It wasn't pretty, but Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson totaled 95 yards in Wednesday night's opener vs. the Seahawks. He was largely bottled up on his 18 carries, mustering just 51 yards on 2.8 per rush. But Stevenson chipped in another 44 yards on 5 catches (6 targets) to come away with a usable fantasy outing.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Watch Henderson's Status
This went exactly as expected. With RB TreVeyon Henderson out, Stevenson got workhorse usage:
- 85% snap rate
- 76% route rate
- 18 of 24 RB carries (75%)
- 18% target share
But he struggled to find running room against a stout Seahawks defense that ranked fourth in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs last year. According to Pro Football Focus, 50 of Stevenson's 51 rushing yards came after contact.
Henderson didn't practice at all leading up to the opener, leaving his Week 2 status uncertain. If he misses another game, Stevenson will again be a strong fantasy play, even against a Steelers defense that ranked first against RBs last year.
Stevenson is expected to remain New England's lead back even when Henderson returns, although he'll be more of a low-end RB2 at that point.
