RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (3 Viewers)

[Ministry of Pain]

I have him and was not the least bit surprised that Harris is OUT this week, don't believe that Harris will play a lot next week either but certainly the Pats want Harris healthy or in better shape vs buffalo which I believe is next week but Buff or Not I see the Pats being cautious with Harris, they need him Week 1 of the Playoffs. 

Not sure what to project but I do like what @Anarchy99 posted and can't see how mine would be all that different. 

-Inside Indy, weather a non factor, again i expect New England to throw the football and guys we haven't talked about much are going to suddenly be involved like Henry and Bourne in the passing game but that just means that Stevenson won't be keyed in on as the game unfolds. Indy is going to dare Mac Jones to beat them, you can almost count on that. 

 

[Scooby1974]

I have him and was not the least bit surprised that Harris is OUT this week, don't believe that Harris will play a lot next week either but certainly the Pats want Harris healthy or in better shape vs buffalo which I believe is next week but Buff or Not I see the Pats being cautious with Harris, they need him Week 1 of the Playoffs. 

Not sure what to project but I do like what @Anarchy99 posted and can't see how mine would be all that different. 

-Inside Indy, weather a non factor, again i expect New England to throw the football and guys we haven't talked about much are going to suddenly be involved like Henry and Bourne in the passing game but that just means that Stevenson won't be keyed in on as the game unfolds. Indy is going to dare Mac Jones to beat them, you can almost count on that. 

Thanks.

Here is to hoping Mac finds Hunter early and often for scores, so they open things up for Stephenson.

 

[The Kerminator]

Thanks.

Here is to hoping Mac finds Hunter early and often for scores, so they open things up for Stephenson.

Here is hoping they throw the ball only 3 times again this game and they give Stevenson 30+ touches resulting in a 150 and 3 TD line

 

[tricky92]

Here is hoping they throw the ball only 3 times again this game and they give Stevenson 30+ touches resulting in a 150 and 3 TD line

I don't know, I'll take a handful of screen plays as well

 

[Scooby1974]

Here is hoping they throw the ball only 3 times again this game and they give Stevenson 30+ touches resulting in a 150 and 3 TD line

I want all 3 40 yard passes to go to Henry. And 2 for TD's. PLUS the 150/3 for Stephenson.

And zero for Jonathan Taylor

 

[3nOut]

Bolden as been in the last few series. I have the feeling Harris will be the guy moving forward.

 

[Anarchy99]

Bolden as been in the last few series. I have the feeling Harris will be the guy moving forward.

Bolden was in because they were in desperation pass mode. The game got away from them early on and the game script down 20-0 was not one to run the ball over and over again for a few yards a play. 

 

[3 hour lunch]

Huge disappointment. Hope it doesn’t cost me a finals trip. 

 

[Truebluey]

Huge disappointment. Hope it doesn’t cost me a finals trip. 

Game script went against him. And then when they had second and goal at the one, they bring in the jumbo package for him, and the jumbo tackle false starts, so they have second and six and he never saw the field again. That's fantasy football, a game of luck.

 

[need2know]

 

[The Kerminator]

This game was probably one of the biggest disappointments of the season given that it occurred in the fantasy playoffs and just about every site I checked they had him in the top 12-15.

 

[foxco]

This game was probably one of the biggest disappointments of the season given that it occurred in the fantasy playoffs and just about every site I checked they had him in the top 12-15.

Yeah, started him in 2 playoff games where I was already the underdog. Big time bummer but kinda sums up the way the season's been IMO. 

 

[King of the Jungle]

This game was probably one of the biggest disappointments of the season given that it occurred in the fantasy playoffs and just about every site I checked they had him in the top 12-15.

With the way the RB atmosphere is I can’t blame anyone for that ranking. NE not being competitive in this game was the only thing stopping him from a big workload, unfortunately that is what happened. That scenario will limit most backs.

