NFL preseason report: Buffalo Bills

This page will be regularly updated with news and analysis regarding the Bills’ skill position players throughout training camp and the preseason. ⬆︎ ⬇︎ Indicate which way a player’s fantasy value is trending and (R) denotes rookies.

The Bills come in at #15 in Warren Sharp’s Strength of Schedule Rankings. It’s unlikely that meaningful fantasy production will emerge from New York’s other other NFL franchise.

Quarterback

A.J. McCarron ⬇ -- McCarron has spent time running with the 1’s but his skill set is nicely summed up by pegging Robert Foster’s foot on a post route.

*Update 8/2/18: McCarron is continuing to take the majority of first team snaps. Matt Warren over at Buffalo Rumblings believes McCarron may have solidified his spot as the team’s Week 1 starter.

Nathan Peterman ⬇ -- Peterman is running with the 2’s. ‘Nuff said.

Josh Allen (R) ⬇ -- Josh Allen is reportedly pushing for the starting job but:

Running Back

LeSean McCoy ⬇ -- It’s entirely possible McCoy doesn’t receive a suspension for his alleged involvement in the horrific assault of his ex-girlfriend, however, I’m not touching him. He’s a talented football player but there’s a lot of tread on the tires and not much in the way of a supporting cast.

Chris Ivory ⬆︎ -- Ivory has proven to be a dependable NFL running back and could be walking into feature back duties. His 14th round ADP is reasonable.

Taiwan Jones ⬆︎ -- Jones could see the field as a reliable pass-catcher/safety blanket on 3rd down. He could also bring value to leagues that count return yards/TDs.

Travaris Cadet ⬆︎ -- Coming off a late season ankle injury, I don’t love the 29-year old’s chances. That being said, if McCoy is suspended, opportunities in this backfield open up. Monitor the situation.

Wide Receiver

Kelvin Benjamin ⬇/⬆︎ -- Benjamin’s a decent NFL receiver but shaky knees and a history of paradoxical weight issues don’t combine for an optimistic outlook. Add those to the QB situation and I just can’t justify his 10th round cost. If LeSean McCoy is suspended for the year (or more), it’s possible Benjamin gets 10+ targets per game and survives on volume but there are warmer waters I’d rather take a dip in.

Zay Jones ⬇/⬆︎ -- After a offseason that was both mentally and physically troubling for Jones, the second-year receiver is making progress in his recovery from knee surgery. I still like Jones as a dynasty/keeper league asset but won’t be targeting him much in redraft.

Jeremy Kerley ⬇ -- No real updates on Kerley. It’s likely he takes over Buffalo’s slot receiver position and could see some action as a safety blanket.

Tight End

Charles Clay ⬆︎ -- Of all the Buffalo skill players, Clay may be my favorite. He’s a reliable do-it-all tight end who should be heavily targeted over the middle of the field, by whichever unfortunate soul wins the Bills’ QB job.

Nick O’Leary ⬆︎ -- O’Leary has shown promise and will likely be the heir apparent to the No. 1 tight end spot, should Clay retire in the coming years or miss time due to injury.

Logan Thomas ⬇ -- Thomas has a long way to go before being considered a true NFL tight end after converting to the position from being a college QB.