It drew the surprise of many to see Darren Sproles take on a featured role with the Philadelphia Eagles during Sunday's victory over the Patriots, and after accomplishing such an upset, it would be difficult for Chip Kelly to turn to anyone else in the backfield.
Fantasy start/sit advice, Week 14: Darren Sproles
Chip Kelly gave Darren Sproles the bulk of the backfield duties in Week 13. We break down the fantasy implications.
Sproles not only got the start on Sunday, but also played in 35-of-61 snaps, compared to DeMarco Murray who was in for 14 and Kenjon Barner in for 12. He finished the afternoon with 100 total yards from scrimmage on 19 touches, and also found the end zone on an 83-yard punt return. Kelly had said that his running back usage was dictated by the matchup his opponents present. However, Murray's woeful production and Sproles' versatility indicates that Kelly could turn to the former Saints and Chargers running back often down the stretch of the season.
Fantasy impact: With a middling Bills run defense presenting itself, Sproles could find himself getting plenty of usage and yardage once again after proving more than capable of carrying the load in Week 13 (although Ryan Mathews return to the huddle could affect that). It's also worth cautioning that the Bills have allowed the third-fewest receptions to opposing running backs on the season with 47, and Sproles' upside could be capped as a result of that trend as well.
“Trust” would be a strong word to associate with any Eagles running back a week after Kelly pulled the plug on Murray, but Sproles presents upside as a flex option in PPR leagues.