 

[Zow]

Yeah, started him in 2 playoff games where I was already the underdog. Big time bummer but kinda sums up the way the season's been IMO. 

Same. I do think it was the right call. That Indy defensive touchdown - on an unlikely and rare patriots special teams play - changed the game script. Knew in the moment I’d be lucky to get anywhere near ten points from rhamondre when I was hoping for at least 12. Then, the patriots had a false start on the two. 
 

Just a bit unlucky.  I don’t regret the call. 

 

[Zow]

Game script went against him. And then when they had second and goal at the one, they bring in the jumbo package for him, and the jumbo tackle false starts, so they have second and six and he never saw the field again. That's fantasy football, a game of luck.

Yep. 

 

[Anarchy99]

Stevenson was completely out of practice today with an illness. Has not tested positive as of yet. Harris practiced but was limited again. 

Given that NE has limited options at WR with Agholor and Harry out with concussions and Bourne in protocol, not sure what the offense will look like if all those guys can’t go on Sunday. 

 

[3nOut]

I continually see Stevenson ranked higher than Harris this week even though Harris has outproduce him all season. Not sure why. If both were to play this week, who is the better start? Are both worthy of at least a Flex?

 

[Anarchy99]

I continually see Stevenson ranked higher than Harris this week even though Harris has outproduce him all season. Not sure why. If both were to play this week, who is the better start? Are both worthy of at least a Flex?

At this point I am not sure Stevenson will even play. He missed practice again due to illness. He hasn’t practiced this week. 

 

[Ministry of Pain]

At this point I am not sure Stevenson will even play. He missed practice again due to illness. He hasn’t practiced this week. 

I released him right before the kick off tonight for a better option. I compete in several 10-team leagues with shorter rosters and it juices the WW, I've had my hands on several "back ups" the last 3-4 weeks due to a variety of issues be them injuries, CV-19, etc...

I agree with you that Harris has been better all season and is clearly their RB1 when he's healthy, Stevenson was a solid compliment or RB2 for the Pats, he's looked good at times and his 2022 potential would seem high. 

 

[Anarchy99]

Already named OUT for Bills game. 

 

[Anarchy99]

Added to COVID list. 

 

[barackdhouse]

Actually considering picking up JJ Taylor if Damien sits. Even though he hasn't played in weeks. Who would be the wildcard we haven't thought of if not Taylor or Bolden? Is there a 3rd guy that could be sneaky here?

 

[Anarchy99]

Actually considering picking up JJ Taylor if Damien sits. Even though he hasn't played in weeks. Who would be the wildcard we haven't thought of if not Taylor or Bolden? Is there a 3rd guy that could be sneaky here?

They have Devine Ogzigbo on the practice squad. Between the Saints and Jags this year, he has had one carry for -3 yards. He was active against the Colts last week but saw no action and was sent back to the PS. I would guess he might be activated again if they are really thin at RB, but I would not expect they would give him a big role. 

 

[ericttspikes]

Looking for opinions on Stevenson's dynasty value. Harris is a good back and young too. From what I've seen, Stevenson seems at least on par with Harris talent wise if not better. Curious to see if people think he can be a RB1 or if he's destined to be a back up to Harris.

 

[Banger]

Looking for opinions on Stevenson's dynasty value. Harris is a good back and young too. From what I've seen, Stevenson seems at least on par with Harris talent wise if not better. Curious to see if people think he can be a RB1 or if he's destined to be a back up to Harris.

I would love him dynasty wise if he were on another team.  The dude is a bull dozer but BB doesn't ever seem to have a RB that just takes the job.  He seems to have a philosophy where he likes to share the load and have different roles for his RBs.  You can't argue NFL wise with his success but as a fantasy owner I like having some "certainty" in my players and I don't think you can really ever get that from BB.  So to me talent wise he looks excellent but situation wise I will likely avoid.    

