New England Patriots

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson has emerged as a potential RB3/FLEX option in deeper leagues ahead of his Week 15 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. While Gibson has operated in a clear backup role behind Rhamondre Stevenson for essentially the whole season, his strong performance on the other side of the Patriots' bye could earn him some additional opportunities going forward. In that last outing against Indianapolis, Gibson rushed seven times for 62 yards (8.9 YPC) and one touchdown, finishing with just 0.2 fewer points than Stevenson in half-PPR and standard scoring systems. Gibson faces an uphill battle to produce given his 24 percent snap share, seven carries, and zero receptions back in Week 13, but we like his efficiency and touchdown upside moving forward. Managers should treat him as a potential RB3/FLEX option in leagues with at least 14 teams.

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson continues to be a risky RB3 option heading into Sunday's Week 15 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. While Stevenson remains the Patriots' lead back and had a 94-yard showing prior to last week's bye, a few factors should cause fantasy managers to at least consider other options for their Week 15 lineups. First, Stevenson could be headed for a reduced role this week. In Week 13, Antonio Gibson averaged 8.9 yards per carry and scored a touchdown, showing the coaching staff that he deserves more opportunities going forward. Additionally, we can't discount the Cardinals' run defense. While the unit has admittedly started to break down over the season, they've held players like Kyren Williams and Aaron Jones to 25 or fewer rushing yards. Managers shouldn't necessarily rush to bench Stevenson we still like his game script and receiving upside but they would be wise to at least explore some of the FLEX options on their bench or waiver wire.

New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (concussion) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice as he battles through the league's concussion protocol. It's unclear when the 22-year-old picked up his injury. Baker played just two snaps in New England's loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13, so it's possible it happened then. Though, it's a bit concerning that he's still in the league's protocol even after a bye in Week 14. He'll have two more chances to elevate his practice status ahead of the Patriots' Week 15 outing against the Arizona Cardinals. The rookie wideout has yet to haul in a pass this season but has worked as a return man for the Pats. If Baker can't play, running backs Antonio Gibson and JaMycal Hasty will handle most of the return duties.

The New England Patriots are expected to sign kicker John Parker Romo to their practice squad on Tuesday, one day after he cleared waivers from the Minnesota Vikings, according to sources. While filling in for Will Reichard when he was injured, Romo went 11-for-12 on his field-goal tries and 7-for-8 on his extra-point attempts in four games played. He will now head to the AFC East to join the Patriots and serve as kicking depth for starter Joey Slye, who has made only 22 of his 28 field-goal attempts (78.6%) while missing one of his 18 extra points in 13 games this season. That includes Slye missing three field-goal tries in the team's last two games, so if his struggles continue, don't be surprised if the Pats give Romo a shot with only several games remaining in the 2024 campaign.

Minnesota Vikings kicker John Parker Romo is in store for a favorable spot this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons if he plays. Romo has been excellent while filling in for kicker Will Reichard (quad), nailing 11-of-12 field goal attempts while connecting on seven of his eight extra-point tries. However, his services may not be required in Week 14, with Reichard deemed questionable for the contest. The rookie was able to participate fully this week during practice, so it would appear he has a good shot at suiting up for this weekend's home tilt. Whichever kicker is active for Sunday will have an excellent opportunity to put up strong numbers against a Falcons defense that's struggled to stop anyone in 2024.