Fantasy Scouting Report: Buffalo Bills

Breaking it down for the Bills, Buffalo Rumblings.

Trent Edwards – Edwards was a fringe fantasy starter at QB (and he was definitely there in two-QB leagues) after two strong games to start the season. In his last two games… not so much. Edwards has thrown four interceptions in Buffalo’s last two losses (to just one touchdown), and he’s averaging a paltry 174 yards per game. But you’re thinking “Uh, Brian, it’s Cleveland!”, right? Well, Trent got picked off three times in a single quarter by those ever-stingy Browns last season. Buffalo will have chances to make big plays through the air this week, but considering Edwards’ recent struggles, I wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole. Sit ‘Em

Fred Jackson – He’ll remain Buffalo’s “starting” running back for the foreseeable future. He’ll see a lot of playing time. But his workload will undoubtedly be reduced now that a certain suspended running back is no longer suspended. Jackson has been a fantasy mainstay early in the season; while he may be slipping from that status, he’s got a good matchup this weekend, and is a must-start in PPR leagues. Start ’Em in PPR, Consider as Flex in all other leagues.

Marshawn Lynch - His return to the lineup came at the cost of a fully effective Jackson, with less than a yard per carry from Lynch himself, and two moderate gains in the receiving game. Lynch looked very rusty in last week’s loss to Miami, but he has a chance to kick it into a higher gear now that he’s got a game and two weeks’ worth of practices under his belt. Still, Buffalo has tended to go with the hot hand in the past, so if Jackson gets hot, Lynch might not see the field. Sit ’Em, but only for now.

Terrell Owens – No matter what his stats look like, Owens is a must-play every week, because the man is a playmaker. If Buffalo is smart, they’ll focus on the ground game and opening up play-action, which plays to Owens’ strengths. Start ’Em

Lee Evans – For the same reasons as Owens, Evans has a chance to make big plays this week. He has yet to shake the label of “maddeningly inconsistent fantasy option,” however. If you have more consistent options, by all means throw them into the lineup ahead of Evans. If you don’t… well, Evans has certainly had worse matchups. Word of warning: Evans had a whopping zero receptions against the Browns last season. Sit ‘Em unless you can’t.

Josh Reed – Weeks like last week, when he scored a touchdown, are incredibly rare for Reed. Sit ’Em

Derek Fine – If a TE that can catch 5 passes for 40 yards, and then drop three more, is your key to fantasy dominance, then start Derek Fine this week. Sit ’Em
Shawn Nelson – Someday, Buffalo will find ways to get him more looks in their offense. Of course, they need to get Owens and Evans more looks first, so Nelson is a virtual non-factor for the foreseeable future. Sit ’Em

Rian Lindell - He’s a strong option this week, considering how putrid Buffalo’s offense is and how terrible Cleveland’s defense is. When putrid offenses meet terrible defenses, field goals ensue. Start ’Em

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