 

[Boston]

Looking for opinions on Stevenson's dynasty value. Harris is a good back and young too. From what I've seen, Stevenson seems at least on par with Harris talent wise if not better. Curious to see if people think he can be a RB1 or if he's destined to be a back up to Harris.

They are two very good RBs that will both be used...that is not going to change...I think they both have good Dynasty value as long as you are realistic...if you count on them being a clear-cut starter for your team you are in for a headache...if you have them as quality depth, they will be very useful, and both have the potential to be very good if there is an injury.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Harris will be a UFA after next season. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/damien-harris-29123/

When/if he leaves someone else will be there to compete. Can't predict what BB will do, but Stevenson has a chance to be a rb1 in 2023-24

 

[Faust]

Patriots rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson hits stride at perfect time

 

[Anarchy99]

I posted in the Harris thread that Harris is the highest ranked RB this year by PFF with a week to go. That surprised me. Stephenson was ranked 15th.

 

[Team Smokin']

Who dominates at RB against MIA? Harris, Stephenson, 50/50, both or avoid?

 

[Faust]

Rhamondre Stevenson rushed eight times for 27 yards in the Patriots' Wild Card loss to the Bills, adding four receptions for 33 additional yards. 

Stuck behind Damien Harris to begin the season, rookie Stevenson got rolling down the stretch, with 98 of his 133 carries coming after Week 10. That number would have been higher had he not missed Week 16 with an illness and part of Week 18 with a head injury. It should be noted that number would have been lower had Harris not missed time himself. Stevenson never passed Harris on the depth chart, but he made the Pats' backfield a 1A/1B situation. He showed a little more than Harris as a pass catcher, including tonight where he out-targeted Harris 4-1. Harris figures to remain Plan A at the goal line in 2022, but Stevenson should be able to earn enough touches to return at least FLEX value in what is likely to remain a run-focused offense. We are still excited about the 24-year-old (next month) in Dynasty leagues, especially since Harris is headed into the final year of his rookie deal. 

Jan 16, 2022, 12:15 AM ET

 

[Faust]

Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson said he is focusing on his "route-running and being a third-down back.”

Stevenson only caught 14 balls for 124 yards in his first NFL season. Coming out of Oklahoma, he was touted as an excellent pass-catcher out of the backfield. Stevenson caught 18 passes for 211 yards in six games as a senior. James White is currently slotted in as New England's third-down back, but the veteran runner is 30 years old and coming off a season-ending hip injury. If Stevenson can add to his receiving role while maintaining a strong presence on the ground, he could push for RB2 numbers in his second season. 

SOURCE: Doug Kyed on Twitter

Jun 7, 2022, 2:16 PM ET

 

[King of the Jungle]

I wish this guy played for pretty much any other team besides the Pats. Maybe a second contract will land him in a more favorable backfield.

 

[TripItUp]

I don't think the Pats will be able to afford to keep him off the field this year.  I like his price tag in all formats.  The only question is how long will Harris be able to stay healthy.

 

[travdogg]

I wish this guy played for pretty much any other team besides the Pats. Maybe a second contract will land him in a more favorable backfield.

I think the Pats are a perfectly good team to play for. They've had a top-15 RB basically every year except the one where Newton took all the rushing TDs. 

I don't think the Pats will be able to afford to keep him off the field this year.  I like his price tag in all formats.  The only question is how long will Harris be able to stay healthy.

Agreed, and I'm not sure if Harris holds him off even if he does manage to stay healthy.

 

[TripItUp]

Agreed, and I'm not sure if Harris holds him off even if he does manage to stay healthy.

Rhamondre clearly the stronger runner IMHO...was held back by pass blocking issues, but there was an obvious pure rushing edge to Rhamondre IMHO.  Harris wasn't bad, but Rhamondre was exceptional.

 

[travdogg]

Rhamondre clearly the stronger runner IMHO...was held back by pass blocking issues, but there was an obvious pure rushing edge to Rhamondre IMHO.  Harris wasn't bad, but Rhamondre was exceptional.

