Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) — 2025 Fantasy Outlook Notes (RB2)

- Role in 2025
  - Primary early-down back for NE but not a true bellcow.
  - TreVeyon Henderson rookie adds a high-upside mix—likely a rotational passing-down/3rd-down role and big-play potential.
  - Expect a committee: Stevenson handles bulk of carries, goal-line work; Henderson chips in on in-between plays and pass-catching; occasional veteran-leaning preference for Stevenson early in the season.

- Volume & usage cues
  - Target share likely modest in PPR; rushing workload remains the driver for Stevenson's value.
  - Expected combined backfield touches in the 12–15 per game range, with Stevenson roughly 9–14 carries plus 2–4 targets per game (vary by defense, game script).
  - Week-to-week volatility: Henderson may siphon some drives, especially in passing downs or in a fast-paced game script.

- Efficiency and reliability
  - Historically efficient when given work; fumbles a noted risk (red-flag for touch retention in games).
  - Weight loss in camp cited but not a clear positive impact; locker-room chatter points to ball-security concerns.

- Red-zone and scoring
  - Still in position for TDs on the NE ground game, but scoring upside isn’t massive unless workload stays consistently high.
  - Red-zone carries likely to be split; Stevenson has a reasonable chance at 6–10 TDs if he maintains early-down dominance.

- Preseason and camp signals
  - Camp notes: Stevenson remains starter; Henderson shows big-play potential and pass-catching upside.
  - Some preseason reports show Henderson starting in place of Stevenson for certain drives, signaling a genuine committee risk to pure volume.
  - Overall: Stevenson is the safer floor; Henderson is the ceiling-dynamo if role expands.

- Draft strategy and ADP context
  - Widely viewed as an RB2 with a safer floor but capped ceiling due to committee.
  - In many mocks, Stevenson sits around RB2 territory; Henderson’s ADP around RB2/3 range pushes Stevenson into a secondary target.
  - If you want upside in this backfield, pair Stevenson with Henderson (or later-round handcuff options); don’t overdraft Stevenson expecting bellcow volume.

- Tradeability and leverage
  - If Henderson’s usage climbs in preseason, Stevenson’s value could floor, but he remains the incumbent starter—selling high only if Henderson pops and Stevenson’s role dwindles.
  - Dynasty: Henderson future-facing, Stevenson’s value declines with continued committee and offense trajectory.

- Risks to monitor
  - Henderson cuts into early-down work and goal-line opportunities more than expected.
  - NE offensive efficiency and game script could suppress volume.
  - Ball-security concerns from camp could trigger benching or reduced usage in tight games.

- 3 actionable takeaways
  - Draft plan: Treat Stevenson as a solid RB2 with a safe floor, but don’t count on bellcow volume; be ready to pivot if Henderson dominates passing downs.
  - Exposure strategy: If you like upside in the backfield, target Henderson in the same team or wait for Stevenson to fall further and grab a higher-upside handcuff/rookie later.
  - In-season moves: Track preseason rollings; if Henderson shows a 60/40 split in practice games and Stevenson’s touches dwindle, consider trimming Stevenson for higher-ceiling pieces or a stronger handcuff.