2024 New England Patriots Team Outlook

WR Demario Douglas, NE - Bye Week Fill-in

Douglas emerged as New England's top receiver last year, catching 49-of-79 targets for 561 scoreless yards. He commanded a healthy 24.8% target share but wasn't particularly effective. Douglas ended up with a negative EPA for an offense that ranked 28th in passing. New England's 2024 offense is in a state of flux, with a new quarterback and several new pass-catchers added to the mix. Douglas is the favorite to open the season as the Patriots' slot receiver but he's assuredly going to see a reduced target share. He's little more than a WR5/6 in deeper leagues. ADVICE: Will contend for starting slot duties but has very little fantasy value

WR Javon Baker, SF - Dynasty Only

ADVICE: It won't be easy for Baker to carve out a consistent role in his rookie season, but he's got ball skills and knows how to get open. Keep an eye on his progress throughout the summer. Baker has some eventual WR3 qualities.

TE Hunter Henry, NE - Sleeper (undervalued)

SLEEPER ALERT: Henry wasn't flash, but still produced 9.2 fantasy points per game last season. That ranked him as the TE15. He was inside the top 12 in air yards (550), touchdowns (6), fantasy points per target (1.93), and ranked third with an 8.9 ADOT. This was doubly impressive coming out of a sluggish New England offense that ranked 30th overall. With Mike Gesicki gone, Henry is locked into a starting role as the safety outlet for a team expected to trot out a rookie quarterback in Drake Maye. Expect Henry to be peppered with targets and continue to be an overlooked asset. ADVICE: Sneaky pick to rank inside the top 15 tight ends in targets

TE Austin Hooper, ATL - Not Draft Worthy

ADVICE: With Alex Van Pelt running the offense, expect the Patriots to be among the league leaders in utilizing two tight end formations. That said, Hooper is four years removed from being a viable fantasy option. He's little more than a weak streamer with modest value if Hunter Henry missed time.

PK Chad Ryland, ARI - Not Draft Worthy

Ryland was a disaster last year and the rebuilding Patriots aren't expected to score enough points to field a fantasy-relevant kicker. Additionally, New England signed veteran Joey Slye, who is more likely to win the job in camp. Avoid Ryland (or Slye).

New England - Not Draft Worthy

The hallmark of Bill Belichick was always a competitive, disciplined defense. The Patriots still had a solid stop unit last season but only managed to rank 26th in fantasy scoring because they struggle to force turnovers and only managed 36 sacks. Under Jared Mayo, the Patriots are in good hands but they are far from a must-draft fantasy unit.