BALLER MOVE: Start
POSITIONAL VALUE: Borderline RB1
ANALYSIS: New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson signed a massive contract this offseason and looked to be worth every penny in his 2024 debut. Stevenson racked up 120 rushing yards and one touchdown on 25 attempts and hauled in three catches for six yards. Stevenson is the Patriots' workhorse RB.
Stevenson earned every one of his yards, forcing the most missed tackles of any RB in Week 1 by a wide margin and creating multiple highlight-reel plays. The Bengals didn't have an answer for Stevenson's elusiveness.
Rhamondre Stevenson logged 12 missed tackles forced today per @PFF. No other running back recorded more than 5.
109 of his 120 yards came after contact.pic.twitter.com/imP4BnQUPv
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) September 8, 2024
Workhorse usage is incredibly valuable for running back fantasy production in a league where committee backfields are becoming commonplace. Stevenson is the clear lead RB in New England and his backup, Antonio Gibson, has never made an impact at the NFL level. Stevenson's volume should remain safe.
He is the focal point of a Patriots offense that lacks other weapons. QB Jacoby Brissett was awful, passing for just 122 yards and zero touchdowns. While this could limit Stevenson's upside, at some point this season Drake Maye will probably start, which should take opposing defenses' attention away from Stevenson.
Regardless, Stevenson must be started. The RB position is thin this year and he can provide reliable, steady production. Don't leave him on your bench.
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