Fantasy Football

Rounding out the AFC East is the Buffalo Bills, the lone small market team in the NFL’s two eastern divisions, and there lack of appeal to free agents and coach’s is demonstrated in their record. On top of being the only small market in the eastern divisions, they double as the only of the eight to endure a losing record in 2008. 7-9, it’s not like they were a laughing stock, but they are definitely out-matched amongst their peers. That said, the Bills are hopeful heading into 2009. I happen to disagree, but we’ll get to that later.

Obviously one precursor to this new found hope is the arrival of Terrell Owens. This is an odd free agency pickup for a couple reasons. For starters, Owens isn’t exactly a rust belt kind of guy, and that’s what the Bills thrive on. There is almost no question that he’ll resent playing there. Secondly, Buffalo doesn’t really need a receiver, particularly not one as problematic as Owens can be. But simultaneously it makes sense, both parties are in a state of desperation. Buffalo needs to make money and show their fans they’re serious about contending, after a promising 5-1 start, Buffalo finished the last eleven weeks 2-8. And TO needs Buffalo since, honestly, no one else wants him.

Maybe she'll end up visiting Buffalo as a result of all this?

Buffalo should have really reconsidered as well. Right now the only news that having Owens on their team is garnering pertains to The Superstars, and some would argue quite reasonably that this is just the beginning of the sideshow. We’ve all seen the spectacle that is the Eagles, the Niners and — to a much lesser extent — the Cowboys, why the Bills think they’re immune or foolish enough to hope that he’s grown out of it, is unknown to me.

Can’t Miss (for what one could reasonably expect): Marshawn Lynch has all the makings of a fantasy stud (high draft, pick, reasonable offensive line, improving passing game & one of the last few backs who isn’t giving up a significant percentage of carries to a teammate), but he’s been unreliable for a solid two seasons now. Some would attribute that to a lackluster passing game and bringing Owens should open up some running lanes. Third round or lower, there are better prospects on better teams for at least 25 picks. Also a primary beneficiary of Owens’ arrival: Lee Evans. He’s been moved to second option but with his expectations diminished he’ll probably finally live up to them. Congrats, Lee.

Tread Lightly: Trent Edwards. He just hasn’t showed any promise, and I don’t know why they weren’t in the Cutler sweepstakes more than they were. Lee Evans and Josh Reed are serviceable, and a damn site better than what Cutler had in Denver. If I’m not mistaken they took themselves out of the bidding because of all the rumors circulating that he was a headcase, but yet they brought in Terrell Owens. I have no idea either. He has some weapons around him, but then again he’s always had weapons at his disposal. With two brand new offensive lineman, I could see it being a slow start, if not an entirely disappointing season.

Dark Horses: The defense should be strong and a potential starter on your fantasy team and a perfectly reasonable backup. I know I have a tendency to worry about how a defense can be hampered by a bad offense, but Buffalo seems to know there limitations (as evidenced and countered by the Owens signing). Fred Jackson, who’s a solid backup that the team seemed to grow in confidence with as the season went along, brings a lot to the table. Since he’s a second string running back, it could very well be worth your while to use a late, late round pick on him.

Anyways, as for Terrell himself, who is noticeably absent because he doesn’t fit any of these three molds, his personality combined with his age and seemingly diminishing star all make TO something of a leper in today’s NFL. Most aren’t as eccentric, old or talented, and our categorizing isn’t all that comprehensive so we didn’t really think to prepare for him. But we will say that if Owens is on your radar, be aware that in addition to all of the aforementioned reasons, they also lost their best offensive lineman (Jason Peters) to Philly in a trade and that Edwards is by far and away the worst quarterback he has ever played with professionally. Something to keep in mind is all.

Tomorrow we start our preview of the AFC North and the returning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.