagues and is worth starting in Week 13 at Philadelphia as a No. 2 WR.
News: It was a quiet return from the inactive list for Deion Branch last week when he caught four passes for 31 yards vs. Chicago, but Week 12 should be a different story. Branch and the Seahawks play at St. Louis, which should result in a high-scoring game. In his lone game at St. Louis as a Seahawk in 2006, Branch caught six passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns with a 19-yard rush.
Analysis: We list Branch as a No. 3 Fantasy WR to be safe, but he has the potential to post a bigger game than that. Seattle's passing offense is solid and should be in full effect against the Rams' weak defense. However, Matt Hasselbeck is banged up and has developed rapport with WRs D.J. Hackett and Bobby Engram while Branch was sidelined. Nevertheless, think of Branch as a top-end No. 3 WR for Week 12.
News: After missing the last four games with a foot injury, Seahawks WR Deion Branch returned to the starting lineup Week 11 against the Bears. It is the first time since Oct. 7 against the Steelers that the former Louisville wide receiver was not inactive. He caught four passes for 31 yards. He did not score a touchdown and his longest reception went for 11 yards.
Analysis: It is good to see Branch back in the starting lineup, but it was sad to see him turn in such a weak performance against the Bears. The Seahawks threw 44 times Week 11, but Branch barely saw any passes come his way. Let's hope it is because they didn't want to rush him back into action too fast. Branch has the potential to be a No. 1 Fantasy WR down the stretch. Treat him as no worse than a No. 2 Fantasy WR for Week 12 against the Rams.
News: After missing the last four games with a foot injury, Seahawks WR Deion Branch returned to the starting lineup Week 11 against the Bears. It is the first time since Oct. 7 against the Steelers that the former Louisville wide receiver is not inactive.
Analysis: Expect Branch to have a decent game against the Bears' 16th-ranked pass defense. Consider him a low-end No. 2/top-end No. 3 option for Week 11 since he will still be a little rusty, but a targeted part of the Seahawks' offense.
News:Deion Branch was off the Seahawks' practice report all week until Friday, when he surfaced as questionable, but that's just precautionary. He will play and likely start, according to the Tacoma News-Tribune. As a result, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson will see limited reps.
Analysis: Expect Branch to have a decent game against the Bears' 16th-ranked pass defense. Consider him a low-end No. 2/top-end No. 3 option for Week 11 since he will still be a little rusty, but a targeted part of the Seahawks' offense.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (foot) is not on the practice report as the team prepares for Week 11 vs. Chicago. Branch has missed the last three games because of an injured foot, but did return to practice on Friday leading up to Week 10 against the 49ers. He looked crisp in practice Wednesday, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, but is still a day-to-day candidate. "I felt a whole lot better," Branch said. "Every day, it gets better. Every day, everything gets better. I'm hoping (Thursday) to come and not be sore. That's a good sign, if I'm not sore."
Analysis: If Branch is not on the practice or injury report this week, that will be a great indication he will return to action in Week 11 against the Bears. The Seahawks have converted to a pass-heavy offense in recent weeks and that will only benefit Branch once he returns. He will once again regain his role as top receiver in Seattle. If healthy Week 11, have no qualms about inserting Branch into Fantasy lineups.
News: As expected, the Seahawks listed WR Deion Branch as inactive for Week 10 against the 49ers, meaning he'll miss his third consecutive game because of an injured foot.
Analysis: Branch insisted during practice this week that he was day-to-day, but the foot apparently hurt too much for him to take the field Monday. With each passing week, the odds of him returning improve, so hopefully he can make his way back into your Fantasy lineup for Week 11 against the Bears.
News: According to a report, Seattle WR Deion Branch will be out for Monday's game against the 49ers. Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren told ESPN that Branch is still sore. Branch, who during practice last week kept saying he was "day-to-day," will miss a third consecutive game because of an injured foot.
Analysis: Keep Branch reserved in all Fantasy leagues for Week 10 if the report is accurate. Make sure you check back with CBSSports.com to confirm before setting your lineup. If Branch is out, hopefully he can return in Week 11 against the Bears.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (foot) is listed as questionable for Week 10 vs. San Francisco. According to the Tacoma News-Tribune, Branch made a brief appearance at practice Friday and ran a few routes with the first-team offense. He mostly worked on agility drills. Head coach Mike Holmgren said Branch is a game-time decision.
Analysis: After 20 catches for 329 yards in three games, Branch has missed Seattle's last three games with a badly sprained right foot that he initially feared may require surgery. The Seahawks thought they were going to get Branch back a week ago, after their bye. Yet Branch remains idled while Holmgren vows to abandon much of a stalled running game in favor of a more wide-open, pass-filled offense. If healthy, consider Branch no worse than a No. 2 Fantasy WR for Week 10. Continue to monitor his progress, but since the Seahawks play on Monday, it might be wise to use healthier alternatives for Week 10.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (foot) missed a second straight practice Thursday as the team prepares for Week 10 vs. San Francisco. Since that disgusting exit a month ago, the Seahawks' leading receiver and former Super Bowl MVP has gone from soaring to just plain sore. After 20 catches for 329 yards in three games, Branch has missed Seattle's last three games with a badly sprained right foot that he initially feared may require surgery. "Feeling good. Just day-to-day," Branch said Wednesday. Head coach Mike Holmgren also said Wednesday that Branch was iffy to return against the 49ers.
Analysis: Branch is just trying to get back out to practice, let alone reappear for a game. "Hopefully, one day I may wake up one day and feel great and I'm out there, know what I am saying?" he said. "I'm just thankful I am improving. It's a weird injury. I'm thankful and blessed. ... A lot of guys have had to have surgery coming from this injury." The Seahawks thought they were going to get him back a week ago, after their bye. Yet Branch remains idled while Holmgren vows to abandon much of a stalled running game in favor of a more wide-open, pass-filled offense. "You are always antsy, but you've got to be smart," Branch said. "I don't want to come back for one game and then be out for seven games." If healthy, consider Branch no worse than a No. 2 Fantasy WR for Week 10. Continue to monitor his progress.
News: The last time Deion Branch was in uniform on a field, he was getting spit on by a fan while limping into the locker room in Pittsburgh. Since that disgusting exit a month ago, the Seahawks' leading receiver and former Super Bowl MVP has gone from soaring to just plain sore. After 20 catches for 329 yards in three games, Branch has missed Seattle's last three games with a badly sprained right foot that he initially feared may require surgery. The foot was tightly wrapped and propped on a seat Wednesday, as Branch sat behind the wheel of an equipment cart and watched the middling Seahawks practice yet again without him. "Feeling good. Just day-to-day," Branch said, smiling unconvincingly on a day coach Mike Holmgren said that Branch was iffy to return against the 49ers.
Analysis: Branch is just trying to get back out to practice, let alone reappear for a game. "Hopefully, one day I may wake up one day and feel great and I'm out there, know what I am saying?" he said. "I'm just thankful I am improving. It's a weird injury. I'm thankful and blessed. ... A lot of guys have had to have surgery coming from this injury." The Seahawks thought they were going to get him back a week ago, after their bye. Yet Branch remains idled while Holmgren vows to abandon much of a stalled running game in favor of a more wide-open, pass-filled offense. "You are always antsy, but you've got to be smart," Branch said. "I don't want to come back for one game and then be out for seven games." If healthy, consider Branch no worse than a No. 2 Fantasy WR for Week 10. Continue to monitor his progress.
News: The Seahawks listed WR Deion Branch among their inactives for Week 9 at Cleveland, meaning he'll miss his third straight game with a sprained right foot. Bobby Engram will start in his place.
Analysis: The Seahawks listed Branch as questionable earlier in the week, and coach Mike Holmgren said he was getting close, but clearly he hasn't quite recovered enough to play -- even after a bye week. Branch had established himself as a No. 1 WR in Fantasy before getting injured, and he could return to that status as soon as Week 10 against the 49ers.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch will be a game-time decision for Sunday's game at Cleveland, according to coach Mike Holmgren. "We'll make that call on Sunday, but he's going to go on the trip and he's really close and he's getting better," Holmgren said Friday. "I just have to see how we feel about this thing on Sunday. Well if he were to play he'd have a limited number of snaps first of all; specific plays. He has played enough and is a veteran enough player to do it but you have to be careful with that. He will have x-amount of plays to do, not the whole book."
