Fantasy Football Player Notes

Stefon Diggs was productive in 2024 before tearing his ACL in Week 8, ranking as the WR10 overall and WR18 in points per game while operating out of the slot in Houston's offense. Even alongside a healthy Nico Collins, Diggs averaged 13+ points per game through the first five weeks. Now 31 and coming off a major injury, Diggs signed a three-year, $64 million deal with the Patriots - but it's essentially a one-year prove-it contract. He may not be ready for Week 1, and while he's the clear WR1 in New England, expectations should be tempered. If Diggs and Drake Maye click, there's upside here, but he still carries risk given the optics of his situation.

Demario Douglas was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lackluster 2024 Patriots receiving corps. The rookie wideout posted a 66-621-3 receiving line, finishing as the WR52 overall and WR69 in points per game (6.7). He showed consistency throughout the year, catching at least two passes in every game but one, and flashed real upside in Week 6 - with 6 catches for 92 yards and a TD against Houston in Drake Maye's first NFL start. Douglas carved out a consistent role as New England's primary slot receiver, and that role should remain intact heading into 2025. The Patriots have since revamped the WR room, trading for Stefon Diggs and drafting Kyle Williams, but Douglas could still be the de facto WR1 early in the season if Diggs isn't ready as he recovers from a torn ACL.

Kyle Williams enters the NFL as one of the most dynamic rookie wide receivers in the 2025 class. After a breakout 2024 season at Washington State (1,200+ yards, 14 TDs, 34% dominator rating), Williams showcased elite YAC skills (1st in class) and vertical playmaking (3rd in deep-ball catches, 58.3% success rate on 20+ yard throws). His tape backs it up - including burning Travis Hunter on one notable route - and his Tyler Lockett-style game makes him a strong fit with rookie QB Drake Maye in New England. With Stefon Diggs on a one-year prove-it deal and coming off a torn ACL, Williams has a legitimate shot to emerge as the Patriots' go-to target in Year 1.