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PrintPatriots Are Setting Up Drake Maye to Deliver for Your Fantasy Team
New England Patriots 2025 Overview
Schedule
| Week 1 | vs. LV | Week 10 | at TB |
| Week 2 | at MIA | Week 11 | vs. NYJ |
| Week 3 | vs. PIT | Week 12 | at CIN |
| Week 4 | vs. CAR | Week 13 | vs. NYG |
| Week 5 | at BUF | Week 14 | BYE |
| Week 6 | at NO | Week 15 | vs. BUF |
| Week 7 | vs. TEN | Week 16 | at BAL |
| Week 8 | vs. CLE | Week 17 | at NYJ |
| Week 9 | vs. ATL | Week 18 | vs. MIA |
Wins
2024
4
2025 Over/Under
7.5
Play Calling
| 2024 | 2025 Projections | |
| Plays Per Game | 60.4 | 61.9 |
| Pass Rate | 56.5% | 57.7% |
| Run Rate | 43.5% | 42.3% |
Key Additions
- RB TreVeyon Henderson
- WR WR Kyle Williams
- WR Mack Hollins
- LT Will Campbell
- RT Morgan Moses
- C Garrett Bradbury
Key Departures
- None
Notable Coaching Changes
- HC Mike Vrabel
- OC Josh McDaniels
Drake Maye
Bottom Line: Star Maye on Your Cheat Sheet
Maye showed promise as a rookie, despite an awful supporting cast. Now, with an improved situation, the second-year passer brings top-12 upside into the 2025 season. He’s a nice target for patient QB drafters.
2024 Summary
Maye Gains Fantasy Value as a Rookie
Maye averaged 223.1 passing yards and 36.3 rushing yards across ten full games.
A good chunk of his rushing production came on scrambles. In fact, his 349 yards off scrambles led all QBs.
The rookie ranked 15th in fantasy points per game (15th in expected PPG). He finished QB15 or better in seven of nine games over a mid-season stretch, peaking at QB7 on the year.
Patience Required: Pats Start Season With Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett was announced as New England’s starter in late August. He started the first five games before Maye took over in Week 6 vs. Houston.
Maye executed a conservative attack for the Pats. Per Pro Football Focus, he ranked 25th in a sample of 32 QBs in average depth of target (7.4 yards). He ranked 22nd in deep passing rate (8.9%).
Maye also ranked near the bottom of the league in play-action pass rate (19%).
Efficiency Metrics Show Potential
As you’d expect, Maye’s efficiency metrics were a mixed bag.
He ranked ninth in completion rate over expected in a sample of 43 QBs (via Pro Football Focus).
But he also ranked:
- 24th in adjusted completion rate
- 31st in PFF passing grade
In a sample of 36 QBs, Maye slotted 19th in on-target throw rate (per Pro Football Reference). He ultimately flashed Round 1 talent, but his environment didn’t allow for an early breakout.
His Supporting Cast Wasn't Helpful
New England’s top target earners included:
- Hunter Henry (97)
- Demario Douglas (87)
- Kayshon Boutte (68)
- Austin Hooper (59)
Not great.
The Pats also ranked 12th in pass rate but 20th in pass rate over expected.
Perhaps most troubling was the O-line. Maye took the ninth-most sacks league-wide, despite only ten full games. New England ranked 31st in ESPN’s pass block win rate and PFF pass blocking grade.
Maye Overcomes Concussion, Knee Scare
Maye underwent an MRI on his knee after Week 6 but avoided missing time.
He overcame a Week 8 concussion to suit up and play the following week. Week 17 turned up another concussion check, but the rookie was cleared to return.
Maye’s college career turned up no significant injuries and zero missed games.
2025 Expectations
Maye's Supporting Cast Now Looks Legit
WR Stefon Diggs arrives to supply a veteran target. We’ll see how he progresses from an October ACL tear, but there’s a realistic chance he’s ready for Week 1.
New England spent a Round 2 pick on RB TreVeyon Henderson. The Ohio State standout is electric in space, both as a rusher and a receiver. He adds value as one of the best pass-protecting RBs in this class.
WR Kyle Williams arrived in early Round 3 of the draft. He adds a deep element that should pair nicely with Maye’s electric arm.
Now, the depth pieces remain unexciting.
Demario Douglas projects as an average slot. New Patriot Mack Hollins is best used in a situational role. And it’s a mystery as to what we’ll get from Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, a pair of underachieving ‘24 rookies.
Hunter Henry at least returns to stabilize the TE unit. The Pats also upgraded the O-line with the selection of Round 1 LT Will Campbell. They added veteran upgrades in C Garrett Bradbury and RT Morgan Moses in free agency.
Pats Welcome Back a Familiar Face
OC Josh McDaniels returns to a gig he last held in 2021. He took a year off from coaching in 2024.
As Vegas’ HC from 2022-2023, he oversaw units that ranked:
McDaniels’ only experience with a mobile QB like Maye came in 2020 alongside Cam Newton. That year, the Pats ranked 31st in pass rate (51%) and 32nd in pass rate over expected.
We’d expect the Pats to lean more on Maye, who’s a more talented passer than Newton (especially late in his career). Still, we’re not expecting this unit to rank anywhere near the top in pass rate or raw volume.
Maye Has the Key Trait to Supply Breakout Potential
Top-five QBs have increasingly needed to deliver on the ground.
Since 2020, top-five fantasy QBs have averaged 471 rushing yards per season. Only three QBs in that sample tallied fewer than 200 rush yards.
Maye’s current projection is around 400 rushing yards. While it’s unlikely, Maye has a shot at approaching the top tier of fantasy QBs if his passing leaps forward.
TreVeyon Henderson
Bottom Line: Henderson's Ability, Opportunity Signal RB2 Value
Henderson boasts the draft capital, opportunity, and talent to provide immediate fantasy returns. An improved New England offense only boosts his case as a fantasy RB2/flex.
2024 Summary
He Flashed NFL Talent, Despite Up-and-Down College Career
Henderson burst on the scene as a freshman at Ohio State, tallying 183 carries, 1,248 yards, and 15 TDs. He added 27 catches, 312 yards, and four additional scores.
Injuries limited him to 18 games over the following two seasons. But he rebounded in 2024 to post another 1,000-yard season – plus a career-high 7.1 yards per carry.
He exits college with 590 carries, 3,761 yards, and 42 rushing TDs across four seasons. He added 77 catches, 853 yards, and 6 TDs through the air.
The Metrics Show He's an Excellent Prospect
Let’s isolate Henderson’s 2024.
Among 90 RBs with 145+ carries, the Buckeye ranked:
- third in yards after contact per attempt
- fourth in PFF rushing grade
- sixth in Breakaway Percentage
*Breakaway percentage is calculated by taking yards gained on runs of 15+ and dividing by total rushing yards.
All three marks above were career highs.
As a pass catcher, Henderson notched 1.18 yards per route run – the third-best figure of his career. That ranked 30th in a sample of 55 RBs.
Ohio State’s WR depth certainly played a role there. Ultimately, Henderson brings a complete and pro-ready profile.
Judkins Cut Into His 2024 Work
Ohio State provided strong QB play and skill position players across each of Henderson’s four seasons.
The O-line also performed well, peaking as Pro Football Focus’ No. 4 run-blocking unit in 2022.
In 2024, Henderson split work with Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins. Judkins held the edge in carries (193 to 145), while Henderson led in targets (30 to 26).
Beware the Injury History
Henderson missed five games during his sophomore season with a broken foot. He underwent surgery that December.
The next season, he missed three games due to a lower-body injury.
2025 Expectations
Lead-Back Usage Within Reach
Henderson’s tape showed a dynamic rusher, receiver, and pass protector.
We expect him to lead the Pats in touches in Year 1, ahead of veteran RB Rhamondre Stevenson. The Pats extended Stevenson’s contract last June, but that was before the arrival of HC Mike Vrabel and OC Josh McDaniels.
New England also retained RB Antonio Gibson. He figures to compete for the No. 2 RB role.
Current projections have Henderson just shy of 200 carries and 40 receptions. There could be additional upside through the air, depending on the health of WR Stefon Diggs and the development of WR Kyle Williams.
New Supporting Cast Improves Outlook
New England’s O-line looks much better after adding:
- Round 1 LT Will Campbell
- Veteran C Garrett Bradbury
- Rookie C Jared Wilson
- Veteran RT Morgan Moses
The pass-catching group looks improved, too, as long as Diggs can successfully return from an October ACL tear. Williams supplies a downfield threat.
That duo should help take pressure off the ground game.
History Says OC Change Boosts Henderson
New OC Josh McDaniels has a history of shuffling production to receiving RBs.
Think back to the old Patriots teams with guys like Kevin Faulk, James White, Danny Woodhead, and Shane Vereen. Each guy posted multiple seasons of 45+ catches.
Henderson at least matches their receiving talent while offering more upside on the ground.
Rhamondre Stevenson
Bottom Line: Stevenson Trending Down After Pats Add Rookie
A poor offense and continued struggles with ball security limited Stevenson’s 2024 impact. Now, with new teammate TreVeyon Henderson in town, Stevenson’s positioned as no more than a low-end flex.
2024 Summary
Stevenson Underperforms After Extension
Stevenson signed a four-year contract extension last June.
So it was no surprise to see him handle lead-back duties, resulting in 801 rushing yards and seven TDs in 15 games. He added 33 catches, 168 yards, and one TD as a receiver.
However, the 27-year-old never developed into a consistent fantasy starter. He posted five top-ten PPR weeks – and seven outside the top-24.
Come January, he ranked 28th in total PPR points; 27th in points per game.
Unspectacular Usage As a Pass Catcher
Stevenson’s 207 carries ranked just outside the top-20 among RBs.
He handled 60.6% of New England’s red zone rushes – ninth-most among RBs, per Pro Football Reference. He slotted 11th in goal line rushing share.
Stevenson wasn’t fully unleashed as a pass-catcher, though. His 48% route rate ranked 21st among RBs. He averaged a moderate 2.7 targets per game.
Underlying Numbers Show No Reason for Optimism
Stevenson didn’t put his best work on film in 2024.
His 70.3 Pro Football Focus rushing grade turned up a career low and ranked 34th among 47 qualifying RBs.
He also ranked 23rd in rush yards over expected per attempt and 31st in yards after contact per attempt.
Stevenson added a career low in yards per route run (0.62), a figure that’s been on the decline since 2022.
Patriots Blocking Stunk
Stevenson wasn’t positioned for success.
The Pats started the year with Jacoby Brissett, who labored through five starts. Drake Maye supplied a spark, but this unit still finished 31st in yards and 30th in points.
The O-line proved pitiful. They ranked 32nd in ESPN’s run block win rate and PFF’s run blocking grade.
Fumble Struggles Could Sideline Him
Stevenson fumbled seven times in 2024, including one fumble in each of his first four games.
That followed seasons with the following fumble counts:
- One (2023)
- Four (2022)
- Two (2021)
Stevenson will get a fresh start under new HC Mike Vrabel. But this is clearly an area worth monitoring.
Health Improved, At Least
Stevenson missed Week 6 with a foot injury. He sat out Week 18, too, but that wasn’t injury-related.
Stevenson missed five games with a high-ankle sprain in 2023.
2025 Expectations
A Lead Back Role Under Threat
New England invested an early Round 2 pick in Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson.
At 202 pounds, he brings a dynamic skill set as a rusher, receiver, and pass blocker. He garnered an Aaron Jones comp from NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein.
Barring a major surprise, Henderson will at least handle most passing-down snaps. Expect him to eventually eat into Stevenson’s early-down work, too.
Antonio Gibson returns for his second season in New England and could push Stevenson for rotational work. The former Commander averaged 4.5 yards per carry (120 attempts) and 9.0 yards per catch (23 receptions) in 2024.
