The New England Patriots had a disappointing 2023 season, and with the dust settling on a change at HC and under center, running back Rhamondre Stevenson signed a big contract extension. Stevenson inked a four-year, $36 million deal in May, which shows how important he is to the franchise and bodes well for his prospects in NFL fantasy.
The Patriots are set to start either Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye at QB, so their running backs are set for a lot of volume in 2024. Behind Stevenson is Antonio Gibson, with Kevin Harris and JaMycal Hasty completing the RB room. Stevenson looks set to get the lion’s share of the carries in the upcoming season, although Gibson will cut into his numbers.
Rhamondre Stevenson is the consensus RB22 (as per fantasy pros), which is a bit surprising, given his ability and the volume he could potentially see. This stems from a disappointing 2023 season, as well as the questions hanging over the franchise in general.
Stevenson has an average draft position of 68, which means you could pick him up in the fifth or sixth round, depending on your league size. Getting a running back with his potential upside in the sixth could represent extreme value, and if he falls to you there you should take a chance on him.
Rhamondre Stevenson’s 2024 NFL fantasy outlook: What numbers to expect from the Patriots RB?
It’s difficult to predict just how the Patriots will perform in 2024, but expectations are pretty low. This is the first season of a new era under Jerod Mayo and New England will have either a rookie or a very capable career backup under center, potentially running for their lives behind one of the lowest-rated lines in the NFL. PFF ranked the Patriots’ OL at No. 28 in the league, which certainly is a concern for RBs.
Rhamondre Stevenson has been one of the brighter spots in the post-Tom Brady era in New England, but he and the team struggled in 2023. Stevenson was having a fairly disappointing campaign before suffering an injury that ended his season in Week 13, and he finished as the RB35 with 107.7 fantasy points, averaging an even 9 ppg. He recorded 619 yards and 4 touchdowns across 12 games, adding 38 receptions for 238 yards through the air.
If Stevenson remains healthy, he should see a much improved 2024 season and it feels likely the Patriots will look to him often, regardless of the game script. In close games or with a lead they will look to run the ball, and when losing, Stevenson can be a useful tool in the passing game.
A fair target for Rhamondre Stevenson would be 1,100 yards and 6 TDs on the ground, and given that NE is expected to be chasing a lot of games this season, 500 yards and 3 TDs through the air.
Other fantasy outlooks for running backs: Bijan Robinson, Aaron Jones, Najee Harris & Josh Jacobs.