Welcome to the final edition of Bills Fantasy Friday for 2009! Which is actually happening on a Thursday, for obvious reasons. The Buffalo Bills travel to Atlanta to take on the recently eliminated Atlanta Falcons. It's Week 16, which is the Super Bowl for most leagues. If you're still alive, congratulation and good luck. I'll keep this brief as it's unlikely this will help you, and mostly because it's Christmas.
Quarterbacks
Brian Brohm - Assuming Brohm will not only be making his first NFL start in relief of the injured Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards, he'll be taking his first NFL snap. Expect it to be ugly and mistake filled. There is no value here. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Matt Ryan - Ryan has been somewhat of a fantasy disappointment this year. He's already thrown one more touchdown pass this year (in 12 games) than he did in his rookie season, but overall, his performance isn't what fantasy owners were hoping for. His yards per game and yards per attempt numbers are down, and he never really took that next step this year. He'll again be a nice sleeper option next year. Wait until then to start him again. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Running Backs
Fred Jackson - Jackson put together a nice all-around game last week (80 yards rushing, 32 yards receiving, 108 return yards) and had a touchdown taken off the board because of penalty. With Brohm under center, expect the Bills to rely as heavily on the running game as possible. Jackson will again get a ton of touches, and should have some solid success against Atlanta's 20th ranked run defense. Verdict: Start 'Em in all leagues
Marshawn Lynch - A week after his most productive rushing day of the season, Lynch had just 8 carries for 25 yards against the Patriots. Right now, Jackson is the man with Lynch getting roughly a third of the carries. Look elsewhere if you're still alive and actually contemplating starting Lynch: Verdict: Sit 'Em
Jason Snelling - The big guy makes for an excellent start this week against the 32nd ranked rush defense in Buffalo. With Michael Turner on the shelf after re-aggravating his ankle injury, Snelling looks like a good bet for 15-20 touches. He's put up solid numbers when given the majority of the touches this year, so expect something similar to what he's produced thus far. Look for around 100 total yards and a touchdown or two. He's a great flex play this week. Verdict: Start 'Em in all leagues
Jerious Norwood - The speedy back hasn't had much of an impact this year since returning from injury. He'll get some touches, but isn't much of an option unless you are super desperate. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Wide Receivers
Terrell Owens - With Brohm starting, Owens has little to no value. If he catches any passes this week, I'll be surprised. Expect Perry Fewell and Alex Van Pelt to look for creative, simple ways for Brohm to get Owens the ball. I'm not sure I trust Brohm's ability to get that done though. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Lee Evans - Evans has even less value than Owens. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Roddy White - White, despite having somewhat of a down season, will always be on my must-start list. He should surpass 1000 yards on the season this week and could be in for a huge day when matched up against Reggie Corner. I expect White to have a great day, and you should too. Verdict: Start 'Em
Michael Jenkins - Jenkins is a mediocre real life wide receiver. He's rather useless as a fantasy wide receiver. Don't be surprised if he has a nice game, just don't bank on it. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Tight Ends
Shawn Nelson - Someday. Maybe someday. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Tony Gonzalez - Gonzo's numbers are down in his first year with Atlanta, but he's still having a very good year. He still has a good chance of reaching 90 receptions and 1000 yards again for this season. He's another guy you should be confident starting every week, especially this one. Verdict: Start 'Em
Kickers
Rian Lindell - I don't think the Bills will have enough scoring opportunities for Lindell to even be considered worthy of a fantasy start. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Matt Bryant - I couldn't remember who replaced Jason Elam, but it's the veteran Bryant. He has four field goals in three games, so he hasn't exactly lit it up, but could be in line for his best day as a Falcon. The Falcons will be able to move the ball and should control the ball and the clock for most of the game. Bryant is a nice sleeper kicker this week. I'm sure you have been riding a better option though. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Defense/Special Teams
Buffalo D/ST - The Bills defense played quite well against Tom Brady and the Patriots last week, but didn't have a strong fantasy day. They'll have their moments this week, especially if Matt Ryan continues floating passes high, but aren't worth the start. Verdict: Sit 'Em
Atlanta D/ST - I'd start this unit if I were still alive in my leagues. With Brohm taking his first NFL snaps, expect him to be blitzed and harassed every time he drops back. There will be sacks and there will likely be a few turnovers. I also wouldn't be shocked if this unit pitches a shutout against the Brohm-lead Bills. Verdict: Start 'Em
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That's it for this year, folks. I hope you enjoyed reading this each week as much as I did writing it. Good luck to everyone still alive in their leagues. I can't wait until next (fantasy) season, already! Enjoy the day and the games this weekend. Merry Christmas everyone!