Welcome back, Rob Gronkowski.

With so many injuries this season, it’s nice being able to see the return of a strong athlete — especially if he’s on your fantasy team. Gronkowski re-emerged in Week 7 with a powerful eight catches for 114 yards, putting up 11 fantasy points in the process. And this week, even he expects more.

But he isn’t completely back to his old self, and that’s also good news for owner. He’s a catalyst for creating a highly productive Patriots team. Without Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez, Gronk’s presence is necessary for igniting the offense.

That’s not say the Patriots’ 5-2 record isn’t good. But their offense has been missing something. Short of 23-3 victory over the Buccaneers, the Patriots haven’t won a game by more than seven points. Watching them, it feels like they are losing their luster. Tom Brady has thrown three picks and only one touchdown in the last three weeks. Last year, Brady didn’t have a single game without a touchdown pass. What happened to the offensive spark that’s been scaring teams for years?

It was three lost pieces of a puzzle. One piece was lost to Denver, the second to jail and the last to injury. But regaining even one of those pieces is a good thing. It may not complete the picture, but it sure does fill some of the gaps.

Gronkowski isn’t going to be at full strength for a few more weeks, and that’s just OK — for the Patriots and fantasy owners. He showed up big in his first week back since last season, and this season is still very young. It may take time, but if anyone can make up for the holes in the depth chart — if anyone can return the fire to the offense — it’s one of the best, most versatile tight end to ever play in New England.

Another week of Sunday games are here, and with the Bears and Philip Rivers on bye weeks, it’s good to have a fantasy team full of players to keep me screaming at the screen. To go along with it, here’s another list of starts and sits, pulled together by your loyal fantasy doctor.

STARTS

Robert Griffin III (wide receiver, Redskins) — Yes, I know the matchup. It’s the 2-4 Redskins against the 6-1 Broncos in Denver, but that should be exciting for fantasy owners. Peyton Manning is going to try to bury the Redskins beneath his dominate offense, which means RGIII will need to play catch up. And given that the Broncos house the league’s worst defense in passing yards, it’s all the more likely that the second-year quarterback will produce a revitalizing big game. He’s also yet to throw under 200 yards against much better defenses. The only reason not to start him is if you have Manning himself.

Rueben Randle (wide receiver, Giants) — After starting the season with five catches for 101 yards, Randle is finally getting touchdown looks. Eli Manning is by no means back to his old self, but he seems to be settling into his new form (He finally got through a week without an interception!) While Hakeem Nicks owners might have lost hope, Randle is fighting to become the Giants’ top receiver. On 23 catches, he’s earned 373 yards and four touchdowns, tying Victor Cruz’s scoring total this season. Randle also averages 16.2 yards per catch, which is a whole 1.5 yards more than Cruz. He’s an up-and-comer, and he belongs in your starting lineup against a Philly defense that allows an average of 7.4 yards per catch.

SITS

Roy Helu, Jr. (running back, Redskins) — Getting excited over his three touchdowns against the Bears defense is ill-advised. As much as it pains me to admit, the Bears defense has fallen from grace. They own the seventh-worst rush defense in the league, which makes Helu’s performance average at best. Denver may have a terrible pass defense, but their ability to prevent big rushing games is second only to Green Bay. Washington’s best bet is to play the pass this Sunday. And with Helu splitting the carries with Alfred Morris, putting him in your lineup is poisonous.

Julian Edelman (wide receiver, Patriots) — Gronk is back, Amendola feels healthy and Edelman is questionable. While he gave Tom Brady an option in his receiving corps time of need, his fun has come to an end. Even rookie Kenbrell Thompkins has shown him up. Edelman’s red zone production has flatlined since Week 1, which make him useless even on your bench. Don’t cling to the past, focus on the present. Gronk the Great has returned, and he will be shadowed by none.

J.J. is a sophomore in Media. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Wilsonable07.