Analysis: Branch had established himself as a No. 1 WR in Fantasy before getting injured. He has 22 receptions for 343 yards and one touchdown in five games. Check with us before Sunday priro to setting your lineup, but if he plays, then have no qualms about starting him in all Fantasy leagues. The Browns have a less than stellar pass defense.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch (foot) did not practice Wednesday or Thursday as the team prepares for Week 9 at Cleveland. Branch, who used the bye in Week 8 to rest, was supposed to be back by now from a sprained right foot that has caused him to miss the past two games. But he was in sweat pants, a sweat shirt and knit cap instead of a uniform during practice Wednesday. Head coach Mike Holmgren said Branch has a 50 percent chance of playing Sunday.
Analysis: Branch had established himself as a No. 1 WR in Fantasy before getting injured. He has 22 receptions for 343 yards and one touchdown in five games. Continue to track his progress leading up to Week 9, but if he plays, then have no qualms about starting him in all Fantasy leagues. The Browns have a less than stellar pass defense.
News:The Sports Xchange reports when coach Mike Holmgren returns from the bye week, he is going to have to figure out what to do with a running game mired in mediocrity and what to do with the return of WRs Deion Branch (foot) and D.J. Hackett (ankle). When the season began, Branch was the starting flanker and Hackett the starting split end. But Hackett suffered a high-ankle sprain in the first quarter of the first game and has not played since. Branch was injured against Pittsburgh, and Bobby Engram has become the team's leading receiver lately. However, Holmgren is likely to go back to Hackett and Branch as his starters, with the ever-reliable Engram sliding back to the slot as the third receiver.
Analysis: The bye in Week 8 will give Branch another week to rest and he should be healed up by the time Seattle plays Cleveland in Week 9. Branch had established himself as a No. 1 WR in Fantasy before getting injured. He has 22 receptions for 343 yards and one touchdown in five games. Continue to track his progress leading up to Week 9, but if he plays, then have no qualms about starting him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Seahawks have listed WR Deion Branch as inactive for Week 7 against the Rams -- his second game missed since spraining his foot Week 5 against the Steelers.
Analysis: The Seahawks don't expect Branch to miss any more time, but they have a bye in Week 8. Branch had established himself as a No. 1 WR in Fantasy before getting injured. He has 22 receptions for 343 yards and one touchdown in five games. The Seahawks visit the Browns in Week 9.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch will miss his second consecutive game with a foot injury Week 7 against the Rams. Branch is only expected to miss two games and might return Week 9 against the Browns when the Seahawks return from a bye week.
Analysis: Branch had recently established himself as a No. 1 WR in Fantasy before getting injured. He has 22 receptions for 343 yards and one touchdown in five games. Keep him reserved through Week 8 and check his status before inserting him back into Fantasy lineups Week 9.
News: As expected, Deion Branch (foot) was sidelined for Week 6 against the Saints. Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson started for the Seahawks.
Analysis: Branch is expected to be sidelined until at least Week 9. Get Engram or Burleson off the waiver wire if you need a Fantasy replacement.
News: Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren said Monday that WR Deion Branch will miss two games because of a foot sprain. He suffered the injury early in the second quarter Week 5 against Pittsburgh and had to be carted off the field. The Seahawks hope to have the former Super Bowl MVP back for Week 9 at Cleveland -- one week after Seattle's bye.
Analysis: Another one bites the dust. Branch had recently established himself as a No. 1 WR in Fantasy, catching 20 passes for 329 yards and a touchdown in his last three games before Pittsburgh. Obviously, reserve him for now and hope he can return as expected Week 9 at the Browns. The Seahawks visit the Saints in Week 6.
News: According to the Seattle Times, the Seahawks are concerned about WR Deion Branch's sprained right foot, which he hurt early in the second quarter against Pittsburgh and led to him being carted for examination. There was no status report on Branch after the game, but coach Mike Holmgren said he'll know more Monday. Branch had two catches for 14 yards before his exit. After the game, he said he didn't want to talk about his injury and left the locker room wearing a protective plastic boot.
Analysis: This doesn't sound good for Branch in Week 6 against New Orleans. If he's healthy, Branch is a No. 1 option, but continue to monitor his status and hope he's 100 percent against the Saints.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch sprained his right foot and was forced to leave the Seahawks' game against Pittsburgh on Sunday. Branch's injury came during the second quarter and left QB Matt Hasselbeck without his most reliable receiver on a day the Seahawks had little offense, punting on six of their first seven possessions as Pittsburgh opened a 14-0 lead. Branch had 20 catches for 329 yards and one touchdown in Seattle's previous three games, including 130 yards on seven catches the week before against San Francisco.
Analysis: Branch is a No. 1 option and should be considered a good start in Week 6 against New Orleans if he's healthy. Continue to monitor his status and hope he's 100 percent against the Saints.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch had another big game Week 4 at the 49ers, racking up 130 yards on seven catches, including a 65-yard breakaway. Branch was shut out in the season opener against Tampa Bay, but, according to The Sports Xchange, has been the team's leading receiver over the next three weeks. "He's getting the ball more," head coach Mike Holmgren said of the difference in his production. "We can't get through a game without getting him the ball. That doesn't make sense."
Analysis: No Mike, it doesn't make sense. Branch's Fantasy owners are pleased you've come to your senses. Branch has tallied over 120 yards in two of his last three game, making him something of a must-start in Fantasy. The Seahawks face a tough pass defense at Pittsburgh in Week 5, but keep Branch active regardless.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch racked up 130 yards on seven catches in Seattle's 23-3 win over the 49ers in Week 4.
Analysis: Branch has tallied over 120 yards in two of his last three games and is now officially Matt Hasselbeck's favorite down-field target. Branch and the Seahawks take on the Steelers in Week 5, which is a difficult match-up. He remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy WR.
News: In his last game at San Francisco, Deion Branch had seven catches for 113 yards with a 38-yard touchdown catch. Branch will play against the Niners again in Week 4 at San Francisco. The Niners rank 11th against the pass, allowing an average of 192.0 passing yards per game and yielding three passing scores all season (one each week).
Analysis: Branch has come on strong over the last two weeks and should do well here. Branch is even familiar with Niners CB Nate Clements from their days together in the AFC East (Branch with the Patriots, Clements with the Bills). Consider Branch a middle-end No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 4 Fantasy play.
News: Deion Branch caught six passes for 77 yards and a touchdown vs. Cincinnati in Week 3. He has come alive for the second straight game after being shut out in Week 1.
Analysis: Deion Branch's Fantasy stock is quietly on the rise. Look to him as a quality No. 3 Fantasy receiver when he and the Seahawks play at San Francisco in Week 4.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch came on in Week 2 against Arizona with seven catches for 122 yards. Now he has to be licking his chops against the Bengals, who allowed Braylon Edwards to go off last week (146 yards, two TDs) and are No. 27 in pass defense.
Analysis: Branch remains the top receiving option in Seattle this season with Darrell Jackson out of the picture, but he's little more than a No. 2 receiver in Fantasy play. He'll face the Bengals in Week 3 in what should be an excellent matchup for him.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch caught seven passes for 122 yards in Week 2 at Arizona.
Analysis: Branch remains the top receiving option in Seattle this season with Darrell Jackson out of the picture, but he's little more than a No. 2 receiver in Fantasy play. He'll face the Bengals in Week 3 in what should be an excellent matchup for him.
News: Deion Branch's Seahawks history against the Cardinals is minimal -- he had 54 receiving yards on three catches in one game last season -- but between Matt Hasselbeck's overcoming of playing at Arizona and the Seattle offense focusing on involving him more than they did in Week 1 against the Bucs, Branch remains a desirable Fantasy option.
