New England Patriots

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has more fantasy football allure than the rest of his teammates heading into a Week 1 clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. While the Patriots have a very bleak outlook in general this year, there's still an opportunity for players like Stevenson to see decent volume. That starts this week against a Bengals defense that allowed the ninth-most rushing touchdowns and the 12th-most rushing yards to running backs in 2023. Stevenson will lose some touches to Antonio Gibson, but he's still the No. 1 back in this offense and has workhorse potential. He has also consistently shown his value as a runner, receiver, and blocker, which should allow him to get on the field and earn reps in all types of situations this year. He ranks as a low-end RB2, but managers should expect reduced touchdown opportunities with the Patriots projected to finish as the worst team in the NFL this year.

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett is gearing up for his second stint with the team. He'll draw the start for New England in Week 1 but remains off the radar in most fantasy leagues. His below-average play coupled with the Patriots' weak pass-catching group lowers Brissett's floor, as well as his upside. He also has a tough matchup against an up-and-coming Cincinnati Bengals defense that finished with the eighth-most interceptions in the NFL last year. If you're a fantasy manager who waited to select a quarterback until the very end of your draft in 2-QB leagues, maybe you should consider Brissett. Otherwise, though, he has a bleak outlook this week and should be treated as one of the least preferable QB options in fantasy football.

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) has been removed from Friday's final injury report and will be good to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Henry was a full participant in the first official practice of the year on Wednesday, so there was never really any doubt whether he'd suit up and play this weekend after dealing with a foot injury during training camp. Fantasy managers can't really get too excited about any of the offensive skill players in New England's offense this year in what is expected to be one of the most lackluster units, but the 29-year-old Henry could be a valuable safety blanket for both quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye as they play catchup on the scoreboard more often than not. Heading into Week 1, fantasy managers should treat Henry as a TE2 sleeper against Cincy.

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) said his hip responded well during Friday's practice session, and he's optimistic he'll be ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday versus the Cincinnati Bengals, barring an unexpected turn of events. Gibson was added to the injury report on Thursday and was limited in practice with his hip injury. The 26-year-old could be questionable on Friday's final injury report, but Gibson appears to be on the right side of questionable right now. If he's active for his Patriots debut, Gibson will be the backup to starter Rhamondre Stevenson in an offense that isn't expected to be very dynamic while being run by either QB Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye. Gibson should be on fantasy benches if he's active in Week 1, while JaMycal Hasty could rise to a backup role behind Stevenson if Gibson is held out.UPDATE: Gibson officially was listed as questionable.

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) was added to the team's injury report on Thursday after putting in a limited practice session. Mid-week downgrades in status are usually never good, but the Patriots could also be practicing caution with one of their top running backs just before the start of the regular season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. We'll know more when the Patriots release their final injury report on Friday. Gibson, who is in his first year in New England in the first year without head coach Bill Belichick, is expected to be the primary change-of-pace option to starter Rhamondre Stevenson in an offense that not many people are expecting much from under either veteran QB Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye. Gibson is best left on benches in Week 1, and if he's not active, JaMycal Hasty could be the team's RB2 behind Stevenson.