Last week I served up a plate of Romeo Doubs. Hoping for a fine plate of bangers and mash for our London showdown between the Packers and Giants, he resembled more of an untoasted English muffin with a cold slab of butter. He was nothing spectacular, only hauling in 3 receptions on 5 targets. Doubs had a fantastic game blocking for Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard on quick passes throughout the day, however, you don’t get fantasy points from blocking.
This week was not what Doubs (or us managers) were hoping for in a fantasy output but he’s been on the field, consistently earning an average of 7 targets per game over his last three outings and leading the team with a 16.8 target share. The dish was not as satisfying as promised last week, but I’d be willing to revisit and order another plate of Doubs in future weeks. He’s still worth a stash in your pantry.
We are now going from London, England to America, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Next to be plated is Rhamondre Stevenson. Even playing the second option to Damien Harris, Stevenson has seen enough volume to at least contribute to your lineup as a flex option. Bye weeks are beginning, and managers who are starved of a quality starting running back are now given a treat with Rhamondre Stevenson.
With Harris now set to miss multiple weeks, a workhorse load for the do-it-all out of the backfield running back awaits. What that means for your fantasy team can be oh-so-sweet, kind of like a Boston Cream Pie. Stevenson brings nice value as a receiving back, taking a slice of the target share at 11.5%, good enough for third on the team, which makes it no surprise that he is also third on the team in catches. He now gets to add in early down work as the lead-back for at least the next few weeks. It’s unclear right now how long Harris will be out, so there is still a possibility that he can end up on Injury Reserve, forcing him out at least four contests.
After Harris’s departure in last week’s game against the Detroit Lions with a hamstring injury, Stevenson exploded for a career high in rushing yards with 161 on 25 carries. What’s even sweeter than that is he has a chance to replicate his success in the coming weeks. His next two games have a matchup so tasty it’ll have your mouth watering as you begin to set your lineup.
In week 6, the New England Patriots take on the Cleveland Browns, who have given up the 5th most rushing yards this season with 691 in the first five games. They’ve also given up the 3rd most rushing touchdowns and red zone trips so far in the 2023 season.
Up after that looks even better…the Chicago Bears. Chicago has given up the second most rushing yards on the year, allowing 850, just one yard behind the Seahawks who rank dead last. They are tied with the Browns in rushing touchdowns allowed on the year with eight. Stevenson is exactly what you need to top off the perfect lineup, just like that perfect piece of pie after a delicious meal. As long as Damien Harris remains inactive, you all can enjoy a slice of Rhamondre Stevenson. Bon Appetit!
