Antonio Gibson: A Late-Round Gem for Fantasy Football?
The New England Patriots have added a familiar face to their backfield, signing former Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson to a three-year, $11.25 million deal this offseason. This move comes after the Patriots parted ways with Ezekiel Elliott, leaving a void of 235 touches to be filled. Could Gibson be the answer to the Patriots’ backfield woes and a potential late-round steal in your fantasy drafts?
Key Takeaways:
- Gibson’s Role: The Patriots are expected to use Gibson primarily as a third-down back and a passing-down complement to Rhamondre Stevenson, who recently signed a four-year, $36M extension solidifying his role as the RB1.
- Potential for a Larger Role: With the departure of Elliott and new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s fondness for using multiple runners, Gibson could see a larger role than many expect, potentially filling a Kareem Hunt-like role in the Browns’ offense.
- Don’t Expect 1,000 Yards: While Gibson has shown flashes of brilliance, it’s unlikely he’ll replicate his 1,037-yard rushing performance from 2021, given Stevenson’s established role.
- Late-Round Value: Gibson’s pass-catching ability and potential for increased touches make him a valuable asset, especially as a handcuff to Stevenson. He is a strong late-round pick in your fantasy drafts, particularly in leagues with point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.
An Evolving Offensive Backfield
The arrival of Gibson adds another layer of intrigue to the Patriots’ backfield. While Stevenson will remain the primary ball carrier, Gibson’s versatility as a pass catcher and his potential to be involved in the running game make him a valuable asset.
"Antonio Gibson is the RB46 in ESPN’s live draft trends," tweeted fantasy football analyst Eric Moody**. "Last season with the Commanders, Gibson set career highs in targets (59) and receiving yards (389). Gibson might play a bigger role in the Patriots’ RBBC than fantasy managers expect."
Gibson’s skillset is well-suited for Van Pelt’s offensive system. As he did with the Browns, Van Pelt favors utilizing multiple runners. This indicates that Gibson could see opportunities beyond just passing downs, potentially taking on a more significant role in the run game.
A Potential Handcuff for Stevenson
While Gibson might not be the primary back in New England, his role as a third-down and passing-down back makes him a valuable asset for fantasy managers. His pass-catching ability and potential for increased touches make him a strong late-round pick, particularly in PPR leagues.
"Gibson makes for an ideal late-round grab, as he is the perfect handcuff for Stevenson," says one fantasy football expert. "While the Patriots’ offense isn’t expected to be strong this season, the running back’s pass-catching abilities should make him a valuable asset."
Key Considerations for Fantasy Managers
- Stevenson’s Role: Stevenson remains the clear RB1 in New England. While Gibson might see increased opportunities, Stevenson’s established role and contract extension will likely limit Gibson’s ceiling.
- Offensive Line Concerns: The Patriots’ offensive line has been a source of concern in recent seasons. Their ability to generate rushing lanes could significantly impact Gibson’s fantasy value.
- The Patriots’ Offense: While the Patriots’ offense is not expected to be a fantasy juggernaut, Gibson’s pass-catching ability gives him a potential avenue for fantasy points, especially in PPR formats.
The Bottom Line
Antonio Gibson’s arrival in New England is exciting for fantasy managers. His pass-catching ability and potential for a larger role make him an intriguing late-round flier. However, it’s crucial to temper expectations. He is unlikely to reach his 2021 rushing total. While he might disappoint in standard scoring leagues, Gibson’s potential value as a handcuff to Stevenson and his potential in PPR formats make him a solid late-round dart throw in your fantasy drafts.