Analysis: Despite the fact Branch was held catch-less in Week 1 vs. Tampa Bay, he remains a low-end No. 2 WR and is capable of putting up huge numbers in any given week. Or he could just vanish again. See how he does in Week 2 at Arizona.
News: According to the Seattle Times, even though Seahawks WR Deion Branch was held without a catch Sunday against Tampa Bay for the first time in 66 games in which he has been on the active roster for his team, coach Mike Holmgren said expect more for his top WR this year. "In our system right now, Deion should touch the ball more than any of the other receivers," Holmgren said. "We've done this with teams as well. You come in and you say 'OK, we're not going to let him touch the ball quite as much,' and clearly they had that as part of the plan."
Analysis: Continue to use Branch as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR. will look to get onto the board in Week 2 at Arizona.
News: Deion Branch was in the starting lineup for Week 1 against the Buccaneers, but he did not post any offensive statistics. He was targeted just three times on 24 throws from QB Matt Hasselbeck.
Analysis: Branch will look to get onto the board in Week 2 at Arizona. Despite being blanked in the opener, don't be discouraged. He remains a must-start in most leagues.
News: Deion Branch has to be looking forward to facing Tampa Bay cornerbacks Brian Kelly and Ronde Barber. The Bucs secondary was tied for second with the most passing touchdowns allowed at 26, and Branch has a chance to get in the end zone this week, his first opportunity as the No. 1 option for Matt Hasselbeck. Branch also has 14 catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns in his past two season-openers.
Analysis: Branch's owners must be salivating at the speedster getting a chance to be a true No. 1 WR. The Buccaneer defense is nothing to write home about, and with Shaun Alexander healthy, Hasselbeck should be able to find his receivers in plenty of open space this week.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch caught seven passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in the preaseason.
Analysis: Branch had about the same numbers you would expect from a No. 1 receiver in the preseason. Consider him a nice No. 3 Fantasy WR worth a pick between Rounds 7 and 11.
News: Deion Branch caught a seven-yard pass in limited action at Green Bay in Seattle's second preseason game. Branch did start the game.
Analysis: Branch looked better last week, but played with Matt Hasselbeck. In this game, it was Seneca Wallace under center, and Branch's stats suffered. Branch is taking Jackson's place as Hasselbeck's primary target this season. Consider him a nice No. 3 Fantasy WR worth a pick between Rounds 7 and 11.
News: Deion Branch had just one reception in Sunday's preseason game at San Diego. The catch was good for a 31-yard touchdown from starting QB Matt Hasselbeck, capping off the team's opening drive.
Analysis: Branch is taking Darrell Jackson's place as Hasselbeck's primary target this season. Jackson, who shared a unique, unspoken understanding on the field with Hasselbeck, has been traded to San Francisco largely because the Seahawks are expecting huge production from Branch. Consider him a nice No. 3 Fantasy WR worth a pick between Rounds 7 and 11.
News: After getting married, going on his honeymoon and then being delayed by a storm, Deion Branch finally arrived at Seahawks minicamp. Branch was greeted by Seahawks trainers telling him it was his day to get tested for body fat. His is usually 6 or 7 percent. Monday it was 10. Then QB Matt Hasselbeck brought Branch back on task immediately Monday. On the first play of team drills, he threw a dart that Branch snared for a completion on a short out route, as if to symbolize that the quarterback wants to accelerate the chemistry. He said with the Patriots, he was constantly changing from strong-side to weak-side or slot receiver, depending on the play. Branch likes that the Seahawks are giving him one position, Darrell Jackson's old strong-side job, and keeping him there. "I feel better in this system than I did in New England. It's more pass-oriented."
Analysis: Branch is taking Jackson's place as Hasselbeck's primary target this season. Jackson, who shared a unique, unspoken understanding on the field with Hasselbeck, has been traded to San Francisco largely because the Seahawks are expecting huge production from Branch. Consider him a nice No. 3 Fantasy WR worth a pick between Rounds 7 and 11.
News: The Tacoma News Tribune reports that Seahawks' first-team receivers at their recent minicamp were Deion Branch and D.J. Hackett. Nate Burleson was there too and looked more comfortable without worrying about protecting his thumb.
Analysis: We figured Branch would be a starter for the 'Hawks but weren't sure whether Hackett or Burleson would run opposite him. Expect Hackett to get the first crack but have to earn the starting job over Burleson. Consider both of them reserve options for Fantasy play, but both draftable as late-round picks. Branch is a No. 3 Fantasy WR worth a pick between Rounds 7 and 11.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch had four catches for 48 yards against Dallas in the first round of the playoffs.
Analysis: Consider Branch a No. 2 WR for Round 2 against Chicago.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch had three catches for 38 yards against Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Branch has been a disappointment for Fantasy owners this season but will look to bounce back in a full year in Seattle next year. Consider him a low-end No. 2 option in 2007.
News: Seattle WRs Bobby Engram (65 receiving yards), Deion Branch (61 receiving yards), D.J. Hackett (37 receiving yards) and TE Jerramy Stevens (24 receiving yards) were limited due to the Chargers pass defense and the dropsies in the case of Deion Branch in Week 16.
Analysis: Of these receivers, Branch and Stevens will be useful in Week 17. However, the Seahawks may not have anything to play for in Week 17 at Tampa Bay as they have clinched the NFC West and have only an outside shot at getting any higher than the No. 4 seed in the NFC. Monitor the Seahawks' status before starting any of their key players in Week 17.
News: Deion Branch had four receptions for 54 yards in Week 15 against the 49ers.
Analysis: Despite the absence of Darrell Jackson (toe), the receiver did not produce No. 1 receiver type numbers. He is only worth using as a No. 2 or 3 Fantasy receiver or 'flex' option in Week 16 against the Chargers.
News: Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck, his receivers and kicker Josh Brown could be playing in bad weather Thursday night against San Francisco. The weather report in Seattle as of Thursday morning is rain and possible wind gusts up to 65 mph.
Analysis: Keep an eye on the weather report throughout the day to see if it's a good idea to play Hasselbeck, Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, D.J. Hackett or Jerramy Stevens. The weather also would effect Brown. If the weather is good, the Seahawks have a favorable matchup against the 49ers.
News: Branch will be used as the No. 1 receiver in Thursday's Week 15 game against San Francisco with Darrell Jackson ruled OUT for the game due to a turf toe injury. Nate Burleson will start opposite Branch.
Analysis: Branch posted 54 yards on three receptions in Week 14 at Arizona and will likely see at least two to three more catches and certainly an increase in yardage. Consider him a decent No. 2 Fantasy receiver for Thursday.
News: Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Monday that WR Darrell Jackson suffered a turf toe injury late in the Week 14 game at Arizona and is not likely to play on Thursday vs. the 49ers in Week 15 action.
Analysis: Nate Burleson, D.J. Hackett and possibly Bobby Engram are expected to step up and take Jackson's reps, with Deion Branch seeing an increased role in the offense. Jackson should be benched until his turf toe injury subsides. When healthy, he is a No. 1 Fantasy WR. Consider Branch a No. 2 WR for the game with Burleson and Hackett low-end No. 3 WR choices.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch caught three passes for 54 yards in Week 14 at Arizona.
Analysis: Branch has been disappointing of late, but can still be useful in leagues of 12-plus teams as a possible No. 3 WR for Week 15 vs. San Francisco.
News: Deion Branch had one carry for three yards in Week 13 at Denver and he had three receptions for 23 yards in the loss.
Analysis: Branch has been disappointing in the past two weeks, managing just seven receptions for 61 yards after a 113-yard performance with a touchdown in Week 11 at San Francisco. Branch will try and bounce back in Week 14 at Arizona.
News: Branch had four receptions for 38 yards in Week 12 against the Packers.
Analysis: Branch is a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy receiver or 'flex' option for Week 13 at Denver.
News: Seattle QB Deion Branch had seven catches for 113 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers.
Analysis: Consider Branch a solid No. 2 WR for Week 12 against Green Bay.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch had three catches for 22 yards in a Week 10 win over the Rams.
