- Thread starter
- #1
iowajerms
Well-Known Member
BUFFALO BILLS
By Eric Karabell
As the countdown continues to September NFL action, ESPN Fantasy takes a closer look at each franchise as it trains and goes camping. Here is what fantasy owners should be watching for over the summer. Join the conversation on Twitter: #FantasySnapshot
What’s changed? Certainly the lead voice for the Bills' organization is a new one, and after 15 years without a playoff berth, perhaps it’s a good thing. The bombastic Rex Ryan leaves one AFC East team that was hardly an offensive juggernaut for another, though adding top-shelf running back LeSean McCoy in trade with the Philadelphia Eagles should help. Ryan, being a defense-minded individual, certainly has the pieces in place for another top unit there, but with EJ Manuel and Matt Cassel at quarterback, it’s a bit like relying on Mark Sanchez all over again to score the team’s points. The Jets did have modest playoff success, and the Bills, believe it or not, are poised to do the same.
Who’s motivated? It might or might not be an open competition at quarterback, where Manuel, entering his critical third season, has added muscle in an attempt to remain upright and on the field. Certainly the Bills would prefer that Manuel, the former first-round pick, earn the job. However, as motivated as Manuel should be, it pales in comparison to what McCoy must be thinking. The Eagles’ all-time leading rusher was shockingly and without warning sent packing in a trade for linebacker Kiko Alonso, then decided to get controversial by implying his old coach was racist. The Bills and Eagles are scheduled to meet in Week 14, and now it’s really must-watch TV. It should be noted McCoy wasn’t exactly a statistical monster in 2014, finishing 17th among running backs in standard scoring, and Buffalo backup Fred Jackson was actually more productive in point-per-reception formats on a per-game basis. ESPN Fantasy doesn’t rank McCoy as a first-round pick. He turns 27 this summer and there are concerns about his health and the team’s offensive line, but surely Ryan will feed him the ball plenty. Can McCoy return to top form?
Whose stock could fluctuate? The summer health of McCoy could certainly alter his positioning as a borderline top-10 running back. I’ve got him an aggressive ninth, but don’t expect a 1,500-yard rushing season or double-digit touchdowns. I see lots of volume, though. It’s hard to imagine Manuel, even if he looks great in the preseason, becoming a top-20 quarterback option for fantasy owners in drafts. However, the better he looks the better it is for second-year wide receiver Sammy Watkins, a unique talent who underwent hip surgery after his rookie campaign but figures to be ready for August reps. Yes, the Bills figure to run more than last season, but if Watkins slips too far out of the top 20 wide receivers on draft day, becomes a bargain. By the way, no matter how healthy free-agent acquisition Percy Harvin looks this summer, don’t buy in. Health is a skill, and he’s lacking it. We’re never going to see a 1,000-yard receiving season from Harvin.
By Eric Karabell
As the countdown continues to September NFL action, ESPN Fantasy takes a closer look at each franchise as it trains and goes camping. Here is what fantasy owners should be watching for over the summer. Join the conversation on Twitter: #FantasySnapshot
What’s changed? Certainly the lead voice for the Bills' organization is a new one, and after 15 years without a playoff berth, perhaps it’s a good thing. The bombastic Rex Ryan leaves one AFC East team that was hardly an offensive juggernaut for another, though adding top-shelf running back LeSean McCoy in trade with the Philadelphia Eagles should help. Ryan, being a defense-minded individual, certainly has the pieces in place for another top unit there, but with EJ Manuel and Matt Cassel at quarterback, it’s a bit like relying on Mark Sanchez all over again to score the team’s points. The Jets did have modest playoff success, and the Bills, believe it or not, are poised to do the same.
Who’s motivated? It might or might not be an open competition at quarterback, where Manuel, entering his critical third season, has added muscle in an attempt to remain upright and on the field. Certainly the Bills would prefer that Manuel, the former first-round pick, earn the job. However, as motivated as Manuel should be, it pales in comparison to what McCoy must be thinking. The Eagles’ all-time leading rusher was shockingly and without warning sent packing in a trade for linebacker Kiko Alonso, then decided to get controversial by implying his old coach was racist. The Bills and Eagles are scheduled to meet in Week 14, and now it’s really must-watch TV. It should be noted McCoy wasn’t exactly a statistical monster in 2014, finishing 17th among running backs in standard scoring, and Buffalo backup Fred Jackson was actually more productive in point-per-reception formats on a per-game basis. ESPN Fantasy doesn’t rank McCoy as a first-round pick. He turns 27 this summer and there are concerns about his health and the team’s offensive line, but surely Ryan will feed him the ball plenty. Can McCoy return to top form?
Whose stock could fluctuate? The summer health of McCoy could certainly alter his positioning as a borderline top-10 running back. I’ve got him an aggressive ninth, but don’t expect a 1,500-yard rushing season or double-digit touchdowns. I see lots of volume, though. It’s hard to imagine Manuel, even if he looks great in the preseason, becoming a top-20 quarterback option for fantasy owners in drafts. However, the better he looks the better it is for second-year wide receiver Sammy Watkins, a unique talent who underwent hip surgery after his rookie campaign but figures to be ready for August reps. Yes, the Bills figure to run more than last season, but if Watkins slips too far out of the top 20 wide receivers on draft day, becomes a bargain. By the way, no matter how healthy free-agent acquisition Percy Harvin looks this summer, don’t buy in. Health is a skill, and he’s lacking it. We’re never going to see a 1,000-yard receiving season from Harvin.