New England Patriots

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed seven times for 18 yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He did not command a target in the passing game. Unsurprisingly, Gibson played behind Rhamondre Stevenson and was far less efficient than the workhorse back. What's peculiar, though, is that Gibson didn't get any looks in the passing game; he averaged three catches per game over his final two seasons with the Washington Commanders. Gibson's next chance to make an impact will come in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. For now, he can be benched in most 12-team fantasy leagues.

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed 25 times for 120 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Stevenson also got involved in the passing game, catching all three of his targets for an additional six yards through the air. The Patriots' offense ran through Stevenson on Sunday, and it seems to have been a recipe for success as they pulled off the upset win. He has continued to prove himself as a talented runner, receiver, and blocker, giving him plenty of fantasy value over the rest of the season. He ranks as a very strong RB2 option heading into next week's home opener against the Seattle Seahawks.

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker will have to wait to make his NFL debut, as he's listed as a healthy scratch for Week 1 on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. To begin his first year in the league, the 22-year-old fourth-round selection is behind Demario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Kashon Boutte on the receiver depth chart in New England. Things won't get any easier for Baker once Kendrick Bourne (knee) eventually comes off the Physically Unable to Perform list at some point after Week 4. Especially in a Patriots offense that is expected to be one of the weakest units in the league this year, Baker's prospects for becoming fantasy relevant in single-year leagues are remote. For now, he's merely a bench stash in dynasty/keeper formats in what could be more of a redshirt year.

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) is officially active and will make his Patriots debut in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Gibson drew a questionable tag on Friday's final injury report, but it was reported on Saturday that he was fully expected to play this weekend. While Gibson, the former Washington Commanders RB, is worth a bench stash in deeper fantasy leagues in his first year in New England, he doesn't exactly come with a lot of fantasy upside as the backup to starter Rhamondre Stevenson in what is expected to be one of the weakest offenses in the NFL in 2024. The 26-year-old will provide a change of pace for Stevenson but should probably be left on fantasy benches in Week 1 wherever he is rostered.

The New England Patriots reportedly hope to sit rookie first-round quarterback Drake Maye behind veteran Jacoby Brissett until their offensive line improves. Brissett barely won the starting gig over Maye in training camp and is starting in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Patriots were impressed with Maye's command and knowledge of the offense this summer, but they want to put him in the best position to succeed when they throw him in there, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says it will probably be several weeks at least. The 22-year-old third overall selection will be starting games in his rookie year in 2024, but that may not happen right away. When it does happen, the Pats' QB of the future will have more upside than Brissett, but he won't have much to work with on offense and won't be much more than a low-end QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues.