Patriots WR K.J. Osborn drew a team-high 6 targets in Sunday's upset win over the Bengals, catching just three for 21 yards. Those 3 receptions tied him with RB Rhamondre Stevenson for the team lead. No Patriot tallied more than 31 receiving yards, as QB Jacoby Brissett threw for only 121 yards on 15-of-24 passing. That target lead for Osborn also proved deceptive vs. the WR corps playing time.
Although Osborn led New England wideouts in total snaps (39), he ran a route on just 14 of Brissett's 29 dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. That ranked him just fourth among Patriots WRs, trailing:
New England also incorporated a pair of TEs, with Hunter Henry playing the most snaps (54) among non-QB skill-position players on offense. Henry's 24 routes also led the team.
Austin Hooper played 35 snaps and ran 14 routes. His 4 targets rankged second on the team.
This offense looks unlikely to consistently support the same lead target. Rather, we should bet on New England spreading it around -- at least until WR Kendrick Bourne returns or Polk proves ready for a larger role.
Also, 16 points won't be enough to win most games. So don't expect the Patriots to commonly finish with splits such as 24 pass attempts vs. 39 rushes.
Ultimately, this is a developing situation -- including at QB, which is likely to turn to rookie Drake Maye at some point.
Expect it to remain a low-impact passing game for fantasy usage. But we'll be watching for usable pieces.
Draft capital is important for incoming fantasy rookies, but context is often lost on the draft class. See how the top skill positions match up in the top 100 prospects
Read More »
QB Jaxson Dart has the arm strength and rushing upside to be a fantasy difference-maker. Is he a beacon of light in a dim QB class? Or are we reaching for a mediocre talent in a QB-starved league?
Read More »
Cam Ward looks like the No. 1 pick -- but is that enough to make him a high-value superflex asset? Should you target or pass on Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders in your dynasty rookie draft? Let's talk through the top prospects PLUS three sleepers.
Read More »
Search
