As the New England Patriots gear up for their Week 7 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, fantasy managers are on high alert for potential starts and sits in their lineups. This article will explore key players, including Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, and provide actionable advice for your fantasy roster.
Drake Maye: A Rookie to Watch
Drake Maye’s debut as the starting quarterback was a mixed bag but showed promise. He scored 19.5 fantasy points last week, significantly outpacing Jacoby Brissett’s best performances. Despite some skepticism due to the blowout nature of the previous game, there’s potential for Maye to contribute positively to fantasy lineups.
The Jaguars’ defensive struggles, particularly ranking 27th in pressure and 31st in blitz rate, could favor Maye this week. Fantasy managers should consider scouting Maye closely, as he may offer valuable insights for future roster decisions or DFS builds.
Antonio Gibson: Is He Worth Starting?
Antonio Gibson had an opportunity to shine last week but fell short, managing only 13 carries for 19 yards. After three seasons in the league, Gibson no longer appears to be a featured back, especially as Rhamondre Stevenson returns to the fold. He’s managed to secure only 61.9% of the running back carries, indicating a lack of trust from the coaching staff.
While Drake Maye’s excitement has sparked interest, Gibson’s role remains limited. Once Stevenson is fully healthy, Gibson may drop out of the flex conversation altogether, making him a player to consider cutting if your roster requires.
Rhamondre Stevenson: A Risky Flex Option
As of October 20, Rhamondre Stevenson has been declared active for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. However, he’s returning from a foot injury, and his performance has been lackluster, posting the worst per-play EPA mark of his career. This uncertainty makes him a risky flex option in Week 7.
Despite the challenges, Stevenson’s three top-12 finishes this season warrant consideration. While his potential remains intact, the offensive struggles and Antonio Gibson’s involvement could limit his ceiling. Fantasy managers should weigh these factors carefully before making their final lineup decisions.
DeMario Douglas: Rising Stock
DeMario Douglas has emerged as a notable target in the Patriots’ offense, catching six of nine targets for 92 yards and a touchdown last week. With this performance, he achieved the first top-20 finish for a New England wide receiver this season, making him a player to watch moving forward.
While Douglas’s performance is encouraging, it’s essential to temper expectations based on a single game. He ranks as the highest Patriots pass catcher this week, but his placement in the middling flex tier indicates a cautious approach is still warranted.
Ja’Lynn Polk: A Stash for the Future
The 1-5 Patriots are evaluating their future, making rookie Ja’Lynn Polk an intriguing prospect. Polk’s stats last week were underwhelming, turning four targets into just four yards. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is only a small sample size.
Given the potential for growth in Maye’s offense, Polk might offer value as a luxury stash on your fantasy roster. While immediate returns may be lacking, investing in uncertainty can pay off as the season progresses.
Hunter Henry: A Tight End with Potential
Hunter Henry had a productive outing last week, catching his first touchdown of the season in Drake Maye’s starting debut. His slot rate has increased, suggesting that he could become a more significant part of the passing game moving forward.
However, the tight end landscape is crowded, and Henry’s role comes with inherent risk. He may not be a week-to-week starter unless his usage becomes more consistent. While he has more potential than players like Dalton Schultz or Zach Ertz, his scoring opportunities remain limited, making him a risky option at this point.
Conclusion
In summary, the Week 7 matchup between the New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars presents several fantasy football dilemmas. Rhamondre Stevenson holds potential as a flex option, while Antonio Gibson may struggle to find his footing. DeMario Douglas offers a glimpse of hope as a rising star, while Ja’Lynn Polk serves as a stash for the future. Hunter Henry’s role continues to evolve, but he remains a question mark in the tight end landscape.
As the fantasy football season progresses, staying updated on player performances and injury statuses will be crucial for making informed decisions in your lineup.
FAQ Section
1. Should I start Rhamondre Stevenson this week?
While Stevenson is active, his performance has been inconsistent due to injury. Consider him a risky flex option.
2. Is Antonio Gibson worth starting against the Jaguars?
Gibson’s recent performance suggests he may not be a reliable start, especially with Stevenson returning.
3. How has DeMario Douglas performed recently?
Douglas had a strong outing last week, making him the highest-ranked Patriots pass catcher this week. However, manage expectations as his performance needs to be consistent.
4. Can I trust Hunter Henry as my tight end?
Henry showed potential with a touchdown last week, but he carries some risk due to the competition in the tight end position.
5. What should I do with Ja’Lynn Polk?
Polk is a reasonable luxury stash as the Patriots look to the future. Monitor his development as the season progresses.
