RhamondreStevenson

News: 2 days agoStevenson rushed the ball 21 times for 81 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-20 overtime loss to the Patriots. He added two receptions on five targets for nine yards.

Spin: The Patriots remained run heavy, and Stevenson topped 20 carries for the second straight game to begin the season. He couldn't replicate his efficiency from Week 1, but he did punch in a one-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter and had two rushes that went for more than 10 yards. Stevenson has struggled to produce as a receiver and should be projected to lose work in that area to Antonio Gibson, though he has still racked up eight targets through two contests. He appears to be comfortably locked in as New England's lead back.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Stevenson enters his fourth season with the Patriots with career averages of 15.1 touches, 74.3 total yards and 12.4 fantasy points per game. While he demonstrated his ability to handle an every-down role in 2022, Stevenson shared the workload with veteran Ezekiel Elliott last season, and missed the final five games due to injury. With new head coach Jerod Mayo succeeding Bill Belichick and the addition of running back Antonio Gibson in the offseason, the Patriots' backfield remains projected as a committee. New England's offense was poor last season, and with a rookie at quarterback, it may not improve much in 2024. Despite Stevenson's expressed desire to be the featured back, he is best viewed as a high-end flex option in fantasy.