It's been a rather eventful week, hasn't it? There's a new head coach, new starting quarterback and maybe some new hope for the future. Unfortunately, the Buffalo Bills' fantasy prospects are still quite dim for the rest of the season. The Bills head down to northern Florida to take on the 5-4 Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday. It'll be another difficult matchup for the Bills, especially for the run defense.
There aren't many fantasy players of significance for either side in this game, but we'll take a look at anyone who might have some value. Head on in after the jump for a review of all the individual fantasy players of note for Bills at Jaguars.
Quarterbacks
Ryan Fitzpatrick - Fitzpatrick was named the starting quarterback twice this week, by two different head coaches. That's odd and probably caused a few winces out of many Bills fans this week, but not as cringe-worthy as Fitzpatrick's play on the field this year. He's completing less than 50% of his passes at just 4.7 yards an attempt. His quarterback rating checks in at 49.8, which is slightly better than JaMarcus Russell's 47.7. Fitzpatrick has been that bad. It's hard to believe this guy is believed to give the Bills a better chance of winning, but such is life in Buffalo. Don't bother with him and don't bother keeping Trent Edwards anywhere near your roster either. Verdict: Sit 'Em
David Garrard - Garrard's had some good moments this year and overall his stats look pretty solid. However, he's been an up and down fantasy option, but has could be a borderline starter this week. He's thrown a touchdown pass in just four games this season (same as Edwards), but has done a good job racking up yards as he's averaging 232 yards per game. In league's where passing yards are weighed more heavily, Garrard has more value. Look for him to continue his modest success this week. Touchdowns could remain an iffy proposition, but he should be in line to reach his average yardage total. He's a potential starter in deeper leagues and you could do a lot worse this week. I'd rather go with someone else, though. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Running Backs
Marshawn Lynch - Lynch continues to see his production decrease as the Bills offense continues to struggle. For the fourth consecutive game, Lynch's rushing yardage was less than the prior game. He finished with just 37 yards on 9 carries last and had a long carry of just 7 yards. Simply put, he hasn't been a fantasy option this year. He did add four receptions for 18 yards last week, but its hard to imagine him having much value behind the current Bills' offensive line. He will remain a flex option at best and until he puts up some big numbers, I can't envision using him. Keep him on your bench and hope a change in mindset at the head coaching position might provide him more opportunities. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Fred Jackson - Jackson was a little more involved last week against the Titans, but a good chunk of his production came late in the game when the score was out of hand. The Bills got him involved in the passing game again (3 receptions for 23 yards) and he actually threw a touchdown pass out of a beautifully designed Wildcat play. His value in the rushing game is quite limited at this point, so unless the Bills being using him more as a receiving again, he's probably not much of a flex option either. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Maurice Jones-Drew - If it wasn't for the spectacular Chris Johnson, MoJo would be the top scoring RB in most fantasy setups. He's been excellent in his first go-round as the Jaguars every down back. He leads the NFL in touchdowns with 12 through nine games, is fourth in the NFL with 860 yards rushing and has also added 32 receptions for 220 yards. He's lived up to his status as the number two player taken in many fantasy drafts this year. Expect it to continue against the terrible Bills run defense this week. A week after Johnson racked up 232 total yards and a pair of touchdowns, Jones-Drew looks every bit capable of matching that. Verdict: Start 'Em
Wide Receivers
Lee Evans - Evans once again had a solid fantasy game last week posting 4 receptions for 50 yards and two first half touchdowns. Quietly, despite overall horrific numbers, Evans has been somewhat useful the past month putting up 222 receiving yards on 15 catches and 4 touchdowns the past four games. I still can't recommend starting him at one of your WR spots, but he does look like he'll be a good flex option from time to time. This week, against the Jaguars 26th ranked pass defense, is one of those weeks. Verdict: Start 'Em as a flex
Terrell Owens - Owens' 85 yards receiving last week were the most he's put up in a Bills uniform. Is that a sign of things to come or just a fluke? I think it's most definitely the former. Last week was just the third times he's put up 50 or more receiving yards this season, and he still hasn't scored a touchdown through the air since week 2. With Fitzpatrick back under center, expect Owens' struggles to continue. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Mike Sims-Walker - MS-W has been one of this fantasy season's top free agent additions. He's been one of the biggest surprises so far this season, and looks to continue his success this week against the mediocre Bills' pass defense. Sims-Walker has caught a touchdown in 4 of his 7 games, and has six or more catches in 5 of those games. For the most part, he's been a consistent performer and David Garrard's favorite receiver. He's an every week starter and has played like a borderline #1 WR all season. Don't take him out now. Verdict: Start 'Em
Torry Holt - The veteran receiver hasn't scored a touchdown all season, but has put up a solid 35 receptions for 485 yards thus far. Unless Sims-Walker gets hurt or suspended again, Holt doesn't have much value in fantasy lineups. Keep him on the bench. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Tight Ends
Shawn Nelson - With Derek Fine placed in Injury Reserve earlier this week, Nelson assumes the starting tight end role a lot sooner than many Bills fans expected. He hasn't exactly earned that role, but has a chance to prove himself over the final seven games of the season. Expect him to get more and more comfortable every week and with his athleticism, he could bust a big play at any time. Wait to see it first before you even consider adding Nelson to your bench. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Marcedes Lewis - The former first round pick has really disappeared after a solid first month of the season. He's a guy that routinely flashes big time ability, but never seems to be able to put it together. Unless you are desperate, look elsewhere. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Kickers
Rian Lindell - Lindell continues to have a quietly efficient season. Too bad that doesn't mean much for fantasy owners. Look elsewhere for your kicker, especially to a good offensive team. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Jose Scobee - Scobee has hit just 10 of 16 field goals this year and has scored seven points less than Lindell so far this year. That should tell you all you need to know about whether to go with him this week. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Defense/Special Teams
Buffalo D/ST - Jairus Byrd had another interception last week and he's about the only thing good about this unit at this point. With a poor pass rush and weak return units, it's hard to imagine even using a bench spot on these guys. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Jacksonville D/ST - Another very poor fantasy option, the Jaguars defense has been pretty ineffective totaling just 7 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries and just 8 sacks. Even against the bumbling Bills offense, they aren't worth the pickup. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Sleepers
Buffalo - This space will remain vacant for the Bills until a guy outside of Jackson or Evans puts up some numbers. There aren't many options here for Buffalo.
Jacksonville - Mike Thomas (WR): Thomas is the Jaguars 3rd WR and actually has 23 receptions on the year for 220 yards, while adding another 70 yards rushing. He's the primary punt returner and has returned kicks this year in addition to his WR duties. For teams that pick up fantasy points for return yards, Thomas is a deep option.
*****
There are only a few weeks left of most fantasy regular seasons, so this week is of utmost importance. Keep rolling with your studs (MoJo, Sims-Walker) and consider your matchups for the other players in this game. With the bye weeks past us, it's unlikely you'll be using any of the other players in this game, but take a look at Evans, Jackson, Lynch, Garrard and Holt if you must. As always, good luck and use the comments section to discuss your fantasy issues. Go Bills!