New England Patriots DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

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 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 rookie quarterback Drake Maye is seeing approximately 30% of the first-team reps at team practices, according to Evan Lazar. This is a significantly higher percentage that backups typically never see. Head coach Jerod Mayo explained that this is part of the development process for the North Carolina product. While fantasy managers should continue to expect Jacoby Brissett to serve as the starting QB, this is a promising sign for Maye's development as he is being given ample opportunities to develop even as a backup. In the season opener, Brissett threw for just 121 yards without a score but led New England to an upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Fantasy managers in deeper 2-QB leagues should continue to stash Maye, as he should see playing time later this fall.

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker was a healthy scratch for the Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. While this is a concern for his future outlook, some first-year players take longer to adjust to the NFL than others. Patriots wide receiver coach Tyler Hughes said, "I think we'll see him more and more as the season goes on." Four Patriots wideouts saw targets in Week 1, including K.J. Osborn (six), Demario Douglas (three), Tyquan Thornton (three), and Ja'Lynn Polk (one). It's worth noting Kendrick Bourne (knee) is on the PUP list, but he could return as soon as Week 5. Fantasy managers should probably expect Baker to have little to no fantasy value in Year 1, but he could make noise later in his career and should continue to be stashed in deep dynasty leagues.

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) was listed as a limited participant for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Starter Rhamondre Stevenson was also limited, but that was for rest purposes and not an injury. Gibson was also limited in two practices last week but he eventually suited up in his Patriots debut in the surprising Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had a small role behind Stevenson, playing only 22% of the offensive snaps while seeing seven carries for 18 yards. Gibson wasn't targeted in the passing game. Barring a setback later this week, Gibson should be fine to play in Week 2 at home against the Seattle Seahawks. However, in a low-volume, low-upside offense currently being game managed by veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, we can't realistically recommend Gibson as even a flex play in most fantasy setups.