Rhamondre Stevenson's fantasy outlook: Should you start the New England Patriots running back in Week 9?

Rhamondre Stevenson has been a dependable fantasy running back this year. The 24-year-old has three touchdowns in the last three games and will be looking to continue his hot streak against the Indianapolis Colts.

Damian Harris is questionable for Sunday's game and if he cannot play (which seems highly likely), the New England Patriots will turn to Stevenson. This bodes well for his fantasy outlook this week. In just about every system, Stevenson is a must-start for Week 9.

Rhamondre Stevenson played 63% of the snaps last week, seeing 23 touches and accumulating 143 total yards as the RB10 in fantasy football. This was with Damian Harris back in the team. In addition, Stevenson also sees some passing targets, as displayed in last week's 25% target share.

Every week, Stevenson breaks tackles and goes for big runs. He is sixth in target share, twelfth in missed tackles forced and seventh in catches and receiving yards. He is also fifteenth in route running, eleventh in yards after contact per attempt, ninth in route running yards, and twenty-second in PFF's elusive rating.

The Indianapolis Colts have fallen to 23rd in running yards per game, 19th in explosive run rate, and 12th in yards per carry since Week 4. Stevenson should be fed more in the air against a defensive unit that ranks 22nd in DVOA against RBs in the passing game. The Colts have given up the fifth-most receiving yards, the seventh-most receptions, and the running back position's ninth-highest yardage per reception.

Is Rhamondre Stevenson valuable beyond Week 9?

Rhamondre Stevenson - Chicago Bears v New England Patriots

Due to his improved receiving skills and dominant rushing performances, Stevenson is a reliable RB1 option. He is unquestionably the top choice in the New England Patriots backfield at this moment in time.

Stevenson has outperformed Harris for the Patriots in both receiving and rushing yards. Despite Harris being back in the lineup after suffering a hamstring injury earlier in the season, Stevenson has maintained his position as the team's starting running back. Prior to the Colts' Week 9 encounter, Stevenson had run for at least 66 yards in five of his previous six games.

In his rookie season, Rhamondre Stevenson established himself as an NFL running back. He has clearly demonstrated his ability to capitalize on starting opportunities when they arise. Stevenson and Damian Harris can combine for a potent two-person assault in the Patriots' backfield. It is encouraging to consider the potential for his second NFL season.

Stevenson is demonstrating that he can meet any demands the Patriots have for him eight games into his second season. If he continues to play well and avoids injury, he will be the Patriots' RB1 for the remainder of the season.