The Philadelphia Eagles will be without starting quarterback Sam Bradford and running back Ryan Mathews this upcoming Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and running backs DeMarco Murray and Darren Sproles should have big days in fantasy because of it.
Mathews has reportedly been ruled out of this weekend's game with a concussion, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport. With Mathews out, expect Murray to get a bunch more carries this weekend, and he is clearly a start in fantasy leagues at either running back spot. Backup quarterback Mark Sanchez will start in place of Bradford, and Murray believes that will positively impact their ground game on Sunday.
"It just gives us a different variable in the run game and has the defense having to respect the pull," said Murray, via NJ.com. "I think that's going to help us out in the run game. We'll see how it goes."
Murray is a huge play this weekend in point per reception leagues, as the Eagles star running back has caught six passes in both of Philadelphia's last two games. In the past two games, Murray has accounted for 280 yards and will look to have a big game against the Buccaneers defense.
Tampa Bay is ranked 12th in the league in terms of rushing yards given up per game, but Murray is still a clear start despite that. Murray may not be the only Eagles running back to take advantage of extra carries with Mathews out, as running back Darren Sproles could be a big play in a flex spot for fantasy owners.
Sproles has been frustrated with the lack of opportunities this season, but he will have a chance to prove himself this Sunday. "Things get kind of frustrating. You know what I'm saying?" said Sproles, via Philly.com. "You're standing on the sideline. It's kind of frustrating. But what can you do?"
Well Sproles will get his opportunity this weekend against the Buccaneers, and while he has struggled this season, he may be a great sleeper to plug in at your flex spot. Sproles looks to be a great play in PPR leagues, as he will likely be on the field on third down passing situations. Sanchez will look to Sproles for short dump off passes, and the speedy back could pull out some big plays with more opportunities.
Murray is a clear start for fantasy owners this weekend, and if your struggling to find a flex player for this week, Sproles could be that guy. The Eagles are in a tight race in the NFC East, and expect a ton of rushing from Philadelphia this weekend with Sanchez in at quarterback.
