The NFL season is quickly approaching, and fantasy drafts are starting. At DraftKings, you can play an array of different season-long fantasy contests.
This is a look at the fantasy value of all of the players in the New England Patriots’ backfield.
New England Patriots Backfield
The New England Patriots are hoping to take a leap forward this season. The franchise that dominated not just the AFC East but the NFL for so many years has gone three straight seasons without making the postseason and five years without winning the division. After just one season with Jerod Mayo at the helm, the Patriots moved on and made the big splash hire of Mike Vrabel as their new head coach. They also decided to bring back Josh McDaniels for what will be his third stint as Patriots offensive coordinator. They are hoping the combination of Vrabel and McDaniels will develop Drake Maye into the superstar he has the potential to be.
A solid running game would go a long way in helping Maye develop. That responsibility will fall on the backs of Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson. The Patriots extended Stevenson after his rookie contract expired, playing out the first year of that new contract last season. Stevenson has two more years on that contract before a potential out in 2027. Stevenson is likely staying put, but there is some uncertainty around how cemented his RB1 role is. Last season, Stevenson had more fumbles than any other running back in football. For a chunk of last season, the Patriots decided to give more touches to Antonio Gibson. Unfortunately for them, Gibson didn’t do a great job when given more responsibility.
Running Back Handcuffs: TreVeyon Henderson
Due to the uncertainty around Rhamondre Stevenson’s expected production levels, the Patriots decided to get aggressive in finding some more running back help. They used their second-round draft pick this year on TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson just won a national championship in January to cap off an incredible career at Ohio State. Henderson is a versatile player who can be a down-to-down back but is also capable of explosive plays in the running and passing game. Just before halftime of the College Football Playoff semifinals, Henderson took a screen pass 75 yards for a touchdown against a Texas defense full of NFL talent. That play demonstrates the type of impact he could make in this Patriots offense.
Stevenson will likely start the season as the primary down-to-down back, taking most of the between-the-tackles carries. However, Henderson should serve as the third-down running back who can operate well in the passing game. If Stevenson has struggles holding onto the football like he did last season and Henderson finds success immediately, it won’t be long until he starts to take a bigger share of the carries.
Henderson is one of the most sought-after rookies in dynasty fantasy leagues this offseason. Behind Ashton Jeanty, there is a case to be made for TreVeyon Henderson as RB2 among this rookie class. He is ready to perform at the NFL level right away and there is a clear path for him to have a big role in this offense. He should be handcuffed by anyone looking to take Rhamondre Stevenson in dynasty drafts.
