Stefon Diggs Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Diggs was on pace for 100 catches, 1,054 yards, and 6.3 TDs as a 2024 Texan.

He made it through only eight matchups due to a torn ACL, though. In his active games, Diggs recorded three top-15 fantasy finishes and none outside the top-40.

The veteran slotted 16th in PPR points per game.

Usage & Role

Diggs played in the slot on 52.8% of his passing snaps last year, per Pro Football Focus. That marked a clear uptick from his usage in Buffalo, when he was typically in the low to mid-30s.

Per ESPN Research, a career-high 18.6% of Diggs’ routes were run short and to the outside. That lines up with his slot usage. And it might stem from the Texans’ struggles to overcome a poor O-line.

Diggs played alongside stud WR Nico Collins, so it wasn’t a surprise to see his total target share dip. Here’s his current trend going back to 2020:

• 2024: 22.9%
• 2023: 27.6%
• 2022: 26.8%
• 2021: 25.0%
• 2020: 27.9%

Efficiency Metrics

Diggs turned 31 last November, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at his on-field sample.

Let’s start with ESPN’s WR metrics. They track receiver scores for the following categories:

• Open Score (a WR's ability to create separation)
• Catch Score (a WR's ability to make the catch based on the probabilities of a completion)
• Yards After Catch Score (a WR’s ability to generate yards beyond the expected amount)

Despite the advanced age and the adjustment to a new team, Diggs ranked second among WRs in Overall Score. He particularly excelled in Open Score (second) and Catch Score (tied for second).

Other metrics – like drop rate, contested catch rate, and yards after catch per reception – fell in line with career averages. Diggs’ 1.84 yards per route run was a bit low in comparison, but his low aDOT (8.3 yards) certainly played a role.

Offensive Context

Houston’s offense took a step back last year.

A leaky O-line and regression from C.J. Stroud contributed to this unit finishing 21st in passing yards; 18th in points.

Injury History

Diggs sustained a torn right ACL in late October. He resumed running at full speed in March.

Before October, Diggs enjoyed a multi-year stretch of injury-free play.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

The Patriots signed Diggs to a three-year, $63.5 million deal with $25 million guaranteed.

The contract certainly puts him in line to lead the team in targets, especially when you consider his competition:

• Hunter Henry
• Demario Douglas
• Kyle Williams
• Kendrick Bourne
• Mack Hollins
• Kayshon Boutte
• Ja’Lynn Polk

But how will Diggs look coming off the ACL tear? A March ESPN report suggested he was ahead of schedule. Diggs also could be seen moving around well in a May video posted to social media.

He’ll be about 10.5 months removed from surgery come Week 1, a realistic amount of time to get him set for the opener.

Now, expecting a pre-injury Diggs right away wouldn’t be wise. Perhaps he’ll develop into a buy-low target for WR-needy managers around mid-season.

Supporting Cast

QB Drake Maye posted underwhelming stats as a rookie. But a lot of that can be traced to an awful O-line and receiving group.

The third overall pick still showed the ability to make every throw on the field. He also brings the athleticism to extend plays outside the pocket.

At a minimum, QB play isn’t a reason to be low on Diggs in summer drafts. And the potential remains for Maye to perform as a top-12 QB.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

In 2024, Diggs was coached by Texans assistant Ben McDaniels. Now, he’s with Josh McDaniels, who returns to New England as the OC/play-caller.

“Stef is a unique individual. Unique player," Josh McDaniels said in April. "Got a really good skill set, been a really productive player for a long time. Excited about his addition. My brother had an opportunity to coach him last year in Houston, so I have a bit of insight into what he’s like day-to-day. I’m really excited about having him here.”

It’s a projection as to whether Diggs will primarily play in the slot or out wide. But we’d bet on a healthy mix of both and an offense that prioritizes feeding him targets.