Rhamondre Stevenson emerges as top fantasy football option at RB over TreVeyon Henderson
Fantasy football enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next big thing, whether it be a new rookie, a fresh start, or simply a promising player. This season, many were drawn to New England Patriots’ rookie running back, TreVeyon Henderson, seeing him as a potential game-changer for their fantasy teams. However, surprises in the NFL are not uncommon, and the storyline for the Patriots’ backfield has taken an unexpected turn. Rhamondre Stevenson, the established veteran, has emerged as the player to own for fantasy football managers.
Taking a closer look at the numbers from the first two weeks of the NFL season, it becomes clear that Stevenson is gaining the upper hand over his rookie counterpart, Henderson. In the opening week, the distribution of touches between the two backs was relatively balanced, with Stevenson carrying the ball seven times for 15 yards and catching two passes for 12 yards. Henderson, on the other hand, had a slightly more productive outing with five rushes for 27 yards and six receptions for 24 yards. Despite this, Stevenson out-snapped the young rookie 46-25, indicating a level of trust from the coaching staff.
Week 2 painted a different picture altogether. Stevenson’s share of snaps increased significantly to 39 compared to Henderson’s 19, signaling a shift in the team’s backfield dynamics. Stevenson’s performance was nothing short of stellar, amassing 54 rushing yards on 11 attempts and gaining an impressive 88 receiving yards on five receptions. In contrast, Henderson struggled to make an impact, managing only 10 rushing yards on three carries and 30 receiving yards on two catches. The disparity in production can be attributed to Henderson’s struggles in pass protection, an area he was expected to excel in based on his college reputation.
Indeed, concerns surrounding Henderson’s proficiency in pass protection have raised doubts about his ability to secure a prominent role in the Patriots’ offense. The rookie’s shortcomings were evident in recent games, prompting discussions among fantasy football enthusiasts and analysts alike. With Stevenson’s proven track record and versatility as a runner and pass-catcher, he has emerged as the go-to option for fantasy managers seeking consistent production.
Looking ahead to the upcoming matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3, Stevenson presents an enticing opportunity for fantasy success. The Steelers’ run defense has shown vulnerabilities against man/gap concepts, a style that Stevenson has effectively utilized this season. With the potential for a favorable game script and a clear path to opportunities in both the running and passing game, Stevenson remains a valuable asset for fantasy football managers.
In conclusion, the unexpected rise of Rhamondre Stevenson as the lead back for the New England Patriots has shifted the landscape of the team’s backfield. While TreVeyon Henderson possesses immense talent, his struggles with pass protection have limited his playing time and fantasy value. As the season progresses, Stevenson’s role is likely to expand, making him a prized asset for fantasy football managers seeking reliability and consistent production from the running back position.