Patriots WR K.J. Osborn drew a team-high 6 targets in Sunday's upset win over the Bengals, catching just three for 21 yards. Those 3 receptions tied him with RB Rhamondre Stevenson for the team lead. No Patriot tallied more than 31 receiving yards, as QB Jacoby Brissett threw for only 121 yards on 15-of-24 passing. That target lead for Osborn also proved deceptive vs. the WR corps playing time.
Although Osborn led New England wideouts in total snaps (39), he ran a route on just 14 of Brissett's 29 dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. That ranked him just fourth among Patriots WRs, trailing:
New England also incorporated a pair of TEs, with Hunter Henry playing the most snaps (54) among non-QB skill-position players on offense. Henry's 24 routes also led the team.
Austin Hooper played 35 snaps and ran 14 routes. His 4 targets rankged second on the team.
This offense looks unlikely to consistently support the same lead target. Rather, we should bet on New England spreading it around -- at least until WR Kendrick Bourne returns or Polk proves ready for a larger role.
Also, 16 points won't be enough to win most games. So don't expect the Patriots to commonly finish with splits such as 24 pass attempts vs. 39 rushes.
Ultimately, this is a developing situation -- including at QB, which is likely to turn to rookie Drake Maye at some point.
Expect it to remain a low-impact passing game for fantasy usage. But we'll be watching for usable pieces.
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