RADIO
When the Buffalo Bills faced the New England Patriots in Week 2, the team said it had a plan to stop freakishly talented tight end Rob Gronkowski. Well, the Bills’ plan didn’t work out so well. Gronk had 113 yards and one touchdown in the win.
Fast forward to Week 11 and the team once again thinks it has a plan to slow down Gronk. In fact, cornerback Stephon Gilmore said his defense has a “game plan” to take Gronk “out of the game,” according to ESPN.
Here’s the thing: every team that Rex Ryan has ever coached likes to talk a lot of smack. The problem? Their bark is always worse than their bite.
Gronkowski is a must start every single week regardless of matchup. Thus far this season he has racked up 806 yards and eight touchdowns on 49 receptions.
Philadelphia Eagles veteran running back Darren Sproles hasn’t been happy with the way Chip Kelly has used him thus far this season. He made it clear this week that he wants more touches.
"I'm not getting enough chances," Sproles said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News. "To get in a rhythm you need more touches. That's for any kind of player."
The Eagles would be smart to get Sproles more involved – after all, he’s only averaging 7.5 carries per game. However, Kelly is likely trying to keep him fresh for the long haul. Sproles is 32-years-old and the team knows it will need him come playoff team if they’re lucky enough to make the postseason.
Sproles currently has 143 yards and one touchdown on 39 carries. He has added 199 yards and 29 receptions in the passing game.
I would not recommend starting Sproles in any fantasy football leagues. With DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews also on the Eagles roster, Sproles just isn’t going to see enough playing time to make him worth a fantasy start.
In other news, New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to practice more and more as the week goes on. He is currently recovering from thumb surgery, but isn’t expected to miss any playing time.
He is set to play the Houston Texans in Week 11, but don’t start him unless you absolutely have to. I’d recommend making sure he’s healthy before giving him any starting consideration.
Through nine games this season Fitzpatrick has a completion percentage of 59.7 with 1983 passing yards. He has thrown 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
