Efton

Chism

Coming off a two-game stretch where he surprisingly popped up for 99 combined yards, Chism was held under two receptions for third time in five 2026 appearances. This, as A.J. Brown returned to the lineup. Romeo Doubs (shoulder) did depart, but Chism is never going to have the advantage on Pop Douglas for slot/short-area looks. He is not a realistic consideration in 12-team leagues.

Chism came down with some big catches to keep the chains moving. He seems to have earned the trust of the Patriots coaching staff and Drake Maye in recent weeks. Even so, his route participation has been limited and his role could shrink next week if A.J. Brown returns from his high ankle injury. For now he’s an OK stash in deeper fantasy leagues in case he carves out a bigger role in the rejuvenated New England passing offense.

Chism III’s touchdown was a spectacular diving one-handed touch in tight coverage that gave the Patriots a late lead over the Bills. It was an unreal grab on a third-down play in the biggest moment of the game. His only other catch was also on a third-and-long to keep a drive alive. With Mack Hollins (calf) leaving this game early, Chishm III played on 30 of the team’s 70 snaps and ran a route on 18 of their 43 dropbacks. The 24-year-old came into today with just five career catches, but he could be in for a bigger role in Week 5. He is still not a priority add in fantasy leagues.

Chism, an undrafted free agent rookie, was active in the Divisional Round and Wild Card Round but did not play in the AFC Championship Game. He caught 3-of-3 targets for 75 yards and one touchdown in the regular season and caught his lone postseason target for a 20-yard gain. DeVito will serve as the Patriots’ emergency third quarterback today.

Maye led the team in rushing, but he got the most out of RB Rhamondre Stevenson, efficiently linking up with him three times via the passing game for 75 yards. Maye was nearly on the receiving end of an explosive pass play, but rookie WR Efton Chism overthrew him, wide open, running down the right sideline. Chism made up for it with a 20-yard reception. Maye’s 37-yard scramble on the Patriots’ final drive before halftime was the longest rush of the game. He connected with TE Hunter Henry for a 28-yard, third-quarter touchdown against Chargers S Derwin James. The Patriots face the winner of the Texans-Steelers game tomorrow night. Maye’s elite fantasy upside remains intact no matter the opponent, though the Steelers field a far more fantasy-friendly defense than the Texans.

Chism hasn’t played much this year after surprisingly making the Pats’ roster after a strong training camp. New England was without Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins this week, giving Chism an opening. He took the opportunity and ran with it, pulling in his first grab of the day for 30 yards and his second for a 10-yard score. Boutte should be back next week, meaning Chism isn’t guaranteed a spot on the gameday roster for Week 18. Still, his Week 17 spike should earn him more playing time in the long run.

If Douglas doesn’t play, New England’s only three healthy wideouts on the roster will be Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism. Chism would fit best in the slot, so he may get a chance to have a moment against the Jets if Douglas is ruled out.

All of Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Harold Landry, and Christian Barmore are active for the Patriots after coming into the weekend listed as questionable. Tommy DeVito will continue to serve as the emergency quarterback.

No real surprises here. The Patriots come into this game relatively healthy, except for defensive tackle Milton Williams being on the IR.

No huge surprises here; however, with Chism out for the game, the Patriots may turn to TreVeyon Henderson or Terrell Jennings to return kicks