New England’s receiving duo has emerged as one of the league’s most productive tandems as Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte continue developing chemistry with Drake Maye. Both receivers enter Week 10 with contrasting usage patterns but similar fantasy relevance. Can fantasy football managers trust either Patriots receiver this week?
Stefon Diggs Fantasy Outlook
Volatility defines Diggs’ fantasy production this season despite his veteran pedigree and proven track record. The four-time Pro Bowler has posted double-digit fantasy points in four games while failing to reach that threshold in four others.
His limited snap share creates weekly uncertainty for lineup decisions. Diggs has played just 57% of offensive snaps, well below the workload expected from a featured receiver. The reduced playing time reflects New England’s committee approach and the coaching staff’s desire to manage the 31-year-old’s workload throughout the season.
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Efficiency metrics reveal Diggs remains highly productive when on the field. He’s been targeted on 27.2% of his routes run, ranking 14th in the league among qualified receivers. Maye clearly trusts Diggs as a reliable option when he’s deployed, creating high-leverage scoring opportunities despite limited overall volume. Fantasy managers must simply accept the boom-or-bust nature that comes with his rotational role.
Kayshon Boutte Fantasy Outlook
After a slow start, Boutte has caught fire over the past three weeks with explosive scoring production. The LSU product posted 7.3 fantasy points or fewer from Weeks 2 through 5 before erupting for 26.3, 13.5, and 16.5 fantasy points in his last three contests.
With that said, the primary driver of Boutte’s recent success centers on touchdown production rather than expanded volume. The third-year receiver has scored in three consecutive games, with all five of his season touchdowns coming on throws of over 15 yards. This big-play ability has transformed him from a low-floor option into a legitimate weekly starter.
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Snap share remains limited for Boutte despite his scoring surge. The 23-year-old plays just 73.6% of snaps while being targeted on only 14.8% of his routes run, ranking outside the top 80 receivers. These usage metrics suggest his recent touchdown streak may not be sustainable long-term without increased target volume.
Boutte’s connection with Maye has developed into one of New England’s most reliable red zone partnerships. The rookie quarterback looks for his explosive receiver in crucial situations, creating weekly scoring opportunities that fantasy managers can bank on. Through eight games, Boutte has compiled 23 receptions for 431 yards and five touchdowns.
Should You Start Diggs or Boutte This Week?
Atlanta presents a challenging defensive matchup for both Patriots receivers. The Falcons function as a run-funnel defense, allowing the sixth-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
The absence of Rhamondre Stevenson due to injury creates uncertainty about New England’s offensive approach. With their primary running back sidelined, Mike Vrabel faces questions about whether TreVeyon Henderson can carry the load against Atlanta’s defense. Maye has been playing at an MVP level, potentially compelling the Patriots toward a pass-heavy game plan regardless of matchup dynamics.
Both Diggs and Boutte should see opportunities given Maye’s elite recent play, but the volume may prove insufficient for both to produce strong fantasy lines simultaneously.
Both receivers qualify as startable Flex options with extremely low floors. Boutte offers higher touchdown upside given his three-game scoring streak, while Diggs provides the safer target-based floor when active. Fantasy managers facing bye weeks or injury constraints can deploy either receiver, but expectations should remain modest given Atlanta’s defensive strengths and the uncertainty surrounding touch distribution.