Martellus Bennett captivated fantasy football fans with his combination of size, contested-catch skills, and red-zone threat. Understanding his role each season helps managers build reliable tight ends in competitive leagues.
This guide breaks down his profile, season-by-season performance, and how different schemes shaped his production for fantasy decision-makers.
| Season | Team | Receptions | Targets | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | NE | 60 | 91 | 690 | 3 |
| 2017 | NE | 31 | 54 | 361 | 1 |
| 2018 | CHI | 31 | 48 | 328 | 1 |
| 2019 | CHI | 29 | 47 | 416 | 2 |
| 2020 | NYG | 22 | 32 | 225 | 0 |
2016 Breakout Season with New England
In 2016, Martellus Bennett became the primary red-zone target for the Patriots, leveraging his frame against smaller defenders. With Tom Brady’s precision in the slot and motion concepts, he recorded career-high numbers and became a weekly flex staple.
Scheme Impact and Usage Patterns
Coaching strategies heavily influenced Bennett’s workload. Under aggressive formations and heavy-backfield looks, defenses had to respect his release, creating mismatches that fantasy managers could exploit in simulated drafts and weekly lineups.
In-Line Motion and Red-Zone Designation
Motion prowess defined Bennett’s peak years, as lining up in the backfield or shifting across the formation forced safeties to reveal coverage early. Fantasy owners benefited from his designation in goal-line packages, where he frequently attacked the end zone over the middle.
Decline and Trade Implications
Later seasons saw reduced targets due to scheme changes, injuries, and roster turnover. Fantasy managers tracking workload trends could use contract news and depth-chart movements to anticipate draft-day availability and trade value.
Key Takeaways for Fantasy Managers
- Target volume peaked in 2016 with high red-zone involvement.
- Scheme and quarterback fit directly correlated with his production.
- Motion ability forced defenses to adjust, creating favorable matchups.
- Later career declines highlight the importance of tracking workload and depth charts.
- Use his profile to benchmark tight-end value in auction drafts involving veteran pieces.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many fantasy points did Martellus Bennett average per game in his peak season?
In 2016, Bennett averaged over 18 fantasy points per game, driven by red-zone touches and consistent receptions that made him a high-floor flex option.
Which team and scheme created his highest target share?
The Patriots in 2016, using motion and condensed formations, generated the highest target share of his career, giving fantasy managers the most reliable snapshot of his ceiling.
What injury or workload trend most affected his later fantasy value? Declining targets after 2017, compounded by moves to Chicago and New York, signaled reduced volume that fantasy owners had to account for in late-round or handcuff decisions. How should I draft Martellus Bennett in a new league today?
Treat him as a legacy flex with limited late-round upside; prioritize him only in deep leagues with tight-end-by-committee formats that value résumé over current outlook.