Analysis: Branch has been a nice addition for the Seahawks and has posted admirable numbers. Still, consider him a solid No. 3 or 4 Fantasy receiver or 'flex' option in Week 11 against the 49ers.
News: Deion Branch had four receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown in Week 9 against the Raiders, his third as a member of the Seahawks. The Seattle Times pointed out after the game that when Branch scores a touchdown, the team he's playing for is 16-2 (includes postseason). Branch also has scored in five of seven career Monday night games.
Analysis: The Super Bowl XXXIX MVP is starting to really come around with the Seahawks and might be a solid No. 3 or 4 Fantasy receiver or 'flex' option in Week 10 against the Rams.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch caught two passes for 45 yards at Kansas City in Week 8.
Analysis: Branch had an off week in part to Seneca Wallace making his first NFL start. Expect better numbers when Branch plays vs. Oakland in Week 9.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch had four catches for 60 yards and one carry for no yards against Minnesota.
Analysis: Branch and all the Seahawks receivers will suffer if Matt Hasselbeck (knee) is injured for a significant amount of time. But even if Seneca Wallace starts for Week 8 against Kansas City, consider Branch a No. 2 option.
News: Vikings DB Fred Smoot hasn't been overly impressive in 2006 and will get a tough test in Week 7 going against Seattle receiver Deion Branch. Branch caught six passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns in the Seahawks' victory over St. Louis last Sunday. Smoot has seemed a bit slow to adjust to the Vikings' new defensive scheme, which calls for cornerbacks to keep their eyes on the quarterback. This has enabled receivers to get away from him and create separation. Surely, Branch will try to do that on Sunday.
Analysis: Branch remains a must-start No. 3 Fantasy WR with potential to be a No. 2 option when the matchup is right. He plays vs. Minnesota in Week 7, a decent game for Branch to get another score in.
News: Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday that receiver Bobby Engram will miss his second consecutive game with a thyroid condition. The team still does not know whether the cause was a virus or Grave's Disease, a treatable autoimmune condition. Deion Branch will again start with Darrell Jackson at receiver against the Minnesota Vikings.
Analysis: In his first start for the Seahawks against the Rams in Week 6, Branch had 76 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Branch remains a must-start No. 3 Fantasy WR with potential to be a No. 2 option when the matchup is right. He plays vs. Minnesota in Week 7, a decent game for Branch to get another score in.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch caught six passes for 76 yards with two TDs and a 19-yard rush at St. Louis in Week 6. Branch started in place of WR Bobby Engram (illness).
Analysis: Branch remains a must-start No. 3 Fantasy WR with potential to be a No. 2 option when the matchup is right. He plays vs. Minnesota in Week 7, a decent game for Branch to get another score in.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch caught six passes for 76 yards with two TDs and a 19-yard rush at St. Louis in Week 6. Branch started in place of WR Bobby Engram (illness).
Analysis: Branch remains a must-start No. 3 Fantasy WR with potential to be a No. 2 option when the matchup is right. He plays vs. Minnesota in Week 7, a decent game for Branch to get another score in.
News: Seattle WR Bobby Engram (thyroid illness) will not play at St. Louis in Week 6. Deion Branch will start in his place.
Analysis: Branch works as a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR (or bye-week replacement at No. 2 WR) in leagues for Week 6 in what should be a high-scoring game in St. Louis.
News: Deion Branch had three receptions for 57 yards in Week 4 at Chicago, his second game with the Seattle Seahawks.
Analysis: Branch will have two weeks to figure out the Seattle offense before returning to the field for Week 6 at St. Louis after the team's bye.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch caught two passes for 23 yards in Week 3 vs. the N.Y. Giants.
Analysis: Branch's long-awaited Seattle debut was relatively quiet on a day where the Seahawks racked up 42 points. Give him another week to get settled in as he'll face a tough Chicago defense in Week 4 on the road. Be patient with him if at all possible.
News: The Seahawks activated recently acquired wide receiver Deion Branch on Saturday and added him to the 53-man roster for the game Sunday against the New York Giants. To clear a roster spot, the Seahawks released defensive lineman Chris Cooper. Branch signed a $39 million, six-year contract with $13 million in guarantees. Coach Mike Holmgren said earlier this week that he will stick with Nate Burleson as the starting split end, but Branch would play. Holmgren was also considering more four-receiver sets because of injuries to tight ends Jerramy Stevens and Itula Mili. Darrell Jackson will start at flanker and Bobby Engram is Seattle's other receiver. Mili will play but is not expected to start.
Analysis: Looks like Branch will split reps until he gets the hang of things, then will probably take over as a starter opposite Jackson. For Week 3, we advise owners to view Branch as a low-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver. He will play, but keep expectations low since this will be his first game in a long time.
News: WR Nate Burleson will start again Sunday even though WR Deion Branch will be active for the first time, coach Mike Holmgren said. It's conceivable Seattle will start the game Sunday with three or more receivers on the field. That would allow Burleson, Branch, WR Darrell Jackson and even WR Bobby Engram to start the game. Jackson is practicing this week, a good sign for the offense. He has missed a fair number of practices in recent seasons, usually because of injuries. Jackson is healthy now after missing seven months of the offseason to let his surgically repaired knee heal. He caught five passes for 127 yards and a touchdown last week.
Analysis: The Giants defense has been vulnerable against the pass, making Matt Hasselbeck and many of his wideouts decent starts this week. Jackson is the only must-start Seahawks receiver, though. Branch, Burleson and Engram -- in that order -- are much more risky options.
News: Seattle WR Deion Branch, who will play in Week 3 vs. the Giants, will initially share time with Nate Burleson at split end. Darrell Jackson will remain a starter; Bobby Engram will continue in his role as the third receiver. D.J. Hackett appears to be the odd man out, at least for now. "Right now, (Branch) and Nate are going to be splitting time at that position and we have to figure out how to practice Hackett," head coach Mike Holmgren said. "Darrell and Bobby, their roles won't change a great deal. It is a nice problem to have, but it will take some thought."
Analysis: Looks like Branch will split reps until he gets the hang of things, then will probably take over as a starter opposite Jackson. For Week 3, we advise owners to view Branch as a low-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver. He will play, but keep expectations low since this will be his first game in a long time.
News: Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said former Super Bowl MVP WR Deion Branch will be added to the roster to play against the New York Giants in Week 3, just 13 days after the Seahawks traded with the Patriots to end Branch's 45-day contract holdout, and eight months since his last game. "He'll be ready to go," Holmgren said. "We will activate him for the Giants -- that's the plan right now."
Analysis: Branch is expected to contribute right away, although it's not yet known if he'll start or play as a slot receiver or an outside wideout. He's a safe start as a No. 3 WR in Fantasy play at this time; if news comes out that he'll start or he'll be in on most offensive plays, then he could be considered a low-end No. 2 wide receiver for Fantasy purposes.
News: Deion Branch will not make his Seattle Seahawks debut Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals after all. The NFL has given the Seahawks a two-week roster exemption for the former Super Bowl MVP, acquired Monday from the New England Patriots in a trade that ended Branch's 45-day contract holdout. Seattle would have had to release a player from its 53-man roster by Saturday afternoon in order to add Branch for Sunday's game.
Analysis: A Seahawks team spokesman confirmed the move. Branch said if Holmgren doesn't deem will focus on debuting Sept. 24 against the New York Giants; Fantasy owners should reserve him in all formats until then. That means Seattle's wide receivers will again be Darrell Jackson, Nate Burleson, Bobby Engram and D.J. Hackett until Branch starts to play. Expect this time off to really benefit Branch and make him even more effective when he suits up in Seattle blue.
News: According to television reports, Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren has elected not to activate newly acquired wide receiver Deion Branch this weekend.
Analysis: According to the report, Branch said if Holmgren doesn't deem him ready, he will focus on debuting Sept. 24 against the New York Giants. Fantasy owners should not count on starting him in Week 2 vs. Arizona.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch has practiced at full speed since joining the team this week, giving him a chance to play Sunday vs. Arizona. Coach Mike Holmgren is intrigued at the thought of including Branch in four-receiver sets featuring Darrell Jackson, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson, with D.J. Hackett as a wild card. The team has yet to decide whether Branch will suit up against the Cardinals, but there appears to be no reason to keep him out. "I haven't made a decision," coach Mike Holmgren said. "We'll go right down to the wire on that one."
