Buffalo Bills: Week 1 fantasy football outlook
By Connor Price
The Buffalo Bills play host to the New York Jets this Sunday to kick off the season for both of these teams. Who should you trust to put into your stating fantasy lineup this week?
Tyrod Taylor‘s status is up in the air for week 1. The Buffalo Bills added veteran quarterback, Joe Webb recently, to aid the QB depth chart in case the team is forced to start the season without Taylor. Nathan Peterman will be the immediate choice for backup against the New York Jets if the team thinks he is ready.
The decision on Tyrod Taylor will not be made for a few more days, but I would stay away from the Bills’ quarterbacks either way. Tyrod Taylor may be damaged goods if he is allowed to play, and I wouldn’t start Peterman on my fantasy team even if he is playing the New York Jets.
Here are the ESPN standard scoring projections for week 1:
- Tyrod Taylor: 18.4 (if healthy)
- LeSean McCoy: 14.8
- Zay Jones: 6.3
- Jordan Matthews: 6.2
- Charles Clay: 5.2
- Bills D/ST: 8
- Steven Hauschka: 7.7
LeSean McCoy is a must-start RB1 all season no matter the matchup. The Buffalo Bills will run McCoy until the cows come home. McCoy has been going in the first round of fantasy drafts in a majority of leagues and for good reason. The New York Jets have one of the toughest run defenses in the NFL. Wilkerson and company should give the Bills a run for their money, but the team that boasted the top rushing attack in 2016 should continue trending in that direction.
The Buffalo Bills’ wide receiving corps. is too much of a question mark to deal with in week one. Zay Jones will have an impact, but no one knows how soon said impact will come. Jordan Matthews is coming off of a minor injury which could affect his stock for the upcoming week. Sammy Watkins would’ve feasted on this Jets’ secondary, so we shouldn’t be surprised if one of the Bills’ receivers does the same.
The quarterback situation adds to the animosity I have towards the Buffalo Bills receivers week one. If Nathan Peterman is starting this week then it will only hurt the fantasy production of Jones and Matthews.
Charles Clay’s situation is similar to that of Jones and Matthews. Clay will only do as well as his quarterback. The tight end’s production has been nothing to write home about as of late, but he is looking to have an impact this season.
The New York Jets’ offense is horrific. Look past Bilal Powell, and I am unsure of where their yards will come from. The Bills’ D/ST will thrive against a weak passing attack and a below average run game. You may not start them more than a few choice weeks out of the season, but they may even be worth a waiver wire selection if there is room on your bench.
Steven Hauschka has been a big name in the world of fantasy football kickers in the past few years. Expect similar production from the veteran kicker with a slight drop-off. The Bills will not score as many touchdowns as the Seahawks have in recent years, but Hauschka is always a solid option at kicker.
Last word
I would stay away from the Buffalo Bills’ wide receivers and tight ends this week. Uncertainty loses games in fantasy football, and that is all these players are. Start McCoy, Bills D/ST, and Hauschka and you should be happy with your results.
Next: Buffalo Bills: The youngest team in 5 years
What do you think of the Bills fantasy match-ups this week? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!