Week 7 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Tight End: Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots
4 Receptions, 93 Yards, 4 Targets, 1 Touchdown
Performance: 85, NEP: +9.27

Since the return of a healthy Tom Brady, Gronk has finished as the TE2, TE1 and TE1, respectively, over the past three weeks in our Performance Grades. Per usual, Gronkowski is completely dominating the tight end position. This week, he was able to catch all 4 of his targets for 93 yards and a touchdown.

He didn't get a ton of volume, but that was probably more a result of the game plan against the Pittsburgh Steelers than anything else. Gronk was still able to find holes in the secondary and make the most of his opportunities when the ball went his way. His biggest play of the game came on a 3rd-and-7 from the Steelers' 36-yard line. Bursting up the seam, Gronk made a subtle fake for a corner route that was able to gain him a little separation, and Brady found him for a 36-yard touchdown strike.

After a slow start to the season, he now ranks second among all tight ends in Reception NEP. In fact, he and teammate Martellus Bennett both have the top-two spots in Target NEP at the position as the Patriots double-tight-end set has been a nightmare for opposing defenses so far in 2016.

Gronk finished as the TE3 this week in PPR scoring, just behind Doyle and Delanie Walker. He has ranked as a top-seven fantasy tight end in each of the last three weeks. He now gets a matchup against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8, and he has averaged 70.4 yards and 1.0 touchdowns in 10 career games against them.

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