Analysis: Holmgren's inclination would be to have Branch sit out this first week, but he's impressed by the shape Branch is in and has said he'll make a decision late in the week. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect Branch to play or be a significant contributor for the coming game, but it looks like he'll be ready to start pitching in Week 3 vs. the Giants -- a game Seattle will really need him for.
News: Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren began Wednesday telling his Seattle radio show that Branch would likely be on the sidelines Sunday against Arizona. But by afternoon -- after watching Branch in a light, morning workout -- Holmgren wavered. "I haven't made a decision," he said. The coach said he won't determine Branch's availability probably until late this week. Branch was seen running extra routes in practice and admitted that it will take him a little while to become familiar with Seattle's offense. "I feel like it's my rookie year," Branch said after running mostly with the Seahawks scout team during team drills. "Everything's all new."
Analysis: Branch seems likely to sit out in Week 2, so keep him reserved. But with his grievances and contract woes resolved, the time will come for him to suit up much sooner than later. If you can trade for him on the cheap, do so, but if you already own him, hang tight.
News: Newly-acquired Seahawks WR Deion Branch is unlikely to play Week 2 against Arizona, according to Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgrem. Holmgren said Branch should be prepared the following week.
Analysis: The much-anticipated news on whether Branch would be playing Sunday has finally come down and the team anticipates he will not play. That means he needs to sit on your bench as well in Week 2 until told otherwise.
News: Deion Branch eased the pain of nearly $600,000 in fines for his holdout in New England by signing a $39 million, six-year contract with the Seahawks on Tuesday. The former Super Bowl MVP missed the entire preseason with the Patriots before he was traded to Seattle on Monday for a 2007 first-round draft pick. Branch will receive $13 million in bonus and guarantees, according to a person in the league close to the negotiations who requested anonymity because the terms had not yet been announced. About $23 million is due to Branch in the first three years of the deal, likely making him a fixture in Seattle's currently crowded passing game.
Analysis: Branch should make an impact with the Seahawks once he really understands their West-Coast offensive-minded playbook. He could even dress for Seattle's Week 2 game vs. Arizona. Owners should be prepared to start Branch as a No. 3 option depending on what kind of progress he makes with the team this week. Eventually, he will start opposite Darrell Jackson.
News: The Seahawks have traded a 2007 first-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for WR Deion Branch. Branch held out during training camp and the preseason and had two grievances filed against the Patriots prior to the deal. Branch had a career 2005, catching 78 passes for 998 yards and five TDs.
Analysis: Branch should make an impact with the Seahawks once he really understands their West-Coast offensive-minded playbook. He could even dress for Seattle's Week 2 game vs. Arizona. Owners should be prepared to start Branch as a No. 3 option depending on what kind of progress he makes with the team this week. Eventually, he will start opposite Darrell Jackson.
News: According to the Boston Globe, the arbitrator in the Deion Branch case Thursday denied the NFL's motion that the mediator had no jurisdiction in Branch's dispute with the Patriots and then informed both sides he would not be available to hear the first of Branch's two claims against the team Saturday, as originally expected.
Analysis: Branch will probably wait until the grievances are resolved before deciding whether or not he'll return to the Patriots (or play elsewhere based on the hearing results). Long story short: Branch cannot be started Week 1 because he won't play. Keep him reserved in all leagues.
News: The Boston Globe reports that the hearing for one of WR Deion Branch's grievance has been pushed back to next week. Branch is disputing that the Patriots violated an agreement by not completing a fair trade between them and a team willing to give Branch a contract extension. Branch also has a non-injury grievance pending that the Patriots failed to negotiate in good faith; that grievance will be heard first. The NFL is arguing that both grievances are basically the same.
Analysis: Branch will probably wait until the grievances are resolved before deciding whether or not he'll return to the Patriots (or play elsewhere based on the hearing results). Long story short: Branch cannot be started Week 1 because he won't play. Keep him reserved in all leagues.
News: The NFL Players Association filed a grievance Friday on behalf of holdout wide receiver Deion Branch after the New England Patriots did not trade him before the team-imposed deadline for him to seek a deal. Richard Berthelsen, lawyer for the union, said the grievance alleges that the Patriots "reneged" on an agreement to trade their best receiver, who is entering the last season of a five-year contract he signed as a rookie.
Analysis: With the players union getting involved, this is about to get ugly. Fantasy owners would have rather him be traded to a team like the Jets, but the Patriots would not approve a deal that would send him to a division rival. CBS SportsLine.com learned earlier this week that Branch was planning to return to the team, but "pull a T.O." as a source with knowledge of the situation put it. Until this situation sorts itself out, keep Branch on the bench. Once his return is known, he should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: The Patriots released a statement at 4 p.m. ET on Friday regarding the status of WR Deion Branch and their imposed one-week deadline: "No trade has been consummated. Deion Branch remains under contract to the New England Patriots." Earlier, ESPN.com reported that the Jets and Seahawks were serious contenders for Branch, but the Patriots' demands in a trade, rumored to be at least one first-round pick, were too high.
Analysis: CBS SportsLine.com learned earlier this week that Branch was planning to return to the team, but "pull a T.O." as a source with knowledge of the situation put it. Until this situation sorts itself out, keep Branch on the bench. Once his return is known, he should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: With a team-imposed 4 p.m. ET deadline to seek a trade, ESPN.com is reporting that WR Deion Branch has reached a tentative contract agreement with the New York Jets and potentially the Seattle Seahawks. The sticking point for Branch to join either of these teams would be the compensation package back to the Patriots, believed to be at least a first-round pick.
Analysis: We'll know here pretty shortly the final outcome of the Branch situation. If you draft this weekend, find out where he lands before considering him. It'll be interesting to see where he lands and his attitude thereafter. The best-case scenario with regard to his productivity remains with the Pats, considering the state of the Jets offense. If the Seahawks rumors are true, he'd be a great fit with the defending NFC champions.
News: CBS SportsLine.com has learned that WR Deion Branch, holding out of Patriots camp, is planning a return to the team within a week, according to a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity but does have knowledge of the situation. The source said Branch wants to "pull a T.O." and do whatever it takes to force the team to trade him, release him or not franchise tag him. Branch is in the final year of his contract, which pays him a little over $1 million -- a bargain considering the salaries of players around the league with a profile as high as Branch. The Patriots recently gave Branch time to seek a trade with another club, but as of now no trade is expected to happen.
Analysis: Based on what we've seen this preseason, the Patriots need Branch more than Branch needs the Patriots. He's a fantastic receiver capable of 900-to-1,000-yard seasons and can break short catches into long runs. As of now, Branch is slipping in drafts into middle-round territory, and that's a bargain considering that he'll play for a chunk of the regular season, if not all 16 games, most likely for the Patriots. Consider him a fair No. 2 Fantasy WR worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 8. He should be drafted once most of the top-25 wideouts are snagged.
News: The New England Patriots gave holdout wide receiver Deion Branch a week to seek a trade and negotiate a contract with another team. Branch, the 2005 Super Bowl MVP and the team's top receiver, has permission to seek a new team until Sept. 1, the team said Friday. Branch is scheduled to earn $1.045 million this season, the last of his original five-year contract, but he wants a new deal. He has refused to report to the Patriots' mandatory preseason minicamp and its ongoing training camp.
Analysis: Branch led the Patriots with 78 catches and 998 yards receiving last season. Fantasy owners who took a chance on Branch are hopeful a deal can get done. At this point, he should be viewed as a top-end No. 3 Fantasy WR worth taking with a middle-round pick.
News: The Providence Journal reports holdout receiver Deion Branch gave an interview to a Boston television station on Tuesday. "I'm pretty sure everything's gonna work out. Everything's gonna work out."
