Pats use more three-WR sets without TE Rob Gronkowski

Dec 05, 2016

The Patriots' first game since Rob Gronkowski's season-ending back injury went as expected.

The Pats relied on the running back trio of LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis, and James White. Tom Brady fed the ball to Julian Edelman. And the team put a heavy emphasis on three-receiver formations.

But the Pats' reliance on "11 personnel" (3 WR, 1 RB, TE) was not a radical departure from what we have seen in previous games. The idea that the Patriots were using Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett together a ton was not accurate.

Related players: Chris Hogan, Danny Amendola, Malcolm Mitchell

Fantasy Impact:

The Patriots used three receiver sets with a TE and an RB on 32 snaps and three receiver sets with two RBs and no TE on six snaps. They used a full back with two receivers on 16 snaps and four WRs on eight snaps.

today

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans practices for second straight day

Greg Auman

0 minutes ago

Cooler weather for Bucs practice today -- Wirfs and Evans practicing again. Still no Zyon McCollum, but Troy Hill and Greg Gaines were practicing today.

Related Players: Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer

Fantasy Impact:

Fantastic news for fantasy managers hanging on to Mike Evans: he should be considered a WR1 option immediately.

yesterday

49ers TE George Kittle "good to go" for Week 12

KNBR

yesterday · 5:34 PM EST

“I will be playing on Sunday. Very excited, can’t pass up playing the Packers. I will be out there for sure.”

George Kittle says he’s good to go for Sunday

Related Players: Eric Saubert

Fantasy Impact:

Kittle returns to a great matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 26th in TE aFPA. He should be fired up as a high-end TE1 once again.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift misses Wednesday practice

Kevin Fishbain

yesterday · 1:29 PM EST

Per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus: Ryan Bates remains in the concussion protocol. Elijah Hicks (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (groin) won't practice.

Teven Jenkins will be limited.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer

Fantasy Impact:

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on, as Johnson would have a huge workload if Swift were to miss Week 12. Homer has three rush attempts and zero targets on the year.