Pats Wisely Address O-line, WR
New England’s O-line looks much better after adding:
- Round 1 LT Will Campbell
- Veteran C Garrett Bradbury
- Rookie C Jared Wilson
- Veteran RT Morgan Moses
WR Stefon Diggs bolsters the WR corps, as long as he can successfully return from an October ACL tear. The Pats also added a vertical threat in Round 3 WR Kyle Williams.
That duo should help take pressure off the ground game.
McDaniels Brings History of Run-Focused Game Plans
New OC Josh McDaniels last orchestrated offenses for the Raiders in 2022 and 2023.
His units finished 21st and 27th in rush attempts.
In general, McDaniels has shown more of a commitment to the run. Here are his finishes in rush attempts:
- 2006 (Patriots): sixth
- 2007 (Patriots): ninth
- 2008 (Patriots): fourth
- 2009 (Broncos): 14th
- 2010 (Broncos): 27th
- 2011 (Rams): 23rd
- 2012 (Patriots): second
- 2013 (Patriots): ninth
- 2014 (Patriots): 13th
- 2015 (Patriots): 25th
- 2016 (Patriots): third
- 2017 (Patriots): 11th
- 2018 (Patriots): third
- 2019 (Patriots): ninth
- 2020 (Patriots): third
- 2021 (Patriots): eighth
Stefon Diggs
Bottom Line: Diggs Poised for Friendly Volume -- if Health Cooperates
Diggs’ 2025 output will largely depend on health. His contract in New England certainly signals confidence, though. There’s an opportunity for WR3 fantasy numbers (with spike weeks) alongside Drake Maye.
2024 Summary
Diggs Shows No Signs of Decline When Healthy
Diggs was on pace for 100 catches, 1,054 yards, and 6.3 TDs as a 2024 Texan.
He made it through only eight matchups due to a torn ACL, though. In his active games, Diggs recorded three top-15 fantasy finishes and none outside the top-40.
The veteran slotted 16th in PPR points per game.
Diggs Moves to Specialized Slot Role
Diggs played in the slot on 52.8% of his passing snaps last year, per Pro Football Focus. That marked a clear uptick from his usage in Buffalo, when he was typically in the low to mid-30s.
Per ESPN Research, a career-high 18.6% of Diggs’ routes were run short and to the outside. That lines up with his slot usage. And it might stem from the Texans’ struggles to overcome a poor O-line.
Diggs played alongside stud WR Nico Collins, so it wasn’t a surprise to see his total target share dip. Here’s his current trend going back to 2020:
- 2024: 22.9%
- 2023: 27.6%
- 2022: 26.8%
- 2021: 25.0%
- 2020: 27.9%
Diggs Crushes These ESPN Metrics
Diggs turned 31 last November, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at his on-field sample.
Let’s start with ESPN’s WR metrics. They track receiver scores for the following categories:
- Open Score (a WR's ability to create separation)
- Catch Score (a WR's ability to make the catch based on the probabilities of a completion)
- Yards After Catch Score (a WR’s ability to generate yards beyond the expected amount)
Despite the advanced age and the adjustment to a new team, Diggs ranked second among WRs in Overall Score. He particularly excelled in Open Score (second) and Catch Score (tied for second).
Other metrics – like drop rate, contested catch rate, and yards after catch per reception – fell in line with career averages. Diggs’ 1.84 yards per route run was a bit low in comparison, but his low aDOT (8.3 yards) certainly played a role.
Diggs Overcame O-line and QB Regression
Houston’s offense took a step back last year.
A leaky O-line and regression from C.J. Stroud contributed to this unit finishing 21st in passing yards; 18th in points.
ACL Tear Cuts 2024 Short
Diggs sustained a torn right ACL in late October. He resumed running at full speed in March.
Before October, Diggs enjoyed a multi-year stretch of injury-free play.
2025 Expectations
Diggs Finds Home as a No. 1 WR
The Patriots signed Diggs to a three-year, $63.5 million deal with $25 million guaranteed.