Analysis: Branch was also asked if he missed playing and he responded, "I'm human. I have my days and ups and downs. I realize it's business and what they're doing is business." Fantasy owners who took a chance on Branch are hopeful a deal can get done. At this point, he should be viewed as a top-end No. 3 Fantasy WR worth taking with a middle-round pick.
News: The Boston Globe reports that WR Deion Branch and the Patriots aren't close to agreeing to a new contract extension. Branch has said, however, that he would return to camp if the team promised not to place any free-agency tags on him after the season, which would let him become an unrestricted free agent. Branch has accumulated more than $250,000 in fines for missing training camp ($14,000 per day). It's also been made known that Branch turned down a $20 million offer from the club that would have kept him with the club through 2009.
Analysis: It's starting to look bad for Branch, and by extension of that, QB Tom Brady. If Branch rejoined the WR-strapped Pats, he'd no doubt be their No. 1 receiver and playmaker, so he's in a good position to hold out since the Pats need him more than he needs the Pats. Fantasywise, Branch is slipping a little bit since he might not be able to fit in right away and play like he's been with the club all summer long. He could underperform for a few games ... and that's when he does actually return. He should now be viewed as a top-end No. 3 Fantasy WR worth taking with a middle-round pick.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch missed the first eight days of practice action and counting, totaling 13 workouts, with his contract holdout. Branch is interested in a contract extension similar to that of Reggie Wayne's in Indianapolis or David Givens' new contract in Tennessee.
Analysis: If Branch were to miss the start of the season, New England's starting receivers might be Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown (we're laughing too). Thus, the person who would be affected the most would be Tom Brady, since he'd have a very suspect receiving corps. Keep in mind these things have a way of working out and even T.O. has held out only to eventually report to camp. Branch's Fantasy status is unchanged for now, but if the holdout stretches into mid-August (which isn't far off), he would begin to fall down rank lists.
News: SI.com's Mike Silver reports that Patriots QB Tom Brady missed a few days of training camp to just relax his arm for the upcoming season. But he also learned that Brady is not happy with the Patriots' decision to let Deion Branch hold out of camp. "Deion is the most important player on our offense," Brady said. "When I look at the elite receivers in the game, he is second to nobody. He doesn't get a lot of the credit, because we do spread the ball around here, and he doesn't feel a need to promote himself like so many guys at that position. But he is that good." Brady later underscored that the Patriots really need Branch back if they are going to compete in 2006, and was confident that eventually the two sides would come to an agreement.
Analysis: If Branch were to miss the start of the season, New England's starting receivers might be Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown (we're laughing too). Thus, the person who would be affected the most would be Brady, since he'd have a very suspect receiving corps. Keep in mind these things have a way of working out and even T.O. has held out only to eventually report to camp. Branch's Fantasy status is unchanged for now, but if the holdout stretches into mid-August, he would begin to fall down rank lists.
News: The holdout of Patriots WR Deion Branch reached its fourth day Monday. Branch wants a new contract in the fifth and final year of his original deal and is subject to a $14,000 fine for each day he misses camp.
Analysis: While being selfish for holding out, his timing is excellent. If Branch were to miss the start of the season, New England's starting receivers might be Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown (we're laughing too). Thus, the person who would be affected the most would be Tom Brady, since he'd have a very suspect receiving corps. Keep in mind these things have a way of working out and even T.O. has held out only to eventually report to camp. Branch's Fantasy status is unchanged for now, but if the holdout stretches into mid-August, he would begin to fall down rank lists.
News: Deion Branch held out of camp for a second consecutive day to get a better deal. Asked if he had any update on Branch or if he would exercise his right to fine the player $14,000 for each day he misses camp, coach Bill Belichick responded the same way: "I'll talk about the players that are here."
Analysis: While being selfish for holding out, his timing is excellent. If Branch were to miss the start of the season, New England's starting receivers might be Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown (we're laughing too). Thus, the person who would be affected the most would be Tom Brady, since he'd have a very suspect receiving corps. Keep in mind these things have a way of working out and even T.O. has held out only to eventually report to camp. Branch's Fantasy status is unchanged for now, but if the holdout stretches into mid-August, he would begin to fall down rank lists.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch did not report to camp Thursday according to the Boston Globe, beginning a holdout that could cost him as much as $14,000 a day if the team chooses to impose fines. Branch's agent, Jason Chayut, would not say if his client is in the area, but Branch has been working out and would be prepared to take the practice field as soon as a contract is worked out, according to the report. Chayut indicated that Branch is prepared to sit for some time if the team doesn't make him a satisfactory offer. "I don't know when that's going to happen," Chayut said. "He recognizes, from his perspective, they're not doing right by him and he's disappointed with the team."
Analysis: While being selfish for holding out, his timing is excellent. If Branch were to miss the start of the season, New England's starting receivers might be Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown (we're laughing too). Thus, the person who would be affected the most would be Tom Brady, since he'd have a very suspect receiving corps. Keep in mind that these things have a way of working out and even T.O. has held out only to eventually report to camp. Branch's Fantasy status is unchanged for now, but if the holdout stretches into mid-August, he would begin to fall down rank lists.
News: The Boston Globe reports that WR Deion Branch will not report to training camp on time because he's not happy with his current contract. Branch also skipped a mandatory minicamp earlier in the offseason. New England did make Branch an offer earlier this offseason, but Branch and his agents passed on it, partially because it was reportedly backloaded and because the signing bonus was divided over two years. "Deion will not be in camp until he feels he's being treated fairly," said Branch's agent. Branch is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season.
Analysis: While being selfish for holding out, his timing is excellent. If Branch were to miss the start of the season, New England's starting receivers might be Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown (we're laughing too). Thus, the person who would be affected the most would be Tom Brady, since he'd have a very suspect receiving corps. Keep in mind that these things have a way of working out and even T.O. has held out only to eventually report to camp. Branch's Fantasy status is unchanged for now, but if the holdout stretches into mid-August, he would begin to fall down rank lists.
News: Deion Branch, the 2005 Super Bowl MVP, stayed away from the Patriots mandatory minicamp on Tuesday because he is upset with his contract. The team's top wide receiver, in the final year of a five-year contract he signed after New England drafted him in the second round in 2002, would like an extension. "Obviously, it's tough not having him here, but that's the business," quarterback Tom Brady said. "That gives us a chance to really work on other things."
Analysis: Football fans have come to learn that these kinds of holdouts are part of the renegotiation process and shouldn't be considered serious just yet. Naturally, missing minicamp could hurt Branch's progression with the offense and could keep him from being in game shape, but don't downgrade him on rank lists. Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown will be atop New England's depth chart in the interim.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch caught 78 passes for 998 yards and five touchdowns in 2005. He played in all 16 games.
Analysis: Despite the numbers looking low, these are all career-highs for Branch. He fits the trend of the playmaking smallish receiver which came to fruition in 2005. Branch is a good No. 2 Fantasy WR for 2006.
News: Despite catching just two passes against Jacksonville, Patriots WR Deion Branch could improve and get more reps at Denver in the Divisional Playoffs. In an earlier meeting in Week 6, Branch had 87 yards on seven catches. But Branch has not caught for more than 82 yards in a game since Week 8. He's also scored once in his last seven games.
Analysis: Branch isn't a perfect fit for Fantasy purposes, but he shouldn't completely disappoint.
News: Pats WR Deion Branch, the Super Bowl XXXIX MVP, has not caught for more than 82 yards in a game since Week 8. He's also scored once in his last six games and faces the Jags, who rank seventh against the pass in the NFL.
Analysis: Branch isn't expected to contribute too much in Week 1 of the playoffs.
News: Deion Branch caught two passes for 19 yards and a touchdown before exiting Week 17 early to rest for the playoffs.
Analysis: Branch was a steady receiver all season, but he did not find the end zone as often as Fantasy owners would have liked.
News: Branch had tied for a game-high with four receptions for 69 yards in Week 16 at N.Y. Jets.
Analysis: The Super Bowl MVP has not scored a touchdown since Week 11 against New Orleans, but he remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy receiver for Week 17 against Miami.
