Fantasy Football Player Notes
2024 PPR Draft Rankings
66.
Rhamondre Stevenson
RB - (vs . BUF)
To say Rhamondre Stevenson's 2023 season was a disappointment would be an understatement. Stevenson was the RB10 in 2022, averaging 86 total yards per game, but he couldn't come close to those numbers last year, finishing as the RB27 in fantasy points per game with 71.4 total yards per game. Stevenson's overall numbers stunk, but if we look further into how his season played out, there's hope for 2024. In Weeks 1-8, among 39 qualifying backs (minimum 50 rushing attempts per Fantasy Points Data), he ranked 33rd in missed tackles forced per attempt and 38th in yards after contact per attempt. In Weeks 9-13 (Stevenson missed the remainder of the season due to a high ankle sprain), he looked like the stud that we thought we were getting for the entire season. In that four-game stretch (minimum 25 carries), among 48 qualifying backs, he ranked 13th in missed tackles forced per attempt and third in yards after contact per attempt. Stevenson could easily bounce back this season and be the hero for Zero RB drafters.
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148.
Antonio Gibson
RB - (vs . BUF)
Gibson lands in New England on a three-year deal, which is essentially a puffed-up one-year deal. New England can get out of Gibson's contract after one season if he doesn't pan out as Rhamondre Stevenson's running mate this upcoming season. Last season, in a breather role, Gibson ranked first in missed tackles forced per attempt and eighth in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Gibson has displayed explosive playmaking when utilized properly, as well as also demonstrating the ability to be a volume rusher when it has been called for. Gibson will be the breather back for the Patriots this season and Stevenson's primary handcuff.
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150.
Hunter Henry
TE - (vs . BUF)
Henry had an up-and-down season, which can be traced to an ankle and knee issue. The ankle ailment slowed him down during the middle of the season (Weeks 6-8) and the knee problem ended his season early (Week 16). Henry had ten games last year where he was able to play at least 70% of the snaps. In that sample, he finished as a TE1 in 50% of his games while drawing a 15.2% target share with 1.35 yards per route run and 35.7 receiving yards per game. He averaged 10.8 fantasy points per game. The interesting takeaway in that sample was that among 41 qualifying tight ends, he ranked seventh in first downs per route run, and that fantasy points per game mark would have made him TE8 in fantasy if he had kept up the pace all year. Henry is a strong late-round tight end who could flirt with TE1 production this year.
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158.
DeMario Douglas
WR - (vs . BUF)
Demario Douglas emerged as a surprise contributor for the Patriots in 2023, showcasing his playmaking ability despite failing to find the end zone. Leading the team with 561 receiving yards without a touchdown, he demonstrated consistent involvement in the passing game with an 18% target share. From Week 7 onwards, Douglas maintained a significant role, posting a 21% target share and earning praise for his performance. However, the Patriots' decision to draft two wide receivers this year introduces competition, potentially impacting Douglas's role in the offense moving forward.
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161.
Ja'Lynn Polk
WR - (vs . BUF)
After overcoming an injury in his sophomore year, Ja'Lynn Polk delivered a stellar senior season with 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns. Known for his quickness, strong hands, and excellent body control, Polk consistently makes difficult catches in traffic, showcasing his well-rounded skills. Drawing comparisons to NFL players like Mohamed Sanu, Tyler Boyd, and Joshua Palmer, Polk is considered a safe, reliable receiver. Selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Patriots, he is poised to become a dependable part of their passing game.
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233.
Drake Maye
QB - (vs . BUF)
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248.
Kendrick Bourne
WR - (vs . BUF)
The Patriots re-signed Kendrick Bourne to a 3-year, $19.5 million contract. He will be 29 years old in 2024, coming off a Week 8 torn ACL injury. Before his injury, Bourne was the fantasy WR28 averaging 10.2 points per game in half-PPR (38th). Led the Patriots with a 19.4% target share with a 28% air yards share. He will likely be in the starter's chair until a rookie or younger WR usurps him on the depth chart.
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266.
Javon Baker
WR - (vs . BUF)
Javon Baker's path to the NFL took a significant turn when he transferred from Alabama to UCF, where he excelled with impressive dominator ratings in his final two seasons. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, Baker's skill set as a big-play threat was evident, highlighted by his high average yards per reception and yards after catch ability. Often compared to DeVonta Smith, Baker brings added size and route-running prowess to the table. Drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round, he joins a team with a relatively thin receiver depth chart, offering him ample opportunity to shine. Despite being chosen after Ja'Lynn Polk, Baker's consistent ability to make plays downfield suggests a high ceiling and the potential to emerge as a key figure in New England's passing game.
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274.
K.J. Osborn
WR - (vs . BUF)
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281.
Jacoby Brissett
QB - (vs . BUF)
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334.
New England Patriots
DST - (vs . BUF)
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375.
Tyquan Thornton
WR - (vs . BUF)
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381.
Austin Hooper
TE - (vs . BUF)
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404.
Jaheim Bell
TE - (vs . BUF)
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417.
JaMycal Hasty
RB - (vs . BUF)
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458.
Kevin Harris
RB - (vs . BUF)
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524.
Kayshon Boutte
WR - (vs . BUF)
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561.
Joey Slye
K - (vs . BUF)
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634.
Joe Milton III
QB - (vs . BUF)
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702.
Mitchell Wilcox
TE - (vs . BUF)
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767.
Jack Westover
TE - (vs . BUF)
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