Fantasy Football News

2006 Fantasy Football Outlook - Buffalo Bills

07/12/2006

2006 Fantasy Football Preview
by Erick Chi
fflcommish.com staff writer

Buffalo Bills

Things look somewhat bleak for Buffalo this season. From the top down there are changes that may have a negative impact on the 2006 season for the Bills. They let a big target in Eric Moulds get away, while doing very little in the free agent market. Dick Jauron's track record as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator is pretty good, and he did produce a 13-3 season 2001 with the Bears, but his overall record was a somewhat disappointing at 35-46. Aside from the coaching change and subsequent philosophy and scheme changes, many of the skill positions are up for grabs. As the pre-season and training camp progresses the starters will be anointed and the chafe will be let go. On to the grades…

Quarterback

This is one of the most important positions on the field; the quarterback is the general leading his troops into battle. Unfortunately, Emperor Jauron has yet to decide on his field general. I certainly don't blame him. His choices are journeyman Kelly Holcomb, third year man J.P. Losman and former Brett Favre understudy Craig Nall. Also on the roster are Craig Ochs, Kliff Kingsbury and Tory Woodbury, though they won't truly play a factor in the competition to start. Holcomb throws a decent long ball and has had some big yardage games in his career, although he's not proven himself as a consistent winner. Losman has all the physical tools, athleticism and mobility, but proved mostly dreadful in the time he's spent under center. Nall has had limited opportunities for playing time (the big downside of backing up Favre), but has been fairly successful with the chances he's had. However, he's the least tested and, so far, least reliable of the three candidates. The starter will most likely be Holcomb or Losman, with the edge probably going to Holcomb at this point. Neither is a great option and I would certainly suggest you look elsewhere when it comes time for your fantasy football league draft.

Grade: C

Running Backs

The one name you need to remember, obviously, is Willis McGahee. He's shown the ability to put up decent yardage and find the end zone all while being keyed in on by defenses unworried by an anemic passing game. Though the offensive line is shaky and unset at this point, McGahee should still put up respectable numbers. Truly great running backs seem to find success regardless of their offensive line, but the added wear and tear of the beating he'll take when defenders take unblocked shots at him would make me think twice about his durability and ability to play at the top of his game for the entire 2006 campaign. The big question is that if McGahee needs a breather, or misses time due to injury, who is going to shoulder the load. Behind him stand Anthony Thomas and a collection of who-dat's. Thomas could be a change of pace bruiser between the tackles, but his best days are certainly behind him. McGahee is the only one here worth drafting, and with the quarterback position still largely unsettled should get the ball early and often. If you're considering a running back from Buffalo, the only name you should be saying to your fantasy football commissioner is "McGahee".

Grade: B

Wide Receivers

The key players at receiver will be Lee Evans, Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish and, of course, the second coming of the Peerless Price project. Price is a great example to the point that they lack a true number one receiving threat. Price had a breakout season when paired up with Eric Moulds (now with the Texans) and parlayed that into a payday with the Falcons. However, he proved to be largely ineffective when relied on to be the quarterback's number one option. The remainder of the receiving corps is littered with undersized players. Evans and Parrish have the ability to stretch the field vertically, but lack "ideal" size. However, with the emergence of players like Steve Smith and Santana Moss and the re-emphasis on the referees to flag overaggressive defenders, receivers under six feet in height are showing more and more ability to have an impact on the game. Fantasy-wise, fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. I would certainly be wary of taking Peerless Price anywhere but at the bottom of your fantasy football league draft, if at all. Evans has shown the ability to put up some decent yardage numbers in the past and Parrish should show improved numbers in his second year along with the possibility that he may have some punt return opportunities.

Grade: B-

Tight Ends

This is a group consisting of mostly unknown quantities. The first stringer, Robert Royal, is a big target at 6'4", 260lbs. He hasn't put up very flashy numbers and has struggled with injuries in the past. The lack of an outright starting quarterback also hurts his ability to take reps and build a repoire with one single guy. After Royal there isn't much to speak of. Brad Cieslak was a special-teamer last year and Kevin Everett put up decent numbers in College at 'da U in Miami, but didn't play last year due to injury. Ryan Neufield rounds out this group, but as a career special-teamer, maybe had one reception last year. This group is largely untested and needs to prove itself before is warrants any true consideration, especially when it comes to fantasy football draft time.

Grade: D

Kicker

Rian Lindell is a middle of the road kicker. He had 113 points last season, which isn't bad. But he lacks ideal leg strength and has yet to be tested under pressure. With all the offensive question marks the Bills have, he's probably going to get a few field goal opportunities. However, he'd probably be best utilized as a fill-in during your actual kicker's bye week, if the Bills have a favorable matchup.

Grade: C-

Erick Chi is a staff writer for fflcommish.com, the most flexible fantasy football league manager available for your fantasy football leagues needs.