Week 17 vs. New York Jets
The Patriots are still playing for home-field advantage this week, which makes their starters viable in fantasy for Week 17. The Patriots also have the highest implied team total in Vegas this week at 29 points, and Gronk scored twice against the Jets earlier this season. Plus, he has a $2 million incentive on the line if he racks up enough yards. He's an elite TE option in Week 17.
Week 16 vs. Buffalo Bills
The Patriots have the highest implied team total in Vegas this week at 29.5 points, and the Bills pass defense is better against WRs than TEs, ranking sixth in aFPA versus WRs but 15th in aFPA versus TEs. Plus, Gronk is on an absolute tear, crushing his way to more than 300 yards in the past two weeks. One of those games was against the Bills. Yup, start him and enjoy.
Week 15 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite the loss in Miami last week, the Patriots are still favored in Pittsburgh with the second-highest implied team total in Vegas this week at 28.25 points. In the past two seasons, Gronk has crushed the Steelers with 4 touchdowns. Start him and reap the rewards.
Week 14 at Miami Dolphins
Rob Gronkowski is suspended for Week 14 (late hit). Get him out of your lineups.
Week 13 at Buffalo Bills
In a week with relatively low over/unders across the board in Vegas, the Patriots and Bills have the highest at 48.5 points with the Patriots having the second-highest implied team total at 28.5 points. That's a good sign for Gronk. But you're already starting him, aren't you? Please tell us, at this point, you already know to start Gronk. No matter what.
Week 12 vs. Miami Dolphins
Patriots targets over their past two games with Chris Hogan out (which appears will be the case again this week): Brandin Cook-20, Danny Amendola-13, Rob Gronkowski-10, Rex Burkhead-9, Martellus Bennett-6. However, the Dolphins are susceptible to TEs (27th in aFPA to the position). It's Gronk. You're starting Gronk. Don't overthink it after two straight weeks without a touchdown.
Week 11 vs. Oakland Raiders (game in Mexico City)
Atrapa la fiebre de la fantasía. That translates to "Catch the fantasy fever", as the Patriots and Raiders square off in Mexico. I know one tight end who likes the fiestas, and Gronk may fiesta in the end zone against a Raiders defense ranked 19th in our aFPA vs. TE rankings. It's Gronk. It doesn't matter what country he plays in. If he's healthy, you start him.
Week 10 at Denver Broncos
With Chris Hogan likely out, Rob Gronkowski becomes an even bigger focal point of the Patriots' passing game. Denver is an elite matchup for him too, as the Broncos are just 29th in our aFPA vs. TE rankings. He's also scored in his last three games against Denver. Fire him up.
Week 8 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers may be first in the league in our aFPA vs. TE rankings, but this is Rob Gronkowski we're talking about here. Are you really going to bench him? No, I didn't think so. He's matchup proof when healthy, and he's healthy.
Week 7 vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Patriots have the highest implied total in Vegas this week, possibly foreshadowing a shootout. Fire up some Rob Gronkowski in Week 7, as he's a threat to score in any given week, especially this one. If he's healthy, you start Gronk. It's not rocket science.
