Fantasy Football Player Notes

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. With only Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty, and Ke'Shawn Vaughn on the roster, Stevenson should be the leader of this running back room with bell-cow upside.

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 should work in tandem with Stevenson as the pass-catching component of this backfield, but if Stevenson falters out the gate, don't be surprised if Gibson takes over the lead role. Gibson is an interesting RB3 with upside in 2024.

Demario Douglas was essentially 2023's version of Jakobi Meyers - a completely afterthought of rookie WR that made an impact that could not score a TD to save his life. Case in point, his team leading 561 receiving yards were the most among all players to score 0 TDs in 2023.
Therefore, his final WR68 standing does a poor job projecting him going forward. He was the best playmaker on the Patriots all season. 18% target share. Earned 7 targets in his first NFL game. 5-plus targets in his 9 games played, seeing 7-plus in over half those contests.
From Week 7 onward, Douglas produced a 21% target share (27th), 25% air yards share, 11 missed tackles and 12.6 expected fantasy points per game (31st). Slightly behind Rashee Rice. Despite his strong showing, the Patriots drafted 2 WR in this year's draft.

Ja'Lynn Polk emerged as a key player at Washington, particularly impressing during his junior year. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 203 lbs, Polk's physique is ideal for versatility, allowing him to excel both outside and in the slot. After overcoming an injury in his sophomore year, he delivered a stellar senior season with 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 16.8 yards per catch. 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.

Javon Baker's journey saw a significant shift after transferring from Alabama to UCF, where he stood out during his final two seasons with dominator ratings of 23% and 31%. At 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, Baker distinguished himself as a big-play threat, leading to the second-highest average of yards per reception nationally (21.9) in 2023 and ranking fifth in yards per route run among his draft class. Often compared to DeVonta Smith for his route-running and body control, Baker adds more size and yards-after-catch ability. Drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round, he enters a team with a relatively weak receiver depth chart, positioning him as a potential standout. Despite being selected after Ja'Lynn Polk, Baker's ability to consistently make plays downfield, evidenced by his top performance in deep-target metrics, suggests a higher ceiling and the potential to become a leading figure in New England's passing attack.

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.