New England Patriots 2024 Fantasy Football and Betting Insights

The Post-Tom Brady and Post-Bill Belichick Era

Transition and Rebuilding

The Patriots are entering a challenging phase in their storied franchise history. With Brady gone for a few years and Belichick no longer at the helm, the team is clearly in a rebuilding mode. While it doesn’t appear they are tanking, they haven’t made significant moves to compete this season. Instead, they seem to be focusing on developing their young talent, most notably quarterback Drake Maye, who will likely take over later in the season.

Starting Quarterback: Jacoby Brissett

To begin the season, Brissett will start at quarterback. Brissett, who began his career with the Patriots and has since become a journeyman, is a serviceable backup but not a dynamic starter. His role will be to manage games and provide stability until Maye is ready to take over. For fantasy purposes, Brissett isn’t a high-value pick, and his ceiling is quite limited.

Fantasy Football Outlook: Key Players

Running Back: Rhamondre Stevenson

Stevenson: The Lone Bright Spot

Stevenson is one of the few Patriots players with significant fantasy value. As the team’s primary running back, Stevenson is expected to carry a heavy workload. He proved to be a solid RB2 last season and should continue to be a reliable option for fantasy owners, particularly in PPR leagues where his pass-catching ability adds value.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Kendrick Bourne and Juju Smith-Schuster

The Patriots’ receiving corps lacks star power, with Kendrick Bourne and Smith-Schuster being the primary options. Both receivers have potential but are likely to be inconsistent, making them late-round picks or waiver-wire additions in most fantasy leagues.

Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper

At tight end, Henry and Hooper provide some upside, but neither is an elite option. Henry is a solid TE2, particularly in leagues with deeper starting requirements, while Hooper remains a dart throw, especially given the uncertainty at quarterback.

Betting Insight: Patriots’ Prospects

Season Win Total and Playoff Chances

Low Expectations

The Patriots are not expected to compete for the AFC East title or a playoff spot this season. Betting markets reflect this with high odds against them making the playoffs and low expectations for their win total. With a projected win total set around six or seven, betting the under could be a smart play given the team’s transitional state and tough schedule.

Player Props

Stevenson

Betting on Stevenson’s individual performance, such as rushing yards and touchdowns, could offer value. Given his role as the primary back, betting the over on his rushing yards might be worthwhile, especially if the line is set conservatively.

Quarterback Situation

With Brissett starting and Maye likely taking over mid-season, betting markets for Patriots quarterbacks are tricky. Props on total passing yards and touchdowns for Brissett could be undervalued if he performs better than expected in the early part of the season.

Draft Strategy: Patriots Players

Early and Mid-Round Targets

Rhamondre Stevenson

Stevenson should be targeted in the mid-rounds of fantasy drafts as an RB2. His workload and potential for touchdowns make him one of the few reliable options on the Patriots’ roster.

Late-Round Fliers

Bourne andHenry

Both Bourne and Henry can be considered in the later rounds as potential breakout candidates, but temper expectations. They are more suited as bench depth or bye-week fill-ins rather than weekly starters.

Drake May

If you’re in a dynasty league or one that values young quarterbacks, stashing May could pay off in the long run. He has the potential to develop into a franchise quarterback, making him a valuable asset in future seasons.

Conclusion

The Patriots are facing a rebuilding year, which means limited fantasy and betting value. Stevenson is the standout player, but beyond him, options are sparse. Betting against the Patriots’ success this season could be a profitable strategy while focusing on individual player performance props might offer some value. As the season progresses, keep an eye on Maye’s development and potential impact on the team’s future. 

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.