New England

Patriots

The Bengals and Dolphins were initially slated to play on Sunday night in Week 16. They will now move to a standard 1:00 PM EST slot, while the Ravens and Patriots will prepare to play under the lights in a game that could still carry major playoff implications for both teams. As is the case with every Sunday night game on NBC, we will be waiting all day for this game.

The modest target total was primarily a product of extremely positive game script following a 94-yard punt return touchdown by Marcus Jones in the first quarter, which the team would add to before the first frame was complete. They would eventually take a 30-7 lead into the break, muting the offensive production from all skill position players in the second half. Diggs continues to operate as one of many primary contributors in an offense built around packaged mismatches, meaning he is unlikely to return elite fantasy ceiling without an injury to another skill position player. Up next for Diggs is a matchup against one of his former teams when the Patriots take on the Bills following their Week 14 bye.

The diminutive receiver made the most of the opportunities he received but remains unlikely to see significant weekly volume, keeping him from legitimate consideration in fantasy circles for the time being. That said, he could be busier against the nickel-heavy Bills defense in Week 15 following the team’s Week 14 bye.

The electric rookie made the most of his lone target, reeling in a 33-yard dime from Drake Maye on an over-the-shoulder catch down the sideline in the end zone to extend the team’s lead to 24-7. It was not the first time the downfield threat made a big play, but also highlights his status as a boom-or-bust fantasy asset unless there is an injury ahead of him on the depth chart.

Boutte showcased the preseason work he put in with quarterback Drake Maye with his three-yard touchdown in the first quarter, a beautifully placed fade against man coverage to the back corner of the end zone. He would not see his number called frequently from there on out considering the low total pass volume from the Patriots, highlighting his status as a true touchdown-or-bust fantasy option while the other skill position players remain healthy. His next chance to return usable counting stats comes in Week 15 against the Bills following the team’s Week 14 bye.

Henry led the team in receiving on a night quarterback Drake Maye attempted only 31 passes due to positive game script throughout, aided by a 94-yard punt return touchdown from Marcus Jones. His fantasy day could have been much bigger had a 30-yard touchdown grab in the fourth quarter not been called back by offsetting penalties. That pass would have also pushed Maye over 300 yards through the air for the first time in his career. Henry remains a back end TE1 but will head to his bye in Week 14 before a rematch with the division rival Bills in Week 15.

The 14 touches trailed backfield mate Rhamondre Stevenson by one in an easy victory, intimating that the latter will continue to be utilized in conjunction with the electric rookie for the remainder of the season, regardless of the former’s exploits without Stevenson in the lineup earlier this season. Henderson continues to carry the greater per-touch upside but will see a muted ceiling while operating in a near-even timeshare. Stevenson gained 40 yards on 12 totes while adding 40 yards on three receptions.

Chants of “MVP, MVP” rang through Foxboro at multiple points in the game as the Patriots made easy work of their former playoff rivals. Maye was denied piercing 300 yards through the air for the second consecutive game after a 30-yard touchdown throw to tight end Hunter Henry was called back for offsetting penalties late in the fourth quarter, but he looked every bit of an MVP candidate in this one. His poise in the pocket, arm strength, and decision making chops were on full display, highlighted by a 33-yard dime to the corner of the end zone to rookie Kyle Williams in the second quarter to give the team a commanding 24-7 lead. The Patriots head to their bye with the top record in the league at a sparkling 11-2, now winners of 10 straight, before a second meeting with the division rival Bills in Week 15.

Offensive tackle Marcus Bryant is probably the most notable inactive for the Patriots considering he was expected to serve at the swing tackle against the Giants. DeVito will be inactive, as has been the case since being claimed by the team in August.

Bradbury is now considered questionable for Monday night’s tilt with the Giants. With the Patriots already down rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson, the team can ill-afford to lose a third starter along the line. The good news is that players listed with illnesses tend to play through those things more often than not. In the event he can’t go, however, Ben Brown would be next in line to fill his spot.