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The first season without Bill Belichick was a disaster for the New England Patriots. Despite drafting a franchise quarterback in Drake Maye and winning in Week 1, the team couldn’t get anything done right. Jerod Mayo was relieved of his duties as the team sputtered to a 4-13 finish. That led to the hiring of Head Coach Mike Vrabel, who brought back Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels. Together, they hope to give New England a boost. Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Patriots didn’t let many players go. The big transitions were at Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, returning the team to an offensive play caller that was there the last time the offense was strong. The Patriots did see veteran Jacoby Brissett depart for the Arizona Cardinals. The team also lost cornerback Jonathan Jones.

On offense, the goal was to add playmakers. That came in Free Agency, where the Patriots added Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins at receiver. Diggs has 857 career receptions for 10,491 yards and 70 touchdowns for three teams. He’s the best receiver on the roster now. The team also added in the draft. In the Second Round, the Patriots added TreVeyon Henderson, who rushed for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns for Ohio State in 2024. In the Third Round, the Patriots added Washington State receiver Kyle Williams. Williams caught 70 passes for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

In the draft, the Patriots also used a First-Round pick on Will Campbell to bolster the offensive line. In Free Agency they added veteran center Garrett Bradbury. On defense, the Patriots added linebacker Harold Landry and cornerback Carlton Davis.

Fantasy Impact

The Patriots’ offense should be better this season. Maye is entering year two and flashed in his rookie season despite a dearth of weapons. Maye figures to be a high-end QB2 with QB1 upside. In the backfield, the team still has veterans Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson along with Henderson. We’ve seen McDaniels rotate running backs before, which is good for the team but not great for fantasy. I like Henderson in dynasty, but I think Stevenson is the best option in 2025. He’s a low-end RB2 for me, while Henderson is an RB3.

In the passing game, the team adds Diggs, Hollins, and Williams to returning receivers DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, along with tight end Hunter Henry. It’s a solid group. I like Diggs to be the top receiver, breaking into WR3 range as he comes off injury. Henry is a TE2 for me but has some upside. I like Williams in dynasty, but it could be a slow year. Douglas is more of a WR4/5 for me, with Williams an upside flex by the end of the regular season.

The Bottom Line

I love what the Patriots did this off-season. I think the coaching changes will help restore this team, and the crucial additions will make them more competitive on offense. Every year we see teams who were down bad the previous season bounce back. This year, I think that could be New England. There is a world where they can win nine or 10 games and make the playoffs as a Wild Card.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.