FOXBORO, Mass. — Rhamondre Stevenson looked like a top fantasy football asset after Week 1. Just a few weeks later, he might deserve a spot on the New England Patriots bench — and yours, too.
Stevenson fumbled in each of the first four games and lost a fumble in each of the last two weeks. And after listening to Jerod Mayo speak to reporters on Wednesday, it sure sounds as if Stevenson could lose his starting job to Antonio Gibson, who deserves more work.
Let’s go over how to handle both backs this week in fantasy football.
Should You Start Rhamondre Stevenson or Antonio Gibson in Week 5?
This is a tough one, but the answer is probably “neither.”
Rumor has it that Mayo already told Stevenson he won’t start this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. And the first-year head coach gave an interesting answer Wednesday morning when asked whether he’d consider starting Gibson.
“That’s definitely under consideration,” Mayo said. “I’ve had multiple conversations with Rhamondre. But look, we can’t preach that ball security is job security and still have him out there the majority of the time.
“So, I think it sends a stronger message to the players that there are certain things that we just can’t do to win, especially with the team that we have today.”
#Patriots HC Jerod Mayo on whether he’s considered starting Antonio Gibson over Rhamondre Stevenson, who has fumbled in all four games:
“That’s definitely under consideration. I’ve had multiple conversations with Rhamondre. We can’t preach that ball security is job security, and… pic.twitter.com/H5IszGoGP0
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) October 2, 2024
Shortly afterward, Stevenson was asked whether he expected his snap count to reduce in Week 5.
“It could happen, yeah,” he said. “I put the ball on the ground four times. I have to accept whatever decisions they make upstairs. I’m still going to go out there every day, practice how I practice, and get ready to play.”
To his credit, Stevenson hasn’t run from the issue.
“I’m super tough on myself,” he said. “I’m more disappointed in myself than anyone could ever be. It’s very simple — I just have to hold on to the ball and have that mentality to come up with the ball every time. It’s my job to do that, and I haven’t been doing it well.”
So, it sure sounds like Stevenson won’t start Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium. But that doesn’t mean he won’t still see a big workload against a Dolphins defense that ranks 16th in rush yards allowed per game but sixth in defensive EPA (expected points added) per rush attempt, per TruMedia.
With such uncertainty, it’s probably best to avoid both Stevenson and Gibson this weekend. But if we had to pick one, we’d go with Gibson, who’s been excellent in his limited opportunities this season and appears primed for an increased workload.
Stevenson’s Outlook for Week 5
Stevenson posted 120 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 and 81 yards and a score in Week 2. But the last two weeks got away from the Patriots, and Stevenson’s numbers cratered as a result.
However, when you remove the fumbles, Stevenson was still one of the league’s best backs in the first four games.
He currently ranks 13th in average yards after contact and tied for third in explosive rushes with eight. When he holds onto the ball, he’s one of the better all-around backs in the game.
Ball security is something Rhamondre Stevenson has struggled with in the past… https://t.co/dEwiTNfHbw pic.twitter.com/LajIplXbFm
— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) October 2, 2024
Still, it’s difficult to trust Stevenson without knowing how much he’ll play this Sunday. He could split carries with Gibson or, if he catches fire, see the lion’s share of the carries. We just don’t know.
Again, search for a more reliable option.
Gibson’s Outlook for Week 5
Gibson could be an intriguing fantasy play this week, especially if the Patriots get him more involved in the passing game.
The veteran RB currently ranks second in average yards after contact and ahead of Stevenson in both rush EPA per game and total rush EPA. Gibson also ranks ninth in yards per rush (5.3).
Antonio Gibson is literally the only running back with fewer attempts per fumble than Rhamondre Stevenson since the latter entered the league in 2021 lol https://t.co/txUadZh7mA pic.twitter.com/yi8iI5BCMn
— Scott Spratt (@Scott_Spratt) October 2, 2024
Gibson caught just seven balls for 82 yards in the first four games. But with the Patriots needing to jump-start their offense with quick, reliable plays, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him post season highs in targets and catches.
Gibson makes sense as a Flex option this weekend, especially in PPR leagues.