I think Harris has better vision and slightly more agility, but Stevenson has more power and much more explosiveness. I think the Pats will realize they need that big play ability on the field more often than not. 

 

[King of the Jungle]

I think Harris has better vision and slightly more agility, but Stevenson has more power and much more explosiveness. I think the Pats will realize they need that big play ability on the field more often than not. 

The Pats also drafted two running backs with one being quite explosive (Strong) and good receiving skills. Damien Harris is still a good back and will at worst will get 50% of the carries between Harris/Stevenson IMO. Then you have a receiving back (either White or JJ Taylor or Strong) who will eat up third downs. Throw in another talented rookie in Kevin Harris and you have the usual NE RB mess. Love Rham’s talent, do not enjoy the NE FF RB experience.

 

[TripItUp]

The Pats also drafted two running backs with one being quite explosive (Strong) and good receiving skills. Damien Harris is still a good back and will at worst will get 50% of the carries between Harris/Stevenson IMO. Then you have a receiving back (either White or JJ Taylor or Strong) who will eat up third downs. Throw in another talented rookie in Kevin Harris and you have the usual NE RB mess. Love Rham’s talent, do not enjoy the NE FF RB experience.

I don't see Strong stealing snaps from Harris or Stevenson.  Third down is up in the air, but probably a combo of the guys you mentioned.

 

[King of the Jungle]

I don't see Strong stealing snaps from Harris or Stevenson.  Third down is up in the air, but probably a combo of the guys you mentioned.

I think NE will give Strong some run to interject some speed into the backfield, something it has lacked. How much will depend on how Strong performs and minimizes mistakes.

 

[wgoldsph]

I think NE will give Strong some run to interject some speed into the backfield, something it has lacked. How much will depend on how Strong performs and minimizes mistakes.

Gotta remember that generally the pats offense is hard for rookies to pick up.  Although without an oc this year all bets are off.

 

[rockaction]

Rhamondre clearly the stronger runner IMHO

I disagree. Harris is the better athlete, per these measurements. 

https://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/damien-harris/

https://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/rhamondre-stevenson/

In addition, Harris's surprising power and leg drive translates into chunk gains. Harris is ridiculously underrated in FF and real football. I know people disagree with PFF grades all the time, but Harris's grades don't lie. He's actually got a ton of unrealized potential. He's not going to take eighty yarders to the house, but he is dynamic in other ways. If the Pats are smart, they'll offer some guaranteed money and lock him up. That's my two cents, and he's a guy I traded away last year, which hurts. 

 

[rockaction]

And to answer any questions, I do not think the Pats will lock him up. That's how they operate, and it's worked for them for years. It just seems that every back there essentially redshirts for a year, and Strong and Damien Harris are really the only RBs on the roster that demonstrably exhibit athletic prowess, so one would think...

But again, the Patriots are almost always content to let the carousel go around and around with different guys manning a different horse. It's just that in this case there's probably a happy medium with Harris. I know the horrors of second RB contracts, but he seems to be everything they want but for house calls. The last time they had a house call guy (and even then, he was more of a bull) was Corey Dillon back over a decade ago, so I'm not sure how much that matters to Belichick and co. Maybe it does. 

We shall see. I'm just issue spotting here.  

So, as far as Stevenson goes, he still has to be a speculative hold if you have him. At least to see how the year shakes out with himself, Strong, Harris, Harris, and maybe Nelson all vying for playing time with the club. 

 

[Anarchy99]

NE has been doing the same thing for 18 years. I’m not sure why people are surprised at how things turn out each year. They split up the workload among three or four guys each year. The one year Blount had a monster season was due to injuries, not by design. The names have changed over the years, but what the team does has not. The best time to play a NE back is when other guys in the backfield are out. When everyone is healthy, all guys drag the value down of everyone else. 

