Who's the best running back in Buffalo?

Two weeks into Fred Jackson's three-week audition as the starting running back for the Buffalo Bills and he's starting to make believers out of a lot of people. Against the New England Patriots in Week 1, he accounted for 130 total yards and a touchdown, then followed that up with an 188 yard performance against the Tampa Bay Bucs. Not bad for a guy who played college football at Coe College in Sioux City, Iowa, went undrafted, then played two seasons for the Sioux City Bandits of the National Indoor Football League, then played one season for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europa, and then finally got an invitation to the Buffalo's training camp in 2006. After a journey like that I'd say he's finally arrived.

But lets not forget about Marshawn Lynch. The guy who's basically carried the Bills offense the last two seasons, rushing for over a 1,000 yards and collecting at least 7 TD's in each season. Without much of a passing game, Lynch has had to consistently be the best player on the field and he's been able to answer the call. He's got a bruising downhill running style and an intensity that keeps his legs driving all the way through the run. It's not surprising that his teammates call him "The Beast" because he runs like one. As a pure running back, I'd put Lynch in the same conversation with top-tier backs like Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore, but unfortunately having success in the running game takes more than just a great running back.

It's always interesting how success in the running game is so dependent on success in the passing game, and I think Buffalo is a great example of this. With a healthy Trent Edwards playing well and Terrell Owens playing opposite long time go-to guy Lee Evans, Buffalo might just start getting some offense through the air. If that happens, then I think opposing defenses will have to soften up against the run and either Jackson or Lynch or a combination of the two will have a big season.

When Lynch's suspension ends after this weekend, I fully expect him to regain his role as the #1 running back in Buffalo. This might include a few more touches per game for Jackson moving forward, but Lynch is going to be the guy Buffalo leans on in the running game. Jackson's amazing journey to the NFL is truly remarkable, but to win games you've got to put the best guys on the field, your play-makers, and Lynch is one of those guys.

Fantasy Impact: Even after missing the first 3 games of the season, I'm still extremely high on Lynch and think that he'll reach 1,000 yds. and 7 TD's again by the end of the season. Given his current situation, he's certainly a buy-low candidate right now and is probably available in your league for the right price.

Preseason Rankings: Wide Receiver

The following series of posts will list the top 10 fantasy players at each skill position based on projected fantasy output for the upcoming 2009 season.

Larry Fitzgerald proved at the end of last season that he's the best wide receiver in the NFL as he almost single-handedly won the Super Bowl for Arizona. He'll have some stiff competition this season from a couple young rising stars in Calvin Johnson and Roddy White. Similar to the arrival of Matt Ryan in Atlanta, Johnson's looking to have the same type of success with Matthew Stafford in Detroit. The fact that he's been able to excel without the luxury of stability at the QB position just further illustrates how talented he really is. I'm also looking for Reggie Wayne to have a big season, now that Marvin Harrison has finally moved on. Toward the bottom of the list should be some interesting story lines. Can Roy Williams be the guy in Dallas now that Terrell Owens has moved on? Can Dwayne Bowe, now in his 3rd year, take it to the next level now that Matt Cassel will be taking the snaps in Kansas City? Should be fun to see who steps it up in 2009.

1. Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
2. Calvin Johnson (DET)
3. Roddy White (ATL)
4. Randy Moss (NE)
5. Reggie Wayne (IND)
6. Andre Johnson (HOU)
7. Steve Smith (CAR)
8. Greg Jennings (GB)
9. Roy Williams (DAL)
10. Dwayne Bowe (KC)

Fantasy Impact: When it comes to putting together my fantasy football team, I'm usually pretty high on wide receivers, but this season's crop is simply awesome. There are play-makers up and down the list, with tons of value in the later rounds. I would have no problem going with back-to-back WR's in Round's 2 & 3, which would probably net you both Johnson's (Calvin and Andre). I'll take that any day.

Preseason Rankings: Quarterback

The following series of posts will list the top 10 fantasy players at each skill position based on projected fantasy output for the upcoming 2009 season.

Let's start with the quarterback position which had some breakout performances last year, most notably by Matt Cassel, Matt Ryan, and Aaron Rodgers. All three guys have moved into the top 10 at the quarterback position going into this season, so it's up to them to prove that they deserve it. At the top of the list, I think Tom Brady's 100% back from his season-ending knee injury last season and should put up big numbers with Randy Moss and Wes Welker still in New England. There's some doubt in Dallas whether Tony Romo can succeed without Terrell Owens, so I think he's got something to prove. I was hesitant to put Kurt Warner higher on this list because I think his age will finally catch up to him this season. Jay Cutler barely made it on the list after a tumultuous off-season that saw him traded from Denver to Chicago. He's definitely got the skills to be a top 5 quarterback, but I just don't think Chicago has enough talent at the wide received position.

1. Tom Brady (NE)
2. Peyton Manning (IND)
3. Drew Brees (NO)
4. Tony Romo (DAL)
5. Philip Rivers (SD)
6. Matt Ryan (ATL)
7. Kurt Warner (ARI)
8. Matt Cassel (KC)
9. Aaron Rodgers (GB)
10. Jay Cutler (CHI)

Fantasy Impact: I'm of the opinion that drafting a quarterback is one of the most critical moves you can make in the draft. They're historically the top fantasy point producers, so even though many "experts" will say that the drop-off from #1-#10 isn't as great as at other positions, I would much rather have a quarterback that I can count on every game to deliver 20- 25 pts. for my team. Usually the first QB comes off the board in the late first-early second round. I would shoot for Ryan in the 5th to 6th round as a solid value pick with tons of upside.