In a contest that no one will consider a classic, the New England Patriots outlasted the Denver Broncos 10-7 to get back to the Super Bowl.
In an ugly, snow-soaked slugfest, the New England Patriots punched their ticket to the Big Game with a 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos, marking the franchise’s record 12th Super Bowl appearance. It was cold all afternoon, but the weather took a turn for the worse in the second half, making passing the ball and kicking field goals nearly impossible. Maye finished just 10-of-21 for 86 passing yards, but the MVP candidate made an impact as a runner, scoring a TD and rushing for 65 yards on 10 carries.
With Maye held in check by the snow and Denver’s defense, New England survived by controlling the clock and winning the turnover battle. The Patriots forced two turnovers and sacked QB Jarrett Stidham three times, while Rhamondre Stevenson handled the dirty work on offense — rushing for 71 yards and playing mistake-free football in the elements. Nothing fancy, but fantasy managers should note he out-touched rookie TreVeyon Henderson, who had just five rushing yards, 25 to three. Keep that in mind before reaching on Henderson early in 2026 drafts.
Next up for New England: a date with the Seattle Seahawks on February 8th in Santa Clara, CA, in Super Bowl LX.
Author: Wolf Trelles-Heard (@DynastyFFWolf on X/Twitter)
So far in two postseason games, New England Patriots running...
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson ...
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (eye)...
Drake Maye delivers in the 4th quarter as the Patriots’ defense dominates in a 16–3 Wild Card win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Drake Maye picks up a victory in his first postseason start. Maye completed just 58.6% of his passes for 268 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown to Hunter Henry in the 4th quarter. Maye was fantastic on the ground as the game’s leading rusher, picking up 66 yards on 10 carries. The real story of this game is the dominant, suffocating defense which allowed just 3 points and sacked Justin Herbert 6 times.
From a fantasy perspective, it was great to see Drake Maye’s rushing ability on display. In a game where the Patriots only scored 16 points, Maye still had a very solid fantasy day, which speaks to how incredibly high his floor is. Other than Maye, the backfield continued to be split, with 10 carries going to Rhamondre Stevenson, for 53 yards, and 9 carries to TreVeyon Henderson for 27 yards. Stevenson was far more effective in the passing game, with 3 receptions for 75 yards, good for the best receiving line in the game. Fantasy managers will be hoping for and expecting Henderson to take over the lion’s share of the touches sooner rather than later, but until then Rhamondre remains a great value. Meanwhile, the Patriots pass catchers remain unpredictable and unimpressive. Trade rumors are already swirling as New England seems poised to give Drake Maye another weapon this offseason.
Author: Nick Del Duca (TheFFScout_x)
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte have been ruled out for Thursday night.
The New England Patriots will be short a couple offensive playmakers in their Thursday night matchup against the New York Jets, Rhamondre Stevenson and Kayshon Boutte have been ruled out for the game. Both missed last week’s game as well, allowing TreVeyon Henderson, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams to see increased roles.
Stevenson has been the lead back for the Patriots when healthy but in his absence Henderson had 147 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Williams only had one catch but it went for a 72 yard touchdown and Hollins put up 106 yards on six catches.
Henderson had the breakout game fantasy managers have been waiting for and should be confidently inserted into lineups this week, Williams is best left on the bench except in desperate situations but should certainly be stashed and Hollins is a solid flex play.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
Both WR Kayshon Boutte and RB Rhamondre Stevenson were ruled out by the Patriots for Week 10.
Kayshon Boutte left Week 9 with a hamstring injury. Rhamondre Stevenson is on pace to miss his 2nd straight game.
Even though Demario Douglas put up the best fantasy performance with Boutte sidelined last week, it was Kyle Williams who set a season-high 46-percent snap share. Williams should see increased snaps again in Week 10, but is only a deep-league add.
Stevenson missed Week 9, and Henderson handled 19 touches on a 75-percent snap share. Expect Henderson to again handle a bellcow role in Week 10 versus Tampa Bay. Henderson is a borderline Top-12 option at RB in Week 10.
Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)
Rhamondre Stevenson, Kayshon Boutte miss second-straight practice for the Patriots
In advance of their Week 10 contest against Tampa Bay, Rhamondre Stevenson and Kayshon Boutte were on the injury report as “DNP” (did not practice) for a second day in a row.
The two will need to log at least limited practices on Friday or risk being ruled out in advance of game day. Running back stalwart Stevenson (toe) missed Week 9, and a split committee of TreVeyon Henderson (14/55, four catches) and Terrell Jennings (11/35/1, one catch) shouldered the load in their win over Atlanta.
Meanwhile, wideout Boutte (hamstring) played a season-low 18 snaps with the nagging hammie. While he leads the WR corps in touchdowns and is second in receiving yards, he failed to secure a catch for the first time this season in his limited action.
Doubt reigns supreme as to whether either player will suit up for Sunday’s 1 p.m. EDT start time.
Fantasy lowdown: Much to the chagrin of Henderson owners who thought they’d finally get a breakout, Jennings threw a wrench into those expectations. Expect a similar script against the Buccaneers; however, if New England finds itself trailing, pass-catching possibilities will literally fall into his hands. Both are worth a speculative FLEX play in lineups but owners would be wise to play a better option. if available.
Boutte being out gives a production bump to both Pop Douglas and tight end Hunter Henry. At some point, someone else besides Douglas and Stefon Diggs will have to get involved (Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams?), but neither can be relied on enough for a plug-and-play.
For now, fantasy managers would be wise to monitor the practice report tomorrow closely before the injury report and designations are released prior to the weekend.
Author: Samwise (@BuyAndSellYou)
The Patriots will be without running back Rhamondre Stevenson on Sunday.
Fantasy gamers waiting for a TreVeyon Henderson breakout may get their wish. Rhamondre Stevenson will miss Sunday’s game versus the Atlanta Falcons. With heavy rumors that the Patriots will make a trade for a running back prior to the Tuesday, November 4th trade deadline, this creates an ideal scenario for Henderson to display his talent for at least 1 game.
Henderson offers a Jahmyr Gibbs like style of play where he is a dual threat in receiving and rushing. The problem is that Henderson has struggled acclimating to the demands of the NFL which have caused limited playing time. Fire up Henderson in a home matchup vs. the Falcons.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