 

[Anarchy99]

I think the Pats are a perfectly good team to play for. They've had a top-15 RB basically every year except the one where Newton took all the rushing TDs. 

From 2021 back to 2005, here was the highest-ranking NE RB each season:

0 PPR: 8, 45, 25, 11, 13, 7, 30, 28, 26, 10, 24, 15, 29, 27, 25, 19, 16
1 PPR: 14, 42, 19, 7, 15, 9, 39, 20, 36, 15, 28, 19, 35, 21, 34, 23, 17

The other thing is the guys that have snuck in a solid season have basically only had one of those seasons . . . meaning it's hard to decipher who the guy to own is, as they keep swapping out backs with regularity.

 

[rockaction]

I’m not sure why people are surprised at how things turn out each year.

I don't think anybody is surprised. You just have people that hope against hope that the next back will be magic and that the Patriots will act accordingly. It just hasn't happened in over a decade and a half. I was writing to discuss the potential merits of rostering or not rostering the guys and furthered the discussion by talking about Damien Harris. 

Harris finished 14th in our league last year (through week 17). Half PPR. That's nothing to sneeze at. It doesn't mean you'll hit paydirt, but if you held because nobody else wanted a New England back, you were rewarded with high-end RB2 stats, which are nothing to sneeze at. 

 

[TripItUp]

NE has been doing the same thing for 18 years. I’m not sure why people are surprised at how things turn out each year. They split up the workload among three or four guys each year. The one year Blount had a monster season was due to injuries, not by design. The names have changed over the years, but what the team does has not. The best time to play a NE back is when other guys in the backfield are out. When everyone is healthy, all guys drag the value down of everyone else. 

what do you think the split will be between Rhamondre and Harris?

Mike Clay has it at

Harris 189 carries, 17 receptions

Rhamondre  145 Carries, 26 receptions

 

[Anarchy99]

what do you think the split will be between Rhamondre and Harris?

Mike Clay has it at

Harris 189 carries, 17 receptions

Rhamondre  145 Carries, 26 receptions

The practical answer is it depends on who gets injured. The next hard to define answer is it depends how good NE is as a team. If the defense takes a step back (certainly more probable than not) and NE is trailing a lot, they may not be able to run as much as last year.

Ignoring the first month of the season when RS was in Bill's doghouse, RS and DH played 10 games together. Harris averaged 13 carries a game. Stevenson averaged 11. 

With White coming back, Clay's projections for receptions might be a little high. I don't think it's a forgone conclusion that Harris will be on the team. He should be, but it would be like Bill to trade him for a 5th round pick.

In terms of usage, assuming Harris sticks around, he will probably start with a 60/40 split but that should flip as the year goes on. RS should be a fantasy monster in the games when Harris sits. I don't see the rookies getting much of a shot unless one of them is uber pro ready (which I don't expect).

But I think NE will have to pass more to stay in games, so that could reduce the number of rushing attempts. I'm not sold that White is a roster lock either (old and recovering from hip surgery). Not sure who would get the most looks out of the backfield if they move on from White (or he isn't the same).

It's too early to get a better sense of how things are looking. Might have to see how training camp goes to get some more clarity.

 

 

[Faust]

ESPN's Mike Reiss reports Rhamondre Stevenson is "leaner" at 225 pounds this season. 

That is seven pounds lighter than Stevenson reported to camp as a rookie. We are mere days into camp, but Stevenson has been making waves with his pass catching, drawing consistent targets. A bigger receiving role would be the key to Stevenson carving out more consistent RB2 value behind Damien Harris. As it is, Stevenson is already an upside FLEX.  

SOURCE: Mike Reiss on Twitter 

Jul 28, 2022, 3:56 PM ET

 

[Aznflyer14]

I think Stevenson is in for big year especially in PPR league.  I expect him to pick up a bulk of pass-catching role from James White (who is dealing with injury).  Beside, he's big back who excels as power back AND pass-catching back.