Patriots News
Henderson Shines Despite Patriots’ Loss to Buffalo
New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson delivered an explosive performance Sunday in a 35-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The running back rushed 14 times for 148 yards and scored two touchdowns at Gillette Stadium. Henderson found the end zone on runs of 52 and 65 yards. The two long touchdown runs marked the second time this season he has recorded multiple 50-plus yard scores in a single game. He also caught two passes for 13 yards.
The performance continued a productive stretch for Henderson. He has rushed for at least 60 yards in each of his last five games. During that span, he has totaled 490 rushing yards on 76 carries while scoring five touchdowns. The rookie RB emerged as the featured back when Rhamondre Stevenson missed three games with a toe injury. Stevenson sat out Weeks 9, 10, and 11 before returning to action in Week 12, but fantasy owners have been begging for more, even with Stevenson’s return. The Patriots have utilized both backs in the backfield. The two running backs have shared the workload over the past four games. Henderson has maintained a significant role despite the veteran’s return.
However, against Buffalo, Henderson got more touches while averaging 10.6 yards per carry. His explosive runs gave New England leads of 21-0 and 31-28. The Bills rallied from the 21-point deficit to defeat the Patriots. The coaching staff seems to prefer the split backfield despite evident proof that TreVeyon can be the lead dog. The strategy here is likely more about having both backs healthy and fresh for the NFL playoffs, but from a fantasy football standpoint, it is frustrating.
New England selected Henderson with the 38th overall pick in April’s draft. The Ohio State product has rushed for 773 yards and seven touchdowns through 14 games this season. He averages 5.4 yards per attempt.
The Patriots face Baltimore on Sunday Night Football in Week 16. The game kicks off at 8:20 PM ET on December 21 at M&T Bank Stadium. The contest will air on NBC and stream on Peacock. Baltimore enters Week 16 with a 6-7 record. The Ravens remain in playoff contention despite an injury-plagued season. They defeated Cincinnati 24-0 in Week 15 to stay alive in the AFC North race.
Henderson has scored multiple touchdowns in three of his last five games. He has established himself as a key component of New England’s offense down the stretch.