Patriots backfield is a growing committee. Henderson played 34% of snaps, 11 of 21 RB touches, and 38% of rushing attempts, with a 13% target share. Stevenson handled most short-yardage and two-minute work, keeping Henderson from a full breakout.

May's rushing threat could unlock more explosiveness for Henderson as defenses must account for him. Week ahead vs Miami's Dolphins tests the plan, but the pod expects Henderson's role to rise, while Stevenson remains steady between the tackles. Fantasy Life Plus tracks backfield usage to guide starts.

Raiders and Patriots face off in a clash where McDaniels’ evolving offense meets Carroll’s resilient, adjust-ready defense. Expect heavy use of play-action and quick reads designed to neutralize Max Crosby’s speed on the edge, with Drake Maye tasked to manage pressure and find timely throws. Trayvon Henderson could emerge as a crucial receiving option, while New England’s secondary battles matchup questions with Brock Bowers-style concepts looming in the game plan.

The Patriots’ defense must stay sharp despite Gonzalez’s health questions, as McDaniels taps a varied bag to string together efficient drives. The chess match—tempo, formations, and pressure windows—will dictate fantasy upside, making Henderson’s involvement and Crosby’s impact the swing factors for Week 1.

In short, Crosby’s edge pressure, Henderson’s gadget potential in the passing game, and Gonzalez’s status shape the likely fantasy outcomes. The game hinges on coaching choices and matchup-driven plays that can swing weekly projections more than raw volume.

Season 2 opens with a Patriots reboot vibe: Drake Maye’s development under McDaniels’ system, Will Campbell anchoring the line, and a culture push toward growth and accountability. The offense shows wrinkles and a young cast around Maye, with a sturdy run game and a QB-centric playmaking path.

The crew highlights Trayvon Henderson’s preseason impact as a versatile back/return threat, a defense built to be aggressive, and the Week 1 Raiders test as a barometer. They project a basement-floor improvement up to an 11-win ceiling if Maye and the line grow together.

Storylines flash the Edelman induction and Miller Lite partnership, underscoring a dynasty perspective while keeping the focus on the Patriots’ rebuild. A dependable, balanced approach around Maye, Henderson, and the O-line should shape early-season fantasy angles and a clearer playoff trajectory.

Overall, the narrative centers on fundamentals, coaching-driven clarity, and a young nucleus ready to prove they can translate camp chatter into real wins. If Maye’s decision-making sharpens and protection holds, New England could surprise in a crowded AFC.

Fantasy Footballers’ MVP roundtable highlights high-upside bets and proven floor players for 2025. London tops Matt Harmon’s MVP pull with a target machine profile and versatile role in Atlanta, while Jaden Reed and Jordan Mason emerge as smart mid-round bets for Green Bay and Minnesota amid improving offenses. Travion Henderson and Tyler Warren join the conversation as upside-back and upside-tight end picks, with Christian McCaffrey anchoring the veteran tier. Tyreek Hill and Caleb Johnson pepper the broader discussion as reliable Week 1 anchors and value picks.