Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsMonday, June 22, 2026

Rob Gronkowski inactive, Zach Sudfeld sees huge boost in fantasy value

Zach Sudfeld is now a top target in the Patriots passing game. We break down the fantasy implications.

Stew Milne-US PRESSWIRE

Rob Gronkowski did not make the trip to Buffalo with the Patriots and is officially inactive for Week 1. His absence leaves Zach Sudfeld, who is now in a starting role, with more playing time. He should be in for 30-40 snaps in New England’s opener against the Bills.

Michael Hoomanawanui will be playing in Gronkowski’s in-line role. Sudfeld will be the “move” tight end for the Patriots going forward.

Fantasy impact: Sudfeld should be owned in every league right now. He has a favorable matchup with the Bills for Week 1, and given the lack of depth at tight end this year, he’s a good option for starting lineups.

Keep up with all of our Fantasy Coverage

Even when Gronk returns, Sudfeld will still valuable to fantasy owners. He is filling the role Aaron Hernandez served over the past few years in New England. Expect a strong start to the season for Sudfeld.

More from SB Nation:

Sign up for Fantasy Football!

Download SB Nation’s fantasy football draft guide

Get live advice daily in the Fantasy War Room

Week 1 fantasy football QB rankings | RB rankings | WR rankings | TE rankings | D/ST rankings

NFL
Best DFS picks for Patriots vs Texans in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Patriots vs Texans in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the Patriots and Texans

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Bears vs Rams in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Bears vs Rams in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the Bears and Rams

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Broncos vs Bills in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Broncos vs Bills in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the Broncos and Bills

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Seahawks vs 49ers in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Seahawks vs 49ers in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the 49ers and Seahawks

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Patriots-Chargers in Wild Card round matchupBest DFS picks for Patriots-Chargers in Wild Card round matchup
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Wild Card matchup between the Patriots and Chargers

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Jaguars-Bills in the Wild Card round matchupBest DFS picks for Jaguars-Bills in the Wild Card round matchup
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Wild Card DFS matchup between the Jaguars and Bills

By Chet Gresham