Fantasy football managers face a challenging decision as they prepare for Week 15, particularly concerning New England Patriots running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. With both players healthy, the distribution of touches and snaps has become a critical factor for fantasy performance against the Buffalo Bills.
In the previous week, the workload between the two backs was almost evenly split. Stevenson recorded 15 touches compared to Henderson’s 14, and their snap counts reflected a similar balance, with Stevenson participating in 38 snaps and Henderson in 32. This even distribution complicates the decision for fantasy players as they navigate the playoffs.
For Rhamondre Stevenson, the analysis leans towards starting him. It’s anticipated that he’ll maintain around the 15 touches he achieved last week, which is generally sufficient for solid fantasy returns. The matchup against the Bills team, known to give up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, enhances Stevenson’s appeal. Historically, when healthy, Stevenson has been viewed as the primary back, and in this vital matchup, he is expected to take on that role once again.
The verdict for Stevenson is clear: start him.
On the other hand, TreVeyon Henderson presents a more uncertain scenario. Although his performance has shown potential, he is perceived as the riskier option between the two. Over the last two weeks, Henderson has managed an average of 17.5 touches, indicating he still remains involved even with Stevenson on the field; however, the reliability of his output is less certain. Last week’s performance, featuring 14 touches, exemplifies his ability to contribute, particularly in a dynamic run game.
Henderson’s favorable matchup against a struggling Bills defense, which has shown vulnerabilities, further increases his chances of delivering substantial fantasy points. Thus, even with Stevenson expected to be the lead back, there are enough opportunities for Henderson to make an impact. As a result, he is regarded as a viable flex option for fantasy lineups in Week 15.
The conclusion for Henderson also leans toward a start. Fantasy managers should feel confident in deploying both players, albeit with the understanding that Stevenson is positioned to lead the way while Henderson still offers valuable upside.
