AFC East Preview: Is it Boom or Bust for the New England Patriots?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
New England Patriots: Fantasy Betting Perspective
Mac Jones: A Rollercoaster Investment
Mac Jones’ rookie year was a tale of two halves. The Alabama product burst onto the scene and took the league by storm early on, exhibiting precision and maturity well beyond his years. However, his performance took a nosedive in the second half of the season, leading many to question his viability as a franchise quarterback. It’s anyone’s guess as to which version of Jones will show up this year, making him a risky pick in fantasy. If you’re feeling brave, he might be worth a late-round flyer but remember to have a reliable backup on your roster.
Rhamondre Stevenson: Boom or Bust
Rhamondre Stevenson, the second-year back out of Oklahoma, has seen his fantasy stock rise this off-season. He’s drawn comparisons to Denver’s Javonte Williams, with experts predicting a significant increase in his workload. However, like Williams, Stevenson represents a classic boom-or-bust player. His ceiling is tantalizing, but his floor is alarmingly low. A true gamble; make sure you have a stable, reliable running back corps before rolling the dice on Stevenson.
Tight Ends: Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki
The Patriots seem to be returning to their two tight-end strategy, reminiscent of their glory years. Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki look set to share the field, which could provide plenty of opportunities for both. This could also complicate matters for fantasy owners, who will need to monitor their usage and performance closely. Both tight ends are solid late-round picks, but remember that they might cannibalize each other’s fantasy value.
Wide Receivers: An Underwhelming Group
The Patriots wide receiver corps leaves much to be desired from a fantasy perspective. JuJu Smith-Schuster is clearly past his prime, and DeVante Parker’s best years appear to be behind him as well. Kendrick Bourne and Ka’Shawn Boutte are intriguing options, but they’re unproven commodities at this point. Betting on any of these receivers would represent a high-risk move, so proceed with caution.
Possible Leonard Fournette Signing: A Game-Changer
Recent reports have linked Leonard Fournette with a move to the Patriots, and if true, this could shake up the team’s fantasy landscape significantly. Fournette would likely split carries with Stevenson, which could reduce both backs’ fantasy value but provide the Patriots with a potent one-two punch. If Fournette does end up in New England, he would be a must-draft player, but keep an eye on the developing situation.
Final Thoughts
While the Patriots don’t have the most attractive offense from a fantasy perspective, there are a few potential gems hidden amongst the rough. Stevenson could be a breakout star, and Jones might regain his rookie form under a new offensive coordinator. Keep an eye on their tight ends, who could turn into valuable assets in deeper leagues. As always, proceed with caution when drafting Patriots players, and remember: fantasy football is as much about calculated risks as it is about sure bets.
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