Darren Sproles (RB, PHI) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 52% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: As people debate whether DeMarco Murray or Ryan Mathews will end being the Eagles "lead back" the rest of the season (I think it will be Mathews), Darren Sproles quietly leads the team in fantasy points.  Unlike Murray and Mathews, Sproles has a tight grip on his role as the pass-catching back in Chip Kelly's offense.  He is more than a 3rd down back, as Kelly's system is willing to throw on any down and Sproles is on the field for many of those plays.

The tiny playmaker has averaged a shade under six carries per game for the Eagles this season, rushing for a paltry 63 yards and a touchdown.  But he does most of his damage in the receiving game, as Sproles is second on the team in targets, receptions and yards.  And while the diminutive Sproles may not be a prototypical goal-line back, he has scored short-yardage touchdowns in the past thanks to his shiftiness and the immense amount of power he can generate with his tree trunk legs.  Sproles is also an electric punt returner, fresh off an 89-yard return TD against the Jets last week.

As Sam Bradford continues to find his way around the offense, he will continue to pepper the jitterbug running back with short targets that can be taken all the way into the end zone.  Sproles should be added as a bench flex option in all formats, especially in PPR leagues.