Over the past few years, when writing this column, there was always a lot to analyze, from debates on how early to draft Tom Brady to whether it was worth holding onto players like N’Keal Harry, Chris Hogan, or Danny Amendola. Patriots rosters were full of potential league-winners, from a healthy Gronk to PPR machines like Julian Edelman and Wes Welker.
And for the thrill-seekers, there was always the challenge of figuring out which running back would get the goal-line carries each week. Those who took a chance on LeGarrette Blount and his 18 rushing touchdowns in 2016 have fond memories, while those who gambled on Stevan Ridley in the second round in 2013 do not.
But the 2024 New England Patriots are a different story, at least on paper before they’ve played a meaningful game. They’re shaping up to be the exact opposite of a team you’d want to target for fantasy players. Instead of proven stars, you’re looking at rookies with potential and familiar names like Rhamondre Stevenson, Hunter Henry, and Kendrick Bourne—guys who are valuable in real life but may not offer much in terms of fantasy stats. Most importantly, whether by design or default, this year’s Patriots seem like the type of team that will need to grind out every win in low-scoring, tough battles just to have a chance at a respectable season.
Given their brutally difficult schedule, we should be realistic and expect that they’ll often be playing from behind. While that’s frustrating for fans, it’s worth noting that garbage time points still count in fantasy just as much as the highlight-reel plays.
Even so, fantasy football is more fun when you have a player or two from your favorite team. So, let’s dive into the 2024 Patriots and see if we can turn some lemons into something more enjoyable—maybe even a party with iced tea and vodka.
As always, our rankings come from Fantasy Pros, my go-to source because they consolidate rankings from hundreds of analysts into one easy-to-read list, saving you from the hassle of wondering if one ranking you found online is completely out of touch.
(Note: We’re not sponsored by Fantasy Pros, but hey, if you’re reading this, Fantasy Pros…let’s talk. I’ve got bills too!)
Let’s start with the man everyone who’s ever worn a Pats hat over the past two decades is excited to see on the field:
**Quarterbacks**
**Drake Maye**
*Average Draft Position: 236th overall*
*Position Ranking: QB31*
Even if math isn’t your strong suit, you can probably tell that a QB31 ranking and a draft position outside the range of Mr. Irrelevant in a standard 12-team draft means that drafting Drake Maye is almost like wasting a pick. Unless…
You’re closely following Twitter and Pats Pulpit for the news that Drake has finally been named the starter. It could happen tomorrow, next week, or not until Christmas. Jerod Mayo and the coaching staff have floated every possibility, even if some of their scenarios contradict each other, so it’s a total dice roll right now.
But remember, this is supposed to be fun! If drafting and stashing the Patriots’ QB of the future makes you happy, then go for it. Be the person who drafts Drake Maye and gets to brag about it later.
**Jacoby Brissett**
Let’s be serious. Jacoby’s ranking is even lower than Drake’s, so there’s nothing more to say.
**Running Backs**
**Rhamondre Stevenson**
*Average Draft Position: 66th overall*
*Average Draft Position (PPR): 69th overall*
*Position Ranking: RB21*
Fresh off a well-deserved four-year extension, it’s clear that the Patriots aren’t sticking with the committee approach of the dynasty era. Rhamondre is the top dog in this backfield, and he’s being paid like an every-down weapon. It’s not a stretch to think he could surpass his 13 carries per game from last season and get closer to the 88 targets he had in 2022, compared to his 51 targets in 2023. In the fifth round, when you’re staring down the running back dead zone, Rhamondre could offer some real value and upside.
**Antonio Gibson**
*Average Draft Position: 153rd overall*
*Average Draft Position (PPR): 144th overall*
*Position Ranking: RB49*
We shouldn’t immediately pigeonhole Antonio Gibson into the third-down back role of the past, like Kevin Faulk or James White. While we can’t take much from his usage in Washington, it’s interesting to note that over the last three years, Gibson has almost as many carries as Rhamondre (472 vs. 499) and actually has more targets in the passing game (169 vs. 157). The preseason showed that new OC Alex Van Pelt isn’t afraid to split his running backs out wide to create mismatches.
But let’s be realistic—if you’re drafting in the last few rounds and your other options are players like Blake Corum or Trey Benson, which gamble do you really want to take?
**Wide Receivers**
**Demario Douglas**
*Average Draft Position: 167th overall*
*Average Draft Position (PPR): 156th overall*
*Position Rank: WR66*
Personally, I believe your last pick before the inevitable defense and kicker should be fun. And “fun” means a New England Patriot who’s either a rookie, a new addition to the team, or someone primed for a breakout.
But, if we’re being honest, this is probably the only time you should consider drafting Pop Douglas or any other Patriots receiver this season. We’ve been discussing the concerns about the Patriots’ passing game since OTAs, and while Pop is exciting when he gets the ball in space, he’s still coming off a season where he averaged only 3.5 receptions on 5.6 targets per game and has yet to find the end zone in his career.
However, Pop has averaged 11.4 yards per reception so far and might see more than the 79 targets he had in 2023 as the Patriots likely utilize him as their primary slot option and a potential mismatch creator. Plus, there’s always the possibility of trick plays like end-arounds, jet sweeps, and screens that New England may resort to this season.
**Ja’Lynn Polk**
*Average Draft Position: 170th overall*
*Average Draft Position (PPR): 165th overall*
*Position Rank: WR68*
A second-round rookie receiver for the Patriots, drafted even higher than Tyquan Thornton, likely going undrafted in fantasy? What happened to our game?
Here’s why you might take a chance on Ja’Lynn Polk with one of your late-round dart throws: Every year, there’s almost always at least one rookie wide receiver who becomes a fantasy standout. Over the past five seasons, seven rookie receivers have finished in the top 24 fantasy receivers, and it’s not just first-round picks. Names like Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Garrett Wilson, and Puka Nacua all made the list. So, taking a late-round flyer on Polk could be a low-risk, high-reward move. If he doesn’t perform, you can always drop him for a waiver wire pickup.
**Kendrick Bourne**
As of August 27th, Bourne is on the PUP list and ranked as WR88 in standard leagues. Since we don’t speculate on injury recovery timelines, we’ll leave it at that.
**Tight Ends**
**Hunter Henry**
*Average Draft Position: 150th overall*
*Average Draft Position (PPR): 151st overall*
*Position Rank: TE19*
The last we heard, the Patriots hope Hunter Henry will be ready for Week 1 against the Bengals.
The good news is you probably won’t need to rely on Henry as your TE1. He’ll likely be on your bench until the bye week or until injury strikes. You can draft Henry for depth in the late rounds and stash him until needed. Or, you could hold onto him, hoping he regains his 2021 form and becomes Jacoby Brissett’s favorite target—especially considering that Brissett targeted tight ends at the fourth-highest rate in the NFL before last season. And if Drake Maye takes over, who’s a rookie QB’s best friend when facing pressure on third down? That’s right, the tight end.
Given how the tight end position in fantasy is so top-heavy with players like Travis Kelce or Sam LaPorta, Henry could be worth a shot if you think the Patriots’ offense is undervalued.
And now, we come to the unit that might just be the crown jewel of the 2024 New England Patriots—if such a thing exists…
