Buffalo Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel (knee) has been ruled out and will not play in the team's Week 17 game against the New England Patriots. Manuel didn't practice and never appeared to have a shot at playing this week.
E.J. Manuel injury update: QB ruled out for fantasy owners
The Bills quarterback has been ruled out and will not suit up for Week 17. We break down the fantasy implications.
Rick Stewart
Fantasy Impact: Manuel has been banged up all year and is now dealing with his third knee injury of the season. With Manuel out, Thad Lewis will make his fifth start for the Bills. In his five games played this season, Lewis hasn't been anything to write home about. He has passed for 169 yards per game, and completed 60.2 percent of passes, with three touchdowns, three interceptions and three fumbles lost. While Lewis is somewhat of a dual threat quarterback and has also rushed for a touchdown, he's not an option that fantasy owners can expect much from.
Lewis will take on the middle-of-the-pack Patriots pass defense but nothing about the situation presents any high-upside plug-and-play appeal. The Bills top receiver Stevie Johnson will also miss the game, leaving rookie Robert Woods as his top receiving option. Lewis is a bottom of the barrel QB2 option and owners should look to avoid the whole situation.
• Week 17 fantasy football position rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
