Last week, we announced the return of Buffalo Rumblings Fantasy Football. Thus far, we've had 95 people sign up to participate in one of our leagues, and we're encouraging anyone interested who hasn't yet signed up to let us know with a comment or an email.
On another front entirely, let's head in after the jump to take a look at the most fantasy-worthy Buffalo Bills players available this year. Contrary to the hilarity of the court of public opinion, there will be highly useful and productive fantasy players in Western New York this year - and we're not just talking opposing running backs here.
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This is how it'll work: we'll list the Bills player of value, his position, and in which standard (10-team, 18-player) roster slot he'd be a best fit.
Stevie Johnson (No. 2 WR): A fantasy darling during his break-out 2010 campaign, Johnson is clearly the best fantasy option in Buffalo, having nearly tied a franchise record with 10 touchdowns last season. As Buffalo's offense continues to gel and other weapons become more involved, it'll only get more difficult for defenses to pay constant attention to the ultra-smooth Johnson. It's tough to expect a big spike in numbers, but it's tougher to predict a major slide.
Fred Jackson (No. 3 RB): For the first time in his career, Jackson enters a season as the Bills' undisputed workhorse runner. Just as he finally gets that opportunity, the Bills are committing to a wide-open offense featuring spread formations and, likely, more Wildcat. Jackson will still get plenty of touches, but he's never been a big touchdown producer, and is therefore a fringe starter at best.
C.J. Spiller (No. 4 RB): Considering his disappointing rookie season, it's tough to promote Spiller as much more than a reserve running back and possible weekly flex option. Bills head coach Chan Gailey insists he's figured out how to use Spiller, however, and if it's true, Spiller could be a break-out fantasy star.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (Reserve QB): 23 touchdowns is a pretty stellar mark in fantasy football, and it made Fitzpatrick a universally-owned backup quarterback in fantasy leagues last year. Buffalo's offense is still sporadic and unreliable, however, so Fitzpatrick - while draft-worthy - shouldn't be a cornerstone of your championship aspirations.
Lee Evans (Reserve WR): A historically unreliable fantasy player (to put it mildly), Evans is still worth owning in most formats for two reasons: he's still Buffalo's best and most feared receiver, and he's good for one or two huge performances per season. At best, however, he's a spot starter.
Roscoe Parrish (Reserve WR): We know everyone here is looking for a worthy Bill to add in the final round or two of a draft, and if you're in that boat, Parrish is your best bet. He was on his way to a career season under Gailey before landing on IR a year ago, has game-breaking ability, and could be a big part of the offensive attack if he's healthy.