I made the decision after watching Bill Belichick's defense take Sean McVay's offense to the wood shed in the Super Bowl.
While most were focused on drafting the Bears, Rams or Chargers in July, my plan was to draft the Patriots in all my leagues, regardless of cost. My gut told me this squad could potentially be a Belichick masterpiece. Always listen to your gut (remember this for later).
Through seven weeks, it's clear the unit is the front-runner for fantasy MVP and it's not even close. They've allowed a league-low 6.9 points per game, have the second-most sacks (26), the most interceptions (18) and have scored five touchdowns.
Based on standard scoring, the Pats D/ST would be the top-ranked tight end, or a top six quarterback, running back and wide receiver. It's unprecedented.
I'm not bragging here. This is actually an anecdote about the worst mistake/decision I've ever made in fantasy sports.
I'm under .500 in only one of my leagues (humble-brag) because I tried to be too cute Week 1. I dropped the Pats D because I was worried about their matchup with the Steelers, assuming I could pick them back up the following week. I chose the Broncos because of a perceived favorable matchup against a Raiders team dealing with the loss of Antonio Brown.
I won despite a zero from the Broncos, but to my dismay, the team I beat picked up the Pats. I've been streaming defenses ever since. My 3-4 squad could easily be 5-2 if I would have just stuck by my gut.
I've made bad draft choices. I've been on the wrong side of a trade. I've held on to players too long and gave up on them too soon, but I've never regretted a move as much as this one.
While with every passing shutout, it stings a little more, the only thing I can do is learn from it.
Such is life (and fantasy).
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here are my best bets for Week 8:
