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For your fantasy football draft prep and advice, continue to check on this page for updates regarding the Buffalo Bills.
Team outlook:
There is a new sheriff in town. Rex Ryan moseys over from the Jets to the Bills, while remaining in the AFC East. He will bring his defensive mind to an already stout program. Buffalo's biggest issue last season was its offense. They addressed those needs by signing LeSean McCoy, arguably one of the most elusive running backs in the game. However, their quarterback situation remains in flux. To help build a competition with EJ Manuel, the Bills also signed Matt Cassel. Could Buffalo build on their winning record from last season? Or will they regress with all of the changes?
Bye week: 8
UPDATE: On August 31, Rex Ryan named Tyrod Tayler as the Bills starting QB. Though he may be the best option for Buffalo, it will take some time until he is ready to be chosen in the fantasy football world.
Rookie impacts: Karlos Williams (RB)
The running back depth in Buffalo is stacked. However, that doesn't mean that Williams can't steal some playing time. In the preseason, Fred Jackson is dealing with a hamstring injury and there is no reason to risk LeSean McCoy getting hurt. So, look for Williams to receive plenty of reps. The Bills drafted the Florida State running back in the fifth round and was one of three Seminoles selected by Buffalo.
Quarterback: Matt Cassel/EJ Manuel
There are only a handful of teams with an actual QB competition (Brown, Texans, Jets, and Eagles). Buffalo is also on that list. Last season, Manuel was benched in favor of Kyle Orton. In the offseason, the Bills acquired Cassel in a trade with Minnesota. Rex Ryan already declared that Cassel will start the first preseason game. As preseason progresses, keep checking this page to see how the competition unfolds.
Running back: LeSean McCoy
The RB with the third-most rushing yards in 2014 is now in Buffalo. McCoy was one of two running backs to tally more than 300 attempts, yet he still averaged 4.2 yards per carry. Unfortunately, he was severely misused by the goal line and only scored five rushing touchdowns in the entire season. This year, in Week 14, Shady McCoy will be out for revenge as his Bills travel to Philly.
Running back: Fred Jackson
This team is loaded with potential RB2s. Currently, I'll list Jackson as the front-runner to back up McCoy. Jackson actually led the Bills with 525 rushing and two rushing TDs in 2014. He also recorded the most receptions on the roster with 66 catches on 90 targets. Those numbers will drop with McCoy as the main RB and Jackson will need to compete with Boobie Dixon, and Bryce Brown.
Wide receiver: Sammy Watkins
He was easily the highest-targeted receiver for Buffalo in 2014 (128 targets), but his QB, offensive coordinator, and head coach are different. Greg Roman is controlling the offense. In his four years with the 49ers, Roman's offense never cracked the top 10 ranks and they constantly hovered around the top 10 in rushing attempts. Although that doesn't bode well for Watkins, the game plan could change depending on who wins the QB spot.
Wide receiver: Percy Harvin
Durability is his biggest issue. Not only does Harvin deal with severe migraines, but that also translates to headaches for his fantasy football owners. Since 2012, Harvin hasn't played in more than nine games in each season, including only five games in 2014. If you are expecting Harvin to tally 967 yards, like he did in 2011, you need to be more realistic.
Wide receiver: Robert Woods
While he scored a touchdown in three of the last six games, Woods still has a transition to make with the new offense (and, potentially a new QB). He tied Watkins with 65 receptions last year, yet recorded nearly 300 fewer yards.
Tight end: Charles Clay
This revamped offense also bolstered the TE spot on the roster. Clay has averaged 63.5 receptions and 682 yards in the past two seasons. However, even though Clay scored a monster contract (five-year, $38 million), this offense will be centered on the running game. It is because of that reason why I don't have Clay in my top 20 TEs.
Placekicker: Dan Carpenter
He made the second-most field goals in 2014 (one behind Stephen Gostkowski). Carpenter also took the second-most field goal attempts out of his kicking brethren. He only made 31 extra points, but that was on his team's offense not finding the end zone enough. Buffalo's offense is better and Carpenter will be a rosterable kicker.
Team defense (D/ST):
This defense was already solid before they hired Rex Ryan (allowed 18.1 points per game). They also are one of the lucky teams to play a Tom Brady-less Patriots (for at least one week). Other than the Colts in Week 1, I would gladly start this defense for my fantasy team throughout the 2015 fantasy season.
