New England Patriots

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye makes his first start against a divisional opponent in Week 8 when he takes on the New York Jets at home. The 22-year-old has been impressive through his first two career starts, completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 519 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also has 56 rushing yards, six sacks, and a lost fumble. In those two games, Maye has been the QB10 and QB7, respectively. It's certainly possible he keeps up this top-12 production against the Jets, but it should also be noted that he's had easier matchups in a negatively-scripted, blowout loss to the Houston Texans and a clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars' subpar defense across the pond. Maye gets a more true test this week against the Jets, who have allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards, seventh-fewest fantasy points, and eight-fewest rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks this year. This tougher matchup knocks Maye out of the top-12 tier, but he still ranks a solid mid-to-high QB2 play for fantasy football in Week 8.

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas remains an appealing fantasy option given his volume within the offense. Although he was only targeted three times last week, that was likely a product of Douglas battling an illness and missing some key snaps. In the two weeks prior, when he was fully healthy, he had totaled 18 targets, 12 catches, 151 yards, and one touchdown. This week, Douglas faces the Jets. While New York has been solid against the pass this season, they were ripped apart by George Pickens and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. While Pickens and Douglas are not comparable receivers, the point remains that the Jets' secondary is susceptible to surrendering big games. It should also be noted that they've struggled against slot receivers, like Douglas. He should command a high volume of targets once again, especially if the Patriots find themselves playing from behind. Now, it's just a matter of whether he can turn those targets into catches, yards, and perhaps even a trip to the end zone. With his high volume but merely moderate matchup, Douglas checks in as a low-end WR3/FLEX play.

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has led the position group in snaps over the last two weeks, but his low target share as a deep threat in the offense has kept him off the fantasy radar for the time being. The second-year receiver emerged out of nowhere in Drake Maye's first start in Week 6, catching his first career touchdown pass. Despite that big play and increase in snaps, Boutte has been held to just four catches over the last two games. This week, he faces the New York Jets, who have been impressive against non-slot receivers this year. Still, they did get ripped apart by George Pickens last week, showing susceptibility to surrendering big plays. Boutte has big-play upside, so it's just a matter of him shaking a defender and creating an opportunity for himself. Until he can do that on a more consistent basis, though, he'll remain off the fantasy radar.

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (concussion) remains out of practice on Thursday as he works through concussion protocol. The rookie second-round pick out of Washington is looking less likely to play in Week 8 as the week moves forward after suffering a concussion in Week 7. That said, Polk should not be in starting fantasy football lineups even if he does play against a New York Jets defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Polk has hauled in just 10 of his 26 targets for 78 yards and one touchdown through Week 7. Demario Douglas and Hunter Henry are the early favorites to be Drake Maye's favorite targets in 2024.

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) is back on the practice field on Thursday after missing Wednesday's session. The team listed him with a foot/not-injury-related designation on Wednesday, so he was likely held out as a precaution. Stevenson missed the Week 6 outing against the Houston Texans before returning to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7. Based on what we know so far, he is trending toward playing in Week 8 in a matchup with the New York Jets. The Jets have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, and Stevenson has been a boom-or-bust option this season. That said, consider him an RB3 option with a low floor this Sunday if he's active. UPDATE: Stevenson practiced in full on Thursday.