News: Don't expect the Patriots to throw it into cruise control over the final two games of the regular season. Having clinched their third straight AFC East title and with no chance of earning a first-round playoff bye, the Patriots (9-5) don't seem to have much left to play for. Just don't try selling coach Bill Belichick or his players on that approach. "It's a regular week," Belichick said. "Put it in the headline, bold type. It's a regular week. The players know that, the staff knows it. That's the balance. It's just like any other week."
Analysis: Branch should be a usable No. 3 Fantasy WR option for owners at the Jets in Week 16.
News: Pats WR Deion Branch had two catches for 27 yards vs. Tampa Bay in Week 15.
Analysis: Branch will be reliable as a No. 3 receiver at the N.Y. Jets in Week 16.
News: Pats WR Deion Branch had a good game vs. Buffalo earlier this season and faces them at a more vulnerable time in Week 14. The Bills did have the league's best pass defense but have slipped to 12th.
Analysis: Branch may have to battle elements and CB Nate Clements in Week 14, but he still makes for a reliable No. 2 or 3 Fantasy receiver.
News: Pats WR Deion Branch should see less coverage rolled his way thanks to the return of David Givens, who should be back in Week 13 vs. the Jets. The Pats will still try to run first since the Jets are good at stopping the pass.
Analysis: Branch is a good No. 2 WR for Fantasy owners to consider in Week 13.
News: Deion Branch caught five passes for 49 yards in Week 12 at Kansas City.
Analysis: Despite the quiet performance, the Branch will be a good option in Week 13 vs. the N.Y. Jets.
News: Deion Branch caught five balls for 38 yards and a touchdown in Week 11 vs. New Orleans.
Analysis: Deion Branch is a fantastic start in Week 12 at Kansas City.
News: Deion Branch had five receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown in Week 9 against the Colts.
Analysis: Branch remains a decent No. 3 or 4 Fantasy receiver or 'flex' player in Week 10 at Miami.
News: Deion Branch caught three passes for 92 yards and a TD in Sunday night's 21-16 win over Buffalo. He now has 40 catches and two TDs on the season.
Analysis: Branch has become a solid Fantasy performer and should start for owners in Week 9 vs. Indianapolis.
News: Branch had seven receptions for 87 yards in Week 6 at Denver.
Analysis: Branch has been a serviceable No. 3 or 4 Fantasy receiver or 'flex' player in most formats. The Patriots have a bye before hosting Buffalo in Week 8.
News: Patriots WR Deion Branch had eight catches for 107 yards at Atlanta in Week 5.
Analysis: Branch is a very solid No. 3 Fantasy WR, and is good enough to play as a No. 2 depending on the matchup. He could be in for a tough day at Denver in Week 6.
News: Deion Branch caught just one pass for six yards in Sunday's 41-17 loss to the San Diego Chargers.
Analysis: Not a great stat line for Branch against a porous Chargers pass defense, but he's still a nice starter for Week 5 at Atlanta.
News: Deion Branch had six receptions for 78 yards in Week 3 at Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Branch will look for better results and a return to the end zone in Week 4 against San Diego.
News: Deion Branch caught eight passes for 60 yards in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Analysis: Branch has had a solid start to the season and should remain active in most formats.
News: Deion Branch caught seven passes for 99 yards and one touchdown in Thursday's win over the Oakland Raiders.
Analysis: As long as Branch can remain 100 percent all season, he'll be a valuable option in all leagues as the Patriots' No. 1 option in the pass attack.
News: After missing a big chunk of 2004 with a knee injury, Deion Branch is healthy and ready to play for the Patriots. He is currently the team's No. 1 receiver on the depth chart.
Analysis: Branch is a great start in leagues that use three WRs.
News: Deion Branch tied a Super Bowl record with 11 receptions and posted 133 yards to take the MVP honors for New England.
Analysis: Look for Branch to have his best season as a pro in 2005.
News: Deion Branch had four receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's AFC Championship Game win at Pittsburgh. He also carried twice for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Quarterback Tom Brady and Branch developed a nice rapport last season, but the receiver spent most of the 2004 season nursing injuries. He is a great Fantasy option for Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville on Feb. 6 against the Eagles.
News: Deion Branch caught one pass for 15 yards in the AFC divisional playoff game against the Colts.
Analysis: With Corey Dillon running so well, the Patriots didn't have to pass much. New England will travel to Pittsburgh next weekend for the AFC Championship game.
News: Deion Branch had three receptions for a team-high 44 yards in Week 15 at Miami.
Analysis: Branch is a favorite of quarterback Tom Brady. As Branch has settled back into the lineup after missing most of the season due to a knee injury, he has seen more touches. He is only worth using as a No. 4 Fantasy receiver or 'flex' player in larger leagues for Week 16 at N.Y. Jets.
News: Deion Branch had only one reception for 13 yards in Week 13 at Cleveland.
Analysis: With the Patriots spanking the Browns, they decided to keep the attack mostly ground-based, hurting the Fantasy numbers of all of the receivers and quarterback Tom Brady. The Patriots host the Bengals in Week 14.
News: Deion Branch had four receptions for 51 yards in Week 12 against the Ravens.
Analysis: Branch continues to get healthier and healthier. If he is available in your Fantasy league, scoop him up immediately.
News: Deion Branch (knee) caught six passes for 105 yards with one touchdown in Monday's win over Kansas City.
Analysis: Branch could be available in some leagues, and is a solid late-season addition.
News: Patriots receiver Deion Branch (knee) is questionable for Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Analysis: Even if he is able to play, David Givens and David Patten will likely start at receiver against the Chiefs.
News: Deion Branch (knee) was inactive in Week 10 against Buffalo.
Analysis: Branch's return is still unclear. Keep him reserved until he is able to officially play and prove his health.
News: According to the Boston Globe, Patriots receiver Deion Branch (knee) is improving and might play in Week 10 against Buffalo. "He is getting better, yes," coach Bill Belichick said. "He is making good progress. He is coming along."
Analysis: Branch caught eight passes and scored once in the first two weeks of the season. David Givens and David Patten will likely start in Week 10, so keep Branch reserved until he proves he can play.
News: According to the Boston Globe, Patriots receiver Deion Branch (knee) was upgraded to questionable on the injury report for Week 10 against Buffalo.
Analysis: Branch hasn't played since making one catch in the Week 2 win over Arizona. Since then, David Givens and David Patten have done quite well as the starting receivers for the Patriots. It will be interesting to see how this group is handled when Branch returns. Keep him reserved until he proves he can play.
News: Deion Branch (knee) is out for Week 9 against the St. Louis.
Analysis: Branch hasn't played since Week 2. David Givens and David Patten will start at receiver against the Rams.
News: Deion Branch (knee) is out for Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Analysis: There must be something serious going on with Branch and his knee. He hasn't played since Week 2. David Givens and David Patten will start at receiver against the Steelers
News: Deion Branch (knee) is doubtful for Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Analysis: With Branch likely to remain sidelined, David Givens and David Patten will start at receiver against the Steelers.
News: Deion Branch (knee) was inactive again in Week 7 against the Jets.
Analysis: With Branch out again, David Givens and David Patten received the start.
News: According to footballinjuries.com, Deion Branch (knee) is out for Week 7 against the New York Jets.
Analysis: David Givens and David Patten will start at receiver against the Jets.
News: Deion Branch (knee) is doubtful for Week 7 against the New York Jets.
Analysis: With Branch likely to remain sidelined, David Givens and David Patten will start at receiver against the Jets.
News: Deion Branch (knee) is doubtful for Week 6 against Seattle.
Analysis: With Branch likely to remain sidelined, David Givens and David Patten will likely start.
News: According to reports, Deion Branch (knee) is likely out for Week 5 against Miami.
Analysis: Branch will be replaced by David Patten and David Givens.
News: Deion Branch (knee) is doubtful for Week 5 against the Dolphins.
Analysis: With Branch likely to remain sidelined, David Givens and David Patten will likely start.
News: According to the Boston Globe, coach Bill Belichick said, "Deion [Branch] is getting better."
Analysis: Branch was held out of Sunday's win over Buffalo due to an injured knee.