The contract certainly puts him in line to lead the team in targets, especially when you consider his competition:
- Hunter Henry
- Demario Douglas
- Kyle Williams
- Kendrick Bourne
- Mack Hollins
- Kayshon Boutte
- Ja’Lynn Polk
But how will Diggs look coming off the ACL tear? A March ESPN report suggested he was ahead of schedule. Diggs also could be seen moving around well in a May video posted to social media.
He’ll be about 10.5 months removed from surgery come Week 1, a realistic amount of time to get him set for the opener.
Now, expecting a pre-injury Diggs right away wouldn’t be wise. Perhaps he’ll develop into a buy-low target for WR-needy managers around mid-season.
Maye Adds Reason for Excitement
QB Drake Maye posted underwhelming stats as a rookie. But a lot of that can be traced to an awful O-line and receiving group.
The third overall pick still showed the ability to make every throw on the field. He also brings the athleticism to extend plays outside the pocket.
At a minimum, QB play isn’t a reason to be low on Diggs in summer drafts. And the potential remains for Maye to perform as a top-12 QB.
Diggs' Connection to his New OC
In 2024, Diggs was coached by Texans assistant Ben McDaniels. Now, he’s with Josh McDaniels, who returns to New England as the OC/play-caller.
“Stef is a unique individual. Unique player," Josh McDaniels said in April. "Got a really good skill set, been a really productive player for a long time. Excited about his addition. My brother had an opportunity to coach him last year in Houston, so I have a bit of insight into what he’s like day-to-day. I’m really excited about having him here.”
It’s a projection as to whether Diggs will primarily play in the slot or out wide. But we’d bet on a healthy mix of both and an offense that prioritizes feeding him targets.
Kyle Williams
Bottom Line: Williams Unlikely to Find '25 Fantasy Value
Williams brings a deep ball element to an underwhelming Pats receiving corps. Still, the rookie is more of a dynasty stash than a good bet for bankable 2025 fantasy value. Treat Williams as a late-round flier.
2024 Summary
Williams Hits NFL Radar in 2023, 2024
Williams' career began at UNLV with a shortened 2020 season. He led the team with 35 catches and 426 yards, adding two scores.
His production flatlined over the next two seasons, impacted by a three-game absence in 2022.
Williams joined Washington State for the 2023 season and rebounded with 61 catches, 843 yards, and 6 TDs. Then his best work arrived in 2024 with 70-1,198-14. He ranked sixth nationally among WRs in receiving yards; fourth in receiving TDs.
He Excels on Downfield Balls
Williams’ career target share was a solid 26.1% (77th percentile), per PlayerProfiler.
He saw 24% of his targets on deep balls in 2024, per Pro Football Focus. Williams tallied a similar mark – 21.2% – in 2023.
More Than a One-Trick Pony
Let’s isolate Williams’ most recent sample from 2024.
Among 42 WRs with 100+ targets, he ranked:
- 1st in yards after catch per reception
- 4th in catch rate
- 9th in yards per route run
- 13th in PFF Receiving Grade
- 14th in catch rate
Minus the catch rate, each mark set a career high.
Williams Hits the League Without Major Injury Concerns
Williams missed two games in 2022 and two in 2023 with unspecified injuries.
He sustained a hamstring injury at the NFL Combine, which prevented him from working out at Washington State’s Pro Day. He took part in New England's offseason practices.
2025 Expectations
New England Remains Needy at WR
The Patriots selected Williams with the 69th overall pick in the draft. He came off the board ninth among WRs.
The Pats invested two picks in WRs last year. But that pair – Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker – combined for only 13 catches.
Instead, New England figures to rely on veteran Stefon Diggs, who signed a three-year deal in March. We’ll see when he returns from an October ACL tear – and when he regains target-earning form. Entering the summer, it appears he at least has a good shot at being ready for Week 1.
Behind him, there’s room for Williams to earn snaps from a group of Demario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and Kendrick Bourne. Williams should fill a downfield role whenever he enters the lineup.
Maye Proved Inconsistent on Deep Balls ... For Good Reason
QB Drake Maye posted underwhelming stats as a rookie. But a lot of that can be traced to an awful O-line and receiving group.
