Who Should I Start? Demario Douglas or Drake Maye

Monday, December 23, 2:36 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught four of his five targets for 33 yards during Sunday's Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The dependable slot receiver continued to demonstrate his rapport with Drake Maye, but he was still less productive than Kayshon Boutte, Austin Hooper, and Hunter Henry in the pass-catching department. New England does not have an alpha receiver, but they have enough dispersed talent in the passing game that it has become challenging to trust Douglas (or any Patriots wide receiver) on a weekly basis. If there's one thing working in the 24-year-old's favor, it's his increased role around the goal line. He scored a touchdown last week against the Arizona Cardinals, and he was so close to finding the end zone again this Sunday, but replay review determined that Douglas' alleged one-yard touchdown grab actually came loose and hit the ground before he had full control. Regardless of the officials' ruling, it's promising to see Maye look Douglas' way in key situations, especially as the Patriots' offense shows more and more signs of life down the stretch. Douglas ranks as a fantasy WR4 with legitimate WR3 upside. He can be started in fantasy leagues with at least 14 teams when he takes on the Los Angeles Chargers next Saturday.

Monday, December 23, 2:27 AM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 22 of his 36 pass attempts for 261 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He also took two sacks, rushed six times for 30 yards on the ground, and was charged with a lost fumble. There's a lot to unpack from Sunday's divisional loss, but let's start with the good news. Maye nearly out-dueled Josh Allen in this contest, pulling his Patriots out to an early 14-0 lead before Buffalo stormed back and managed to hold off a late comeback effort. The rookie signal-caller had his first multi-touchdown game and highest yardage total since Week 11, as well as his best fantasy showing since Week 7. On a less positive note, turnovers continue to be an issue for Maye, who was charged with two on Sunday. His interception was a costly mistake in the end zone, where the No. 3 pick deserved all the blame for throwing to a lurking defender, ending a scoring drive. His fumble was even more costly as it led to a Bills touchdown, but he doesn't deserve all the blame. Backed up against his own end zone, Maye faced heavy pressure, panicked, and dumped the ball off to Rhamondre Stevenson. However, in the mayhem, Stevenson was unable to catch the ball, and it bounced into the end zone. Officials decided the throw was a lateral, which Buffalo promptly recovered for six points and a huge scoring swing. Evidently, there is a lot that Maye will need to clean up before returning to the field against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday, but he also showed flashes of progress that should make fans and fantasy managers optimistic. He will check in as a high-end fantasy QB2 for next week's contest against the Bolts.