New England Patriots

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) said he's ahead of schedule in his rehab and projects to be ready for the 2024 season opener despite tearing his right ACL in the team's loss to the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 29. He's one of the team's 18 players scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March, but Bourne is hoping to re-sign with New England. "I want to come back [to New England]. That is a goal of mine. I love being a Patriot -- it's a great environment for a person like me," Bourne said. The 28-year-old was on pace for a career-best season in 2023 before getting injured, even considering the team's offensive struggles as a whole. The Patriots have undergone an entire coaching-staff change, so even if Bourne re-signs, there's no guarantee he'll pick up where he left off in 2023.

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was arrested on Thursday on charges related to illegal online sports gambling. The rookie allegedly created an online betting account under a fictitious name and then placed illegal bets while he was still under the age of 21 and not legally allowed to gamble. He is accused of placing nearly 9,000 bets, including at least two bets on an LSU game that he played in. Boutte was once viewed as a potential first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft but ultimately fell to the sixth round. He caught just two passes for 19 yards in his rookie campaign, and off-the-field incidents are not going to help his cause to get more opportunities moving forward.

Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson rushed two times for eight yards and caught three of his four targets for 28 yards in the season-ending blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Gibson completely lost his starting job to Brian Robinson Jr. this year, finishing the campaign with just 265 rushing yards, 389 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns. The 25-year-old has fumbled 12 times in four years, which is likely one cause of his decreased playing time since his rookie season. Gibson is scheduled to be a free agent this offseason. Although his days as a fringe RB1 are likely over, he could have PPR value as a pass-catching back in the right offense next season.

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas turned five targets into two catches for 13 yards during Sunday's loss to the New York Jets. He also added one rush for no gain. The Liberty product finishes his rookie campaign with 49 catches and 561 receiving yards, but he's still searching for his first NFL touchdown. Douglas enters the offseason as New England's top wide receiver, but the team will surely look to add significant competition at the position through the draft, free agency, and trades.

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas remains an unreliable option in fantasy football with an unfavorable matchup and subpar weather conditions on tap for Week 18. Douglas, 23, caught just three passes for 31 yards last week against a Buffalo Bills defense that is typically soft against slot receivers. This week, he'll face a much tougher test in the form of the Jets, who allow the fewest catches, yards, and fantasy points to wideouts. To make matters worse, Sunday's game is expected to feature heavy snow, rain, and wind, creating unfavorable conditions for the passing game. Managers can leave Douglas on the bench in most fantasy leagues.