In our next series, the Deep State will look to examine the studs and duds of each NFL division to help you better prepare for your 2019 fantasy football season. At times, finding those players that will stand out and those that are destined to bust can be cut and dry. Other times it can be very difficult and not turn out as expected.

In this series, we’ll break down each team from the division and give you the Deep State’s studs and duds for the upcoming 2019 fantasy football season. First up in this installment is the AFC East.

New England Patriots

Stud: James White, running back

After averaging 52 receptions from 2015-2017, White exploded last season with 87 receptions for 751 yards and 7 touchdowns. He added another 425 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground. Don’t expect the same number of rushing yards with the New England Patriots’ large stable of backs, but he could come close to matching the reception total.

The Patriots’ offense will look a lot different this year with the retirement of tight end Rob Gronkowski and the addition of receivers Demaryius Thomas and rookie N’Keal Harry. Tom Brady will likely look for a familiar dependable face in an offense that features short, efficient passes. White makes an excellent fantasy RB2 candidate, especially in PPR leagues.

Dud: Sony Michel, running back

Michel had an impressive rookie year on the ground, rushing for 931 yards in just eight starts. As a result, Michel is going off boards in the early rounds of 2019 fantasy football drafts, but there is reason for concern. It’s not talent that is cause for concern but volume.

Michel is just one cog in a multi-part Patriots’ backfield that also includes James White, Rex Burkhead, and third-round rookie Damien Harris. In addition, Michel is a non-factor in the passing game (just 7 receptions last season) and may not repeat 200-plus carries in 2019. He is a talented back, but there’s a strong buyer beware caveat for the 2019 fantasy football season.

UP NEXT: MIAMI DOLPHINS