Consider that Hunter Henry led this group in targets, followed by Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte.
The third overall pick still showed the ability to make every throw on the field, although consistency on the deep ball wasn’t present. Among 42 qualifiers, he ranked 32nd in deep ball adjusted completion rate and tied for 34th in PFF’s deep passing grade.
Don't Expect a High-Volume Passing Game
The Pats welcomed back former OC Josh McDaniels. The bulk of his New England days were heavily influenced by Tom Brady, but his units finished 12th and 22nd in pass attempts during a two-year run as Vegas' HC (2022-2023).
He finished 9th and 7th in two years as Denver's HC (2009-2010). And in 2011 — as the Rams' play-caller — the team finished 16th in pass attempts.
At bottom, we’re expecting a relatively balanced offense in New England this year.
Hunter Henry
Bottom Line: Henry's Volume Likely to Drop
Anticipated growth from Drake Maye gives Henry a shot at some TE1 weeks this season. Overall, though, an increase in target competition leaves the veteran as a clear TE2.
2024 Summary
Henry Delivers Spot Start Value
Henry set career highs in catches (66) and yards (674). Those marks ranked seventh and eighth, respectively, among TEs.
He supplied only two TDs for the second time over the past three seasons.
The veteran sat 10th in expected PPR points per game but registered an actual finish of 16th. Henry recorded seven top-12 fantasy finishes, including two in the top five (one with Drake Maye, one with Jacoby Brissett).
He added five finishes at TE25 or worse.
Poor WR Corps Drives Surge in Volume
Henry ranked seventh among TEs in red zone targets (16), per Pro Football Reference. Across all positions, he slotted tenth in red zone target share (29.1%).
Henry’s overall target share benefited from a poor New England WR corps. After seeing a 13% share in 2023 and 11.6% in 2022, his tally shot up to 19.4%. That led all Patriots pass catchers.
As usual, Henry did most of his damage in the short range. His 7.9-yard average depth of target even tied a career-low.
Upside Limited By Lack of TDs
Among 44 TEs with 40+ targets last year, Henry ranked:
- 12th in Pro Football Focus receiving grade
- 22nd in yards per route run
- 25th in yards per catch
He proved inefficient in the TD department. The 30-year-old ranked ninth among TEs with 6.0 expected TDs – yet he scored only twice.
Pats Offense Among the NFL's Worst
A lack of pass-catching alternatives helped Henry deliver a solid fantasy season.
But outside of opportunity, there wasn’t much to like in New England.
The Pats ranked 31st in yards and 30th in points. They ranked 12th in pass rate but 20th in pass rate over expected.
QB Jacoby Brissett tallied an ugly 59% completion rate and 5.1 yards per attempt across five starts. While Drake Maye supplied an upgrade, he still experienced the typical ups and downs of a rookie QB.
Henry's Overcome Some Notable Early-Career Injuries
Henry dealt with some serious injuries as a Charger, including an ACL tear and a leg fracture. But in four years with New England, he’s played 16 or 17 games in three of four seasons.
Henry sat out Week 18 of 2024 with a minor foot injury. He missed three games in 2023 with an MCL sprain.
2025 Expectations
New Target Competition for Henry
New England returns Henry and Austin Hooper as the top two TEs.
Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams arrived to strengthen the WR corps. We’ll see when Diggs returns from an October ACL tear – and if he can regain his pre-injury form.
Williams is a promising deep threat, but consider him unlikely to see significant volume in 2025. He brings the potential to open up space for Henry underneath.
Patriots Look Much More Talented on Paper
This starts and ends with Drake Maye.
We’re optimistic about his chances of improving in 2024. Beyond the WR overhaul, New England upgraded the O-line with a mix of veterans and rookies. Among them: Round 1 LT Will Campbell and veteran RT Morgan Moses.
Henry's Already Proven Useful With McDaniels
Henry will play under new OC Josh McDaniels. The two spent one season together in 2021 and produced the following totals:
- Target Share: 14%
- PPR Finish: TE8
- Fantasy Points Per Game: TE13
