AJ Brown is finally back at practice, signaling a potential return this weekend for the Patriots. The three-time Pro Bowler hasn’t suited up since Week 1, leaving New England’s offense shorthanded in his absence. In the meantime, WR2 Romeo Doubs has taken on a larger role in the passing game.
If Brown comes back for Week 6, is Doubs still a viable fantasy football starter? Let’s break down what to expect from both receivers heading into this weekend’s matchup.
Should you start Romeo Doubs in fantasy football with AJ Brown playing?
It’s been an up and down start to Doubs’ time in New England. Signed this offseason from the Packers, consistent production has proven elusive for the 26-year-old. There have been some solid moments, such as a six-catch performance vs. the Bills in Week 4. In addition, Doubs racked up 96 yards against the Steelers in Week 2. However, the lows have been quite low. Last Sunday, the wideout only managed to reel in one reception on three targets vs. the Raiders. Granted, that was due in part to a lopsided score. Regardless, that level of variance is a bit unsettling for fantasy managers.
If there’s reason for optimism, this Patriots offense looks like it’s getting back on track. After a brutal first few games, MVP runner-up Drake Maye is starting to look like his old self. During his previous two appearances, both wins, the quarterback has thrown for a combined 643 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. There’s no reason to believe he’ll suffer a major statistical drop off going forward, especially with Brown back in the lineup.
Speaking of AJB, there was plenty of hype for the eighth-year pro this summer. It’s easy to see why; he’s surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past four seasons. To boot, Brown has snagged the league’s eighth-most touchdowns (32) since the start of his 2022-2023 campaign. We haven’t really seen how the veteran fits in this offense, given he left during the middle of Week 1’s matchup in Seattle. However, it doesn’t take a football guru to envision a future in which Brown and Maye partner up for some big plays. For his career, the Ole Miss alum is averaging an impressive 15.3 yards per reception.
It’s not as if the Pats haven’t been airing it out. Their 8.1 yards per attempt ranks as the fifth-highest mark in football this season. It’s clear that Maye has no trouble stretching the field, even without his top target active. With that being said, deep shots could be harder to come by this weekend. Say what you will about the Jets, but they’ve done a decent job in the secondary. New York is giving up just 6.1 yards per pass attempt to opponents, third-best in the NFL. Aaron Glenn’s squad prioritizes a bend, don’t break, approach in that regard. However, Gang Green is also coughing up the league’s 13th-most yards per rush attempt (4.2). In a game that New England is favored to win at home, there might be more incentive to run out the clock.
Doubs’ season has been quite the roller coaster. That’s without factoring in the potential return of AJ Brown. If New England’s newest weapon takes the field on Sunday, I’d feel uncomfortable starting any other Patriots pass catchers. Still, if in need of a high-upside flex, managers could do worse than Doubs in Week 6.
