New England Patriots - Fantasy News

Who to Start: Zach Ertz or Rob Gronkowski?

by Mike Rose

2/2/18

NFL

New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski

With only a few days left until Super Bowl LII, a lot of questions still surround the Big Game.

One of the major talking points is whether Rob Gronkowski will be able to suit up for the New England Patriots. The tight end’s status remains in question after he was clocked helmet to helmet by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Barry Church in the AFC Championship Game two weeks ago.

Gronkowski more than likely won’t miss the biggest game of the year. He’s favored over counterpart Zach Ertz of the Eagles by a point as he’s projected to finish Super Bowl LII with 12.5 Dober Fantasy Points while Ertz is projected at 11.5.

The veteran is undoubtedly a huge part of the Patriots offense and would be a difference maker if he does in fact play.

Fantasy Matchup: Zach Ertz (11.5 PFP) vs. Rob Gronkowski (12.5 PFP)

Ertz has had a fantastic season as he was named to his first Pro Bowl. He averaged 11.89 Dober Fantasy Points per week, only about 1.5 points less than Gronkowski, and he enters this matchup as a slight underdog. The ‘dog status is very surprising considering there’s a chance Gronkowski won’t even suit up for the game.

Ertz made 74 receptions for 824 yards and hauled in eight touchdowns during the regular season. His yardage total actually led the entire Eagles receiving corps. He only had one fumble through 14 games, and he averaged 5.3 receptions and 58.9 yards per contest. He’s been a huge part of Philly’s offensive success in 2017, and the franchise hopes that continues in the Big Game.

He has had a decent playoff performance so far making 11 receptions for 125 yards. He’s coming off a nice game against Minnesota in the NFC Championship Game where he made eight catches for 93 yards. As part of the No. 3 offense in points scored per game (28.6), he’ll get a chance to face a Patriots defense that ranked No. 14 in fantasy points allowed to tight ends (10.8). The Pats defense also was an absurd No. 30 in passing yards allowed (251.2), but it was excellent in points allowed per game (18.5), which was good for No. 5 in the league.

Meanwhile, Gronkowski led the Patriots in receiving as well during the regular season with 1,084 yards on 69 receptions. He reached the end zone eight times and didn’t commit any turnovers. The postseason started off great for the monster tight end as he recorded 81 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee, but he was then knocked out with a concussion against Jacksonville.

He has yet to practice this week, but the No. 2 ranked offense in passing yards (276.1) and No. 1 in total yards (394.2) would greatly benefit from his presence. If given the thumbs up, he’ll get to face the No. 4 Philly defense in points allowed per game (18.4).

With questions still to be answered, it’s hard to say which one of these guys will have the better game. However, with Gronk still questionable, I have to go with Ertz in this fantasy matchup. If both play, this could very well be the matchup of the game that leads either team to a Super Bowl win.

Super Bowl Fantasy Matchup: Zach Ertz (+1) vs. Rob Gronkowski