The Buffalo Bills are heading into the 2013 season with some questions at quarterback after EJ Manuel got a knee procedure in the preseason and with new head coach Doug Marrone coming in, the offense is expected to be built around the rookie whenever he is healthy enough to play.
Marrone helped turn around the Syracuse team with quarterback Ryan Nassib last season and now he is in Buffalo after the Chan Gailey era failed and despite missing the playoffs, the roster has some legitimate talent on offense. C.J. Spiller showed last season that he could be one of the most explosive running backs in all of football and a one two punch of him and Fred Jackson could be one of the best in the NFL. Steve Johnson has reached at least 1,000 yards receiving in three straight seasons and he has done that without a top flight quarterback throwing to him.
While EJ Manuel won't be a superstar right away and might not even start right away, he could be an effective quarterback fantasy wise once he gets onto the field and having Johnson on the outside and Spiller in the backfield will help make things easier for him as he develops. Johnson has been one of the most consistent wide receiver options in fantasy over the past few seasons and he should be considered a high pick after the first group or WRs go, especially in PPR leagues. Johnson has had at least 76 catches in each of the past three seasons and he's scored 13 touchdowns over the past two years.
Spiller was a huge sleeper last season and due to an injury to Fred Jackson he was able to finally reach the potential he had coming out of Clemson as a speedy back. Spiller is a top choice in regular leagues and especially PPR leagues after playing in all 16 games last season and rushing for 1,244 yards and six touchdowns. He also was a big factor in the passing game, catching 43 balls for 459 yards and two touchdowns. This season he could put up even better numbers as the team tries to break in a new quarterback and having Jackson could actually ensure that he stays healthy by allowing the team to manage his carries, as he went for over 200 for the first time last season.
Johnson will be helped along by the presence of rookie Robert Woods, who was drafted along with Manuel in April and he could be a sleeper in deeper leagues after coming out of USC. The team also added another talent in Marquise Goodwin and along with tight end Scott Chandler, Manuel will have options in the passing game and in the backfield. The team opens against the Patriots, which is no easy task, especially if a rookie is starting, but with players like Spiller and Johnson, they at least have a chance.
