Ezekiel Elliott has been the clear No. 2 running back for the Patriots early in his first season in New England. While Rhamondre Stevenson has seen 73 percent of the offensive snaps in the first three games, Elliott has been limited to 32 percent.
But that usage will reportedly see a dramatic shift in Week 4, timed with the classic "revenge game" vs. Elliott's former team, the Cowboys on late Sunday afternoon. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Elliott is expected to "starting reps" in Dallas.
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So far Elliott has seen only 28 carries for 122 yards. He's also caught 6 of his 8 targets for 21 more yards. Meanwhile, Stevenson has carried 46 times for 134 yards and a TD. He also has caught 10-of-13 targets for 77 yards.
Beyond the narrative of facing the Cowboys, there's good reason for playing Elliott much more, at least in the rushing attack. Elliott has averaged 4.4 yards per carry, while Stevenson is at a very shaky 2.9. The Cowboys have been one of the worst run defenses when teams stay grounded against them, giving up 5.3 yards per carry.
Stevenson remains a very effective receiver but Elliott also is the better, well-season pass protector. There's a good chance it sets up a more healthy natural split of Elliott handling a good chunk more of early-down and red zone work, while Stevenson gets deployed more as an extra passing game weapon.
You also can bet Elliott and Stevenson will get chances in the backfield together as the Patriots try to exploit the Cowboys' biggest defensive weakness and avoid Mac Jones throwing often against Micah Parsons and a good pass rush and secondary, even without Trevon Diggs. Using them effectively is New England's best offensive chance at scoring an upset as near-touchdown underdogs.
Based on the news, Stevenson needs to be downgraded as an RB2 and more into a FLEX play in half-point and full-point PPR leagues. He can be sat in shallow standard leagues if you have better rushing options.
As for Elliott, he goes from being unplayable to a viable FLEX with some RB2 upside against the Cowboys. There's a good chance the Patriots will give him an opportunity to score, which he did 70 times in 7 seasons with Dallas. He also will get a handful of targets. The matchup is also excellent to think New England will have its most effective all-around rushing performance of the season.
