After scoring just 13 points in their previous three games, the New England Patriots‘ offense actually looked competent on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers as Bailey Zappe bounced back after a zero-point outing last week in a big way. Can he save the fantasy football values of Ezekiel Elliott, Hunter Henry, and Demario Douglas?
Ezekiel Elliott’s Rest-of-Season Outlook
Who knew that all fantasy managers who drafted Rhamondre Stevenson and Elliott needed to finally get their hands on an RB1 was for one of them to go down? With Stevenson out, Elliott threw it back to 2018, playing nearly every snap for the Patriots.
The former — and possibly current — elite RB1 racked up 140 total yards, caught seven passes, and scored a touchdown. There is a non-zero chance Zeke finishes the week as the overall RB1. It was a vintage performance for, I guess, a very much not done Elliott.
The Patriots have a tough matchup next week against the Chiefs, but they have been a bit of a run-funnel defense. Then, in the most important week of the season, the fantasy semifinals, Zeke gets the most favorable run defense in the NFL for fantasy purposes — the Denver Broncos.
I don’t think we see Stevenson again this season. I can’t argue with what my eyes tell me: Zeke is an RB1 for the rest of the 2023 NFL season.
Hunter Henry’s Rest-of-Season Outlook
The Patriots had their depth tested at wide receiver on Thursday night. Missing Douglas and DeVante Parker, New England was forced to roll out a WR trio of JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jalen Reagor, and Tyquan Thornton as the only activated three wide receivers.
As a result, Zappe utilized his best pass catcher near the end zone — his tight end. Henry caught three passes for 40 yards and two touchdowns. Fantasy managers who streamed Henry with either Trey McBride or Logan Thomas on bye were handsomely rewarded, getting their matchup off to a hot start.
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While the touchdowns were great, Henry did only see three targets. He’s now seen three targets or fewer in five of his last eight games.
Fantasy managers can certainly do worse for a TE streamer, but I wouldn’t recommend Henry as an every-week starter as we move into the fantasy playoffs.
Demario Douglas’ Rest-of-Season Outlook
I really like Douglas. The rookie largely came out of nowhere to take the Patriots’ WR1 role from washed veterans. I don’t mean that to diminish his accomplishment — he earned it by playing good football.
Unfortunately, Douglas has been out of action the past two weeks with a concussion. The real issue for him going forward will be his health.
We’ve seen Douglas post WR3 numbers with Mac Jones and Zappe. He can be a worthwhile WR4/Flex option going forward if he can get back on the field, but questions remain as to when exactly that will happen. With the extra time off now before Week 15, Douglas should hopefully be set to return.
Although Smith-Schuster led the Patriots with 90 receiving yards, I still would expect Douglas to be the WR1 and top target, if and when he can return. Fantasy managers who have been stashing Douglas on IR should leave him there with the hope that he can make it back next week and be a factor in the fantasy playoffs.
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