Week 1 vs Jaguars
Darren Sproles may be one of the more interesting fantasy players this seasons. It seems like big things are planned for him, but in the end we really just have to wait and see what those plans are.
Sproles has worked with wide receivers in camp but we were also told the team would give him backup RB carries. Chris Polk has been hurt most of camp and is in doubt for Week 1, so Sproles could get a fair amount of touches as the Eagles tend to rack up a lot of plays.
He'll have an increased value in deeper PPR leagues, but owners in typical leagues should probably just see how he's used vs. the Jags.
Fantasy Upside
Darren Sproles is a do-it-all back who can still carry the ball effectively but is more known for his pass-catching abilities. He can also return punts. He was added to the Eagles in the offseason and is now a weapon under offensive-minded HC Chip Kelly. Sproles has been lining up in the backfield and as a wide receiver and has also been working with the receivers a lot in camp, and it's becoming more and more clear the Birds plan to use him in a lot of ways.
Fantasy Downside
The downside to Sproles is LeSean McCoy's presence as the Eagle's bell cow, but this was something we knew the instant Sproles landed in Philly. Sproles is likely not going to be the direct backup to McCoy, that role should go to Chris Polk. Sproles will see get limited carries, but with McCoy and Polk around, it's obvious he'll be used in the passing game more, the biggest question is how much.
Bottom Line
Sproles is going to have some value in PPR leagues, but just how much remains to be seen. He's ranked 36th in our RB PPR rankings so he's going to have some use in deeper leagues in that format. But there are too many questions about his value in typical leagues that likely won't get answered until the season starts.