News: Branch (knee) is doubtful for Week 4 at Buffalo. He had hoped to be ready after resting during the team's bye week.
Analysis: Consider reserving Branch if you have healthier alternatives.
News: After a bye week, Patriots WR Deion Branch will travel to Buffalo to face the Bills in Week 4.
Analysis: Branch has eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown this season. He is a solid No. 2 Fantasy WR.
News: According to the Boston Globe, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Deion Branch (leg) could have played in the second half against the Cardinals but the team decided not to risk further injury to their receiver. Branch was injured just before halftime in the Week 2 game at Arizona.
Analysis: The Patriots have a bye in Week 3 so that should give Branch time to heal and get ready for Buffalo in Week 4.
News: Deion Branch injured his knee at the end of the second quarter at Arizona Sunday. He did not play in the second half, despite telling head coach Bill Belichick he wanted to get back in the game.
Analysis: Branch finished with one catch for only seven yards. David Givens had a huge game in his absence, but Branch will heal up over the Week 3 bye and be ready to play at Buffalo in Week 4.
News: Deion Branch was lying on the field in pain after a blocker went low on him during an interception return at Arizona Sunday.
Analysis: Branch's return to the game is in question.
News: Deion Branch scored the team's first touchdown of the season in Week 1 against Indianapolis.
Analysis: Branch finished with seven receptions for a game-high 86 yards. Branch is a solid No. 2 or 3 receiver in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Branch had five catches for 71 yards in Saturday's preseason game at Carolina.
Analysis: Branch is the team's top receiver in terms of Fantasy value. He has fantastic speed and the ability to break long touchdowns at any time.
News: Deion Branch had three receptions for 55 yards in Saturday's preseason game at Cincinnati.
Analysis: Branch had a big game in Super Bowl XXVIII and he might be poised for a breakout season in 2004.
News: Deion Branch caught 10 passes for 143 yards and one touchdown in Super Bowl XXXVIII.
Analysis: Branch could be one the verge of a breakout season in 2004.
News: According to published reports, Deion Branch (finger) was unable to practice on Wednesday. He is probable for Week 16 at N.Y. Jets.
Analysis: It appears safe to keep Branch in the active lineup in larger Fantasy leagues.
News: The Boston Globe reports Deion Branch had an injured finger on his right hand wrapped in a splint after Sunday's game.
Analysis: Branch's current status is unclear. He should continue to start alongside Troy Brown if he can play in Week 16.
News: Deion Branch suffered a hand injury in Week 15 against Jacksonville in the first quarter and was forced to leave the game. He had one reception for 16 yards.
Analysis: With Troy Brown (leg) back in the lineup, Branch is useful only in larger Fantasy leagues for Week 16 at N.Y. Jets.
News: Deion Branch had six receptions for 93 yards in Week 14 against the Dolphins.
Analysis: Branch has developed a nice rapport with quarterback Tom Brady, emerging as a decent Fantasy receiver in most formats.
News: Deion Branch totaled 64 yards and a TD in Week 13.
Analysis: Branch has clearly become Tom Brady's top target, and he has emerged as a quality starting option in most leagues.
News: Deion Branch (leg) was active in Week 12. He caught five passes for 52 yards.
Analysis: Branch is only worth starting as a No. 3 or 4 receiver in larger leagues.
News: The Patriots added Deion Branch (leg) to their injury report as questionable for Sunday's game against Houston.
Analysis: David Givens will likely replace Branch if he can't play.
News: Deion Branch had two receptions for 69 yards in Week 11 against the Cowboys.
Analysis: Branch is best used as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy receiver in most leagues.
News: Deion Branch, who enjoyed a breakout game in Week 9, has his work cut out for him against the league's best secondary (Dallas) on Sunday.
Analysis: Branch should only be considered as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy receiver in larger leagues for Week 11.
News: Deion Branch had three receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown in Week 9 at Denver.
Analysis: Branch should continue to start with David Patten out.
News: Branch (ankle) is listed as probable on the NFL's official injury report for Sunday's game against Cleveland.
Analysis: Branch is not a recommended Fantasy starter when healthy, but is valuable in keeper leagues.
News: The Boston Globe notes that Branch (ankle) was able to practice Friday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Miami.
Analysis: Branch is not a recommended Fantasy starter for this difficult matchup.
News: The Boston Globe reports that Branch (ankle) missed Wednesday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Miami.
Analysis: Branch is a promising talent who should be reserved against a strong Miami secondary.
News: The Boston Herald reports that Deion Branch (ankle) was able to practice Friday. He is questionable for Sunday's game against the N.Y. Giants.
Analysis: The injury makes Branch a risky starter this week.
News: Branch (ankle) was unable to practice on Thursday. He remains questionable for Week 6 against the Giants.
Analysis: Branch has yet to prove he can be a consistent Fantasy receiver when he is healthy.
News: Deion Branch had a protective boot on his right foot Tuesday. It's not known yet if he will be able to play Sunday against the Giants.
Analysis: Branch broke out with five catches for 68 yards in Week 5. He is expected to become even more involved in the offense as the year progresses.
News: Branch had five receptions for 68 yards in Week 5 against the Titans.
Analysis: Despite the decent numbers, Branch is too inconsistent to be used as anything more than a No. 4 Fantasy receiver in most leagues.
News: Deion Branch, who played as a No. 2 receiver for most of Sunday's game while subbing for an injured David Patten, totaled 25 receiving yards.
Analysis: Branch has not established himself as a reliable Fantasy player yet.
News: Branch had four catches for 89 yards, including a 26-yard third quarter touchdown, on Sunday at Philadelphia.
Analysis: Branch is worth using as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy receiver in larger leagues.
News: Deion Branch (leg) returned to practice on Monday after missing more than a week due to the injury, according to the Boston Globe.
Analysis: Branch is battling veteran David Patten for the No. 2 receiver job. Whichever player emerges as the job winner will be worth a late-round selection on Draft Day.
News: Deion Branch (undisclosed injury) missed Thursday's preseason game.
Analysis: Branch could emerge as a more frequent target for Tom Brady this year. He is a good late-round pick.
News: The Boston Herald says Branch is sidelined with an unspecified injury.
Analysis: Branch could emerge as a more frequent target for Tom Brady this year. He is a good late-round pick.
News: Branch (knee) missed practice on Thursday. He remains questionable for Week 15. J.R. Redmond might be activated Sunday if Branch is unable to play.
Analysis:
News: Branch suffered a right knee injury in Week 14. He is questionable for Week 15. The Boston Globe says it is not known how long he will be out. Branch has minimal Fantasy value.
Analysis:
News: Branch's current status is day to day. He left Sunday's game because of a cut on his face. Branch finished the game but failed to catch a pass. He no longer deserves a roster spot in smaller Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Branch left Sunday's game at Buffalo. He finished the contest without a catch, and no longer warrants a roster spot in smaller Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Branch is a good starting option in Week 6. The Packers' secondary is banged-up, so he might offer some surprising stats to Fantasy owners.
Analysis:
News: Branch had a solid game in Week 4. He posted 13 catches for 128 yards in New England's 21-14 loss to San Diego. Branch is a great reserve option in most Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Branch is expected to start in Week 4. He will replace Troy Brown, who is questionable due to a knee injury. Branch is a good Fantasy option in leagues that require three starting receivers.
Analysis:
News: Branch caught three passes for 65 yards and a TD at New York. He has quickly become a quality Fantasy player, and he should be considered a starter in larger leagues.
Analysis:
News: Branch caught six passes for 83 yards and a TD in his pro debut. Branch is certainly worth a roster spot in most leagues as a reserve, and he might be worth starting consideration if he develops consistency in the weeks ahead.
Analysis:
News: Branch missed practice on Tuesday due to a lower leg injury. The injury isn't considered serious, however, and won't keep him out of practice for an extended period.
Analysis:
News: Branch had eight catches for 129 yards on Saturday. The rookie wideout might emerge as a good No. 3 receiver for the Patriots and will merit consideration as a Fantasy backup if he continues to play well in exhibition games.
Analysis:
