You know Buffalo Rumblings is going to bring the detail, making the choice of Bills players a snap for any fantasy owner.
Fantasy Scouting Report: Buffalo Bills
Trent Edwards – Last week, he was Trentative Checkwards, as he finished with 156 yards passing, 1 interception and a putrid 4.5 yards per attempt. Let’s hope he steps up this week and gets his game, and the offense, going. The Saints did an excellent job of harassing him, changing up coverages and bringing a variety of blitzes to confuse and fluster him all game. With a weak set of tackles blocking for him and a defensive-minded Dolphins team on the docket, expect them to try similar tactics. If the offensive line can hold up and give him some time, he could be in line for a pretty decent game. The Dolphins’ pass defense is giving up 265 yards per game, has allowed 4 passing touchdown, hasn’t registered an interception (knock on wood!) and opposing quarterbacks have posted a 103.3 QB rating. They’ve been susceptible to the big play, having allowed 11 passes of 20+ yards (third-most in the NFL) and 5 passes of 40+ yards (most in the NFL). Edwards and his receivers will have opportunities to put up some big plays this week, especially if Joey Porter isn’t there to make his day miserable. I think he’ll rebound from last week, take a few more shots down the field, and post some solid numbers once again. I don’t think those numbers will be good enough to consider him a starter this week, or going forward. Verdict: Sit ‘Em
Fred Jackson – I listed him first for a reason; I expect him to get more than Marshawn Lynch this week, as Lynch will be making his season debut. Those touches will be earned, too. Jackson has been one of the best running backs in the league so far this season, as he is currently second in the NFL in total yards (141.7 ypg) to Tennessee’s Chris Johnson. It’s tough to take too many touches away from a guy who’s been playing so well. With that said, this is a tough matchup for him and Lynch. The Dolphins have been extremely stout against the run so far this season, ranking third in the NFL in yards allowed per game (66.0) and yards per carry (3.0). I don’t think he’ll have a ton of success, but there’s no reason to believe he can’t get roughly 50-60 yards on 12-15 carries. The Dolphins struggled in the opener against RBs out of the backfield, as Falcons RBs finished with 8 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. They’ve clamped down the past two games, allowing a total of just 4 receptions for 45 yards. Jackson will get his chances through the air, however, so expect the receptions to be there for those of you in PPR leagues. Verdict: Sit ‘Em in default league, Start’Em as a flex in all or in PPR leagues.
Marshawn Lynch – Well, after a slew of bad injury news this week, Beast Mode’s return gives us a positive going into Sunday. I know we all want him to explode onto the scene this week, but I just don’t see it happening after a month of no contact or practices. He will get the start and probably see a lot of carries early to get him into the flow again. I don’t see him getting more than 12-15 carries this week, so I’m guessing his numbers shouldn’t exceed Jackson’s there. He’ll probably get the goal line carries again, so if the Bills can finally get inside the 5-yard line, Lynch will get the touchdown opportunities. Don’t go expecting the moon from Lynch this week, but he could be a valuable flex option for those with that as part of your league. Verdict: Start’Em as a flex, Sit’Em in 2 RB leagues.
Terrell Owens – I think it’s safe to say T.O. is not a happy camper after getting shut out last week against the Saints. It’s ridiculous that the team couldn’t get him the ball, and didn’t try to get it to him or Lee Evans more often. There’s no doubt in my mind that Alex Van Pelt will be trying to get T.O. the ball early this week. He may be on the verge of losing Owens to a meltdown, and somewhat rightfully so, if another week goes by and he isn’t involved much. It’s about time Owens gets more slants, drags and even quick throws out to him if the defender plays off the line. As mentioned above, the Dolphins are susceptible to the big play, so expect some shots downfield to Owens again this week. Let’s hope we finally connect early. T.O., you’re on notice! I might be done suggesting you as a starter if you aren’t productive again this week, even if it’s not really your fault! Verdict: Start ’Em
Lee Evans – I know, I know. I’ve talked about how juicy a match-up this could be for our passing game, and Evans has simply dominated the Dolphins in the past (693 yards, 8 TD’s in 10 career games), but I’m done recommending him. He’s just too unreliable an option, even though I’d hardly say it’s his fault. The offense just isn’t designed to get him the ball that often, at least thus far. I’m on a full-out wait and see approach with Evans from here on out. Until he is used consistently, he’ll be sitting on my bench (if I owned him). After talking about how I wouldn’t even consider starting him this week, watch him go for 100+ and multiple touchdowns. Verdict: Sit ‘Em
Derek Fine - Talk about getting more work in the passing game than he should… Fine had 9 targets from Edwards last week against New Orleans, turning those into 5 receptions for 34 yards. It was an average performance, highlighted by a couple of drops, but as Derek Schouman was before him, Fine will probably continue to be a prominent option for Edwards. That’s probably not a great thing for the performance of our offense, but Fine could be a sneaky fantasy option at some point this season. We’ll have to see how he is used once Shawn Nelson is healthy and whether he continues with the 9 or so targets a game, but the potential for 4-6 receptions a game is there. I’m sure you have much better TE options, but Fine is another guy to keep on an eye as the season progresses, even if he’s not that great of a receiving option in real life. Verdict: Sit ‘Em
Rian Lindell – Lindell is always a kicker who is more likely to kick FGs than extra points. He had 5 FGs in the first two games, but only had the one extra point last week. Against a stingy Dolphins rush defense, the Bills offense might continue their propensity to settle for FGs. In what very well could be a lower scoring affair, Lindell could be a useful option in fantasy this week. I always prefer kickers for top offenses, so look to those first, but it might be worth picking Lindell up to plug him into your line up this week. Verdict: Borderline Start ’Em
Defense/Special Teams – Normally, against a quarterback making his first NFL start, I’d have no problem suggesting a team defense to go against them, even the Bills, but with all the injuries, I think it’s worth it to look elsewhere. The return units have done nothing all season, as well. If you’re stuck and need a defense, the Bills could make for a decent play, but I wouldn’t expect a whole lot. Turnovers and sacks are still hard to come by for this team. Verdict: Sit ‘Em
Sleeper pick:
Josh Reed – Gotta choose someone, right? Reed could make for a good play in PPR leagues this week. If you could get a guaranteed 5 receptions for 55 yards out of a one-week fill-in, you’d take it, right? You could probably do worse.
Thanks to Buffalo Rumblings for that report, you can get more analysis like this over at their blog.
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