New England Patriots

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas should be avoided in most fantasy leagues ahead of the team's home opener against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Douglas has been one of the Patriots' most reliable pass-catchers since the middle of the 2023 season, but his volume has taken a hit with New England relying on its rushing attack and defense to keep them competitive. Jacoby Brissett isn't being asked to throw a lot, which means Douglas and his fellow receivers should continue to prepare for minimal value. In last week's season opener, for example, he registered just 12 yards on a pair of receptions. Until we see any sort of higher-level production out of Douglas, he can be left on fantasy waivers.

New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton did start on offense in Week 1, but his No. 3 receiver role in an offense with minimal passing volume keeps him off the fantasy radar for the time being. Quite simply, the Patriots will rely on their defense and rushing attack to win games, and their passing attack will merely be a secondary component. There aren't nearly enough targets to go around to support any major fantasy performances from the receivers, and that includes Thornton ahead of Week 2 versus Seattle. He can be left on waivers in all redraft leagues.

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is coming off a dominant season-opening performance and has entered must-start territory ahead of Week 2 versus the Seattle Seahawks. Stevenson rushed 25 times for 120 yards last week, with the vast majority of his yardage coming after contact. He also found the end zone and caught three short passes. Stevenson continues to have a very firm grasp on the lead-back role in New England, and he should continue to see significant volume this week, especially in a somewhat favorable matchup against the Seahawks. Seattle doesn't have a great run defense, and New England has shown a clear commitment to pounding the rock on the ground. Stevenson is a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside.

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett is one week removed from leading his team to a big upset victory on the road. Even after the Patriots' impressive win, Brissett is not a reliable option in fantasy football heading into Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. New England won last game largely thanks to its defense, Rhamondre Stevenson's production after contact, and Brissett's poise and veteran presence. Unfortunately, you don't get fantasy points for being calm in the pocket, and Brissett didn't exactly produce major yardage or touchdowns. The passing game is expected to remain relatively quiet this Sunday, so while Brissett is always a candidate to notch a touchdown, his role in this low passing volume offense drops him outside the top 24 fantasy quarterbacks for Week 2.

New England Patriots running back JaMycal Hasty (knee) has officially been labeled as questionable ahead of the team's Week 2 matchup. The Pats will square off against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday in their home opener, coming off a surprising 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 28-year-old popped up on the injury report this past Thursday and logged back-to-back limited sessions leading up to the weekend. Hasty did not receive a touch out of the backfield during Week 1 but was the only Patriot to return a kick in the win. If he were unable to play, rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk would be set to get work on returns alongside backup running back Antonio Gibson. Additionally, New England could decide to sign or elevate another running back to the roster as insurance on game day, with just Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson the only active players at the position.