AJ Brown’s absence opens up opportunities for the Patriots offensive weapons against the Dolphins in Week 8.
The New England Patriots head into Sunday’s AFC East matchup against the Miami Dolphins without two key offensive contributors. Wide receiver AJ Brown (ankle/knee) and running back TreVeyon Henderson (illness) are both out, creating opportunities for other players to step up in Week 8.
Brown’s absence leaves the Patriots with three healthy wide receivers on their 53-man roster: DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III, and Kyle Williams. With Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins also unavailable, quarterback Drake Maye can rely heavily on tight ends Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon to keep the passing attack productive.
For fantasy football managers looking for alternatives, Douglas and Henry are two names to keep an eye on. Douglas could see more opportunities working out of the slot, while Henry could become a bigger part of the passing game as New England adjusts to limited receiver depth.
Henderson’s absence also puts Rhamondre Stevenson in a favorable position to handle more offensive responsibilities. The veteran running back could receive additional carries while becoming a more frequent option in the passing game, making him another potential fantasy replacement to consider.
The matchup against Miami could also be in New England’s favor. The Dolphins have struggled against opposing quarterbacks, ranking last in the NFL in pass EPA, passer rating allowed (116.8), and completion percentage allowed (76.6%).
Despite the injuries, the Patriots still have several options capable of making an impact. Maye’s ability to distribute the ball could create opportunities for Douglas, Henry, and Stevenson to deliver useful fantasy production in Week 8.
The New England Patriots head into Sunday’s AFC East matchup against the Miami Dolphins without two key offensive contributors. Wide receiver AJ Brown (ankle/knee) and running back TreVeyon Henderson (illness) are both out, creating opportunities for other players to step up in Week 8.