Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Demario Douglas

Friday, January 3, 11:03 PM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson remains an unreliable fantasy option heading into Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Buffalo Bills. Stevenson was effectively benched last Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers. While he did log the first touch of the game, he finished the contest with just two carries for one yard while Antonio Gibson rushed the ball 12 times. Gibson has led the Patriots' backfield in snaps for two consecutive weeks, which is the product of Stevenson's poor ball security this season, including a costly Week 16 fumble against the Bills. The Patriots have been somewhat quiet about their personnel decision for Sunday's regular-season finale, but we would expect Stevenson to remain in the doghouse. He's not a dependable fantasy option as the Patriots' season wraps up.

Sunday, January 5, 8:41 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught three of his four targets for 34 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. The second-year slot receiver finishes his 2024 campaign with 66 catches, 621 yards, and three touchdowns. Although he technically out-produced all other Patriots receivers this season, he lost significant ground to Kayshon Boutte as soon as Drake Maye took over as New England's starting quarterback. Heading into 2025, both Boutte and Douglas can expect to face competition as the Patriots bring in a new coaching staff and look to bolster their offense with a big-name wide receiver addition.