Patriots' Rookie Wide Receivers Headed for Big Week 17

Patriots' WR room is thin: Boutte and Hollins out, Douglas questionable, boosting targets for Stefon Diggs, rookie Kyle Williams and slot threat Efton Chism. Betting outlook: expect Diggs-heavy team and player props, but Williams/Chism are strong value for receptions or anytime-TD props against a vulnerable Jets pass defense.

Patriots’ Wide Receiver Room Shifts Ahead of Week 17 vs. Jets

Injury Report and Roster Moves

Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins have been ruled out for Week 17 at MetLife Stadium, while DeMario Douglas is listed as questionable. Hollins has been placed on injured reserve. Defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. was added to the 53-man roster as roster adjustments continue.

Target Distribution: Diggs, Williams and Chism Poised for Larger Roles

With injuries thinning the depth chart, offensive game plans will funnel more targets to Stefon Diggs while giving meaningful opportunities to rookie Kyle Williams and undrafted slot Efton Chism III. Williams, a third-round pick (No. 69 overall) in the 2025 draft, has shown big-play ability. Through the season he has recorded seven receptions for 189 yards and three touchdowns. Chism impressed in the preseason (121 yards on 12 catches, two TDs) and has a decorated college resume from Eastern Washington (3,852 receiving yards, 37 TDs).

Coaching Signals Confidence

Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the staff will lean into the available young receivers, noting Chism “is always prepared” and will receive opportunities to impact the offense. Chism himself has emphasized the day-to-day grind and the need to seize every on-field chance.

Return Game and Special Teams Role

Chism has also contributed on special teams, logging 16 kickoff returns for 383 yards across six regular-season games — adding another avenue for him to influence game flow and field position.

Matchup Outlook: Jets Secondary and Game Context

Jets Pass Defense Vulnerabilities

New York arrives at Week 17 with a 3-12 record and has struggled defending the pass, ranking near the bottom of the league in pass EPA allowed. Those weaknesses create favorable matchups for New England’s receiving group against a porous secondary, particularly in intermediate and slot coverage.

Betting Implications and Market Angles

Player Props and Game Betting

Expect game plans and betting markets to reflect a heavy lean toward Diggs — target volume and yardage props for Diggs will likely be popular and possibly inflated. For value plays, consider Kyle Williams and Efton Chism for receptions and anytime-TD props, especially if lines underestimate their snap increases. Team passing-total props could be attractive given the Jets’ struggles defending the pass; consider correlating Diggs’ receiving props with a higher team passing yard line.

Suggested Wagers

- Fade or be cautious on underpriced Diggs ownership: public money may push Diggs lines high. - Look for value on Williams/Chism reception totals and anytime-TD lines. - Consider Patriots team passing yards over if market doesn’t fully price the Jets’ defensive rank.

What to Watch During the Game

Early Snap Counts and Target Share

Monitor first-quarter snap counts and target distribution. Early signs of increased involvement for Williams or Chism will validate props and live-betting opportunities. Special teams touches for Chism can also swing return-yardage or field-position outcomes that affect game flow.

Conclusion

With injuries reshaping the receiver depth chart, Week 17 presents a chance for New England’s young pass-catchers to make meaningful contributions. How Williams and Chism perform could influence the Patriots’ short-term offensive approach and shape betting value for both player props and team passing markets.

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Patriots' Rookie Wide Receivers Headed for Big Week 17

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