News: The Bills spent their first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft on cornerback Stephon Gilmore, giving them a set of fresh legs to help against opposing offenses. Gilmore's got great size and should be at least a nickelback to start the year. The Bills rounded out their defensive draft haul with Florida State linebacker Nigel Bradham, LSU cornerback Ron Brooks and TCU linebacker Tank Carder.
Analysis: Only Gilmore should see regular playing time this season -- in the wake of his arrival, the Bills released veteran Drayton Florence. The bottom line is that the Bills did a great job this offseason addressing their pass rush with Mario Williams and Mark Anderson while keeping most of their secondary in tact. They added good depth at linebacker and cornerback in the draft. With their defense on the rise and the Jets and Dolphins starting to fade in the division, the time's right to spend a late pick on the Bills DST in standard drafts.
News: With the addition of pass rusher Mark Anderson on a four-year deal and the re-signing of safety Bryan Scott, along with the signing of defensive end Mario Williams, the Bills defense is shaping up to be one of the most improved units in the league. Last season the Bills had just 29 sacks and no one player had more than 5.5 sacks. But the team scored six defensive touchdowns (four on interceptions) and one on special teams.
Analysis: Not even the schedule is so bad for the Bills; the toughest offenses they'll play in 2012 are the Texans, Broncos, Cardinals, Titans, Ravens and Patriots twice. If they can improve their linebacking corps, they could be in line to have a really nice season. We could see Fantasy owners spending their final pick on the Bills DST, especially if they open the season with some weak opponents.
News: The Bills have reportedly sealed the deal on the biggest free-agent acquisition in franchise history with Thursday's signing of linebacker Mario Williams, who signed a six-year deal with the team, according to ESPN. FOXSports.com reports the deal includes $50 million in guarantees. The Bills had Williams in on Tuesday shortly after free agency began and haven't let him leave. Wednesday was spent selling him on the organization (along with the requisite sight-seeing), he remained in town overnight, and on Thursday the deal was apparently done to make him the NFL's highest paid defender.
Analysis: This is a great move for the Bills, who will switch to a 4-3 alignment in 2012, thus allowing Williams to move back to his natural position of defensive end. The addition of Williams will help the Bills DST in a lot of areas, and they have the potential to be a sleeper in deeper leagues. Keep an eye on what else Buffalo does this offseason, but the Bills DST on your radar now heading into the season.
News: Bills head coach Chan Gailey said Monday that Buffalo's defense will switch from a 3-4 scheme to predominantly a four-man front. Last season they used both fronts and had some early-season success before injuries hurt the unit.
Analysis: Though injuries played a role, the Bills were over-run, giving up a franchise-worst 5,938 yards. Buffalo also allowed 434 points, the second most in team history. They'll get Kyle Williams healthy and he'll go a long way in winning the war at the line of scrimmage for the Bills, as will Marcell Dareus. But anything else the Bills can do to get their run defense under control will go a long way, especially since most of their quality defensive players are already under contract for 2012. The Bills DST might be a sleeper unit for Fantasy owners.
News: Dave Wannstedt is taking over as the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator for George Edwards, who was fired Monday. Though a rash of injuries played a role, the Bills were over-run giving up a franchise-worst 5,938 yards. Buffalo also allowed 434 points, the second most in team history. Wannstedt is a two-time NFL head coach - in Chicago 1993-98 and Miami 2000-04 - and has an extensive defensive background. He joined the Bills a year ago after spending the previous six seasons as head coach at the University of Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Buffalo's run defense was horrible in 2010 and was horrible again in 2011. They'll get Kyle Williams healthy and he'll go a long way in winning the war at the line of scrimmage for the Bills, as will Marcell Dareus. But anything else the Bills can do to get their run defense under control will go a long way, especially since most of their quality defensive players are already under contract for 2012. The Bills DST might be a sleeper unit for Fantasy owners.
News: The Bills defense got off to a great start Week 17 at New England, forcing the high-powered Patriots offense to punt twice in a first quarter that saw the Bills jump out to a 21-0 lead. But it was all downhill from there. The Patriots would outscored the Bills 49-0 the rest of the way, piling up 480 yards in the contest. The Bills defense still had its share of big plays, though, recording four sacks -- two by DL Kellen Heard -- and one interception.
Analysis: The Bills defense had four sacks in Week 16 as well, but for the most part, it wasn't a reliable contributor of sacks in 2011. In fact, it wasn't a reliable contributor of anything, entering Week 17 ranked 28th against the run and 21st against the pass. The Bills defense will need a serious overhaul to be a relevant Fantasy option at the start of 2012, so you should expected it to go undrafted in Fantasy.
News: The Bills DST had the surprise Fantasy performance of the day Saturday against Denver in Week 16. The Bills DST scored three touchdowns in a 40-14 victory with Leodis McKelvin scoring on an 80-yard punt return, Jairus Byrd scoring on a 37-yard interception return and Spencer Johnson scoring on a 17-yard interception return. The Bills had four interceptions in the game and three sacks. McKelvin also finished with three punt returns for 135 yards, and Justin Rogers had three kickoff returns for 101 yards.
Analysis: This was a standout performance by the Bills DST, but we don't expect them to remain at a high level in Week 17 at New England. Consider the Bills DST a No. 2 Fantasy option against the Patriots to close the year.
News: The Bills DST struggled against the Dolphins at home on Sunday of Week 15. The Bills DST gave up 448 total yards against Miami in a 30-23 loss. The Bills DST forced three turnovers in the game, all coming on fumble recoveries. The Bills DST, which gave up 203 rushing yards to Reggie Bush, came away with two sacks in the contest of QB Matt Moore.
Analysis: The Bills DST has struggled since Week 8 against Washington when the unit had 10 sacks against the Redskins. The Bills DST only has seven sacks in seven games since. The Bills DST has a tough matchup against Denver in Week 16 and is not a recommended Fantasy start.
News: The Bills DST has struggled in recent games, and a lack of interceptions has been a part of the problem. They have managed just one pick over their last five games after getting 15 of them through their first eight games. The Bills' chances of ending their interception drought are not strong in Week 15, as they will face a Dolphins squad that has offered up just 10 interceptions all year. The Bills have also had trouble keeping opponents from moving the ball, as they have allowed more than 300 yards of total offense in five of their last six games.
Analysis: The Dolphins slashed the Bills for 35 points in their first meeting this year, and the Bills DST hasn't done much since their initial Week 11 meeting to instill confidence in Fantasy owners. At best, the Bills are a No. 2 DST unit for Week 15.
News: The Bills defense didn't do much right in Week 14 against the Chargers. They gave up 150 yards on the ground, 240 yards through the air and 37 points. DB Bryan Scott did recover a Philip Rivers fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. That score would be the only touchdown of the day for the Bills as they lost to the Chargers, 37-10. Buffalo recorded two sacks in the contest.
Analysis: Buffalo had a tough time with all of the weapons in San Diego. Now they get a Miami team that has remembered how to run the ball and might have found a quarterback in Matt Moore. The Bills are getting healthier on defense, but still need to do a better job containing opposing team's running backs. At this stage of the season, Fantasy owners should not be using the Bills DST.
News: Buffalo should have DBs George Wilson and Jairus Byrd for Sunday's showdown with San Diego in Week 14. The Bills will have their hands full with the Chargers as they boast the sixth-best offense in the NFL. Averaging 389 yards and 23.9 points per game San Diego poses a big threat to Buffalo. The Bills also have to deal with the dual-threat of Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews in the ground attack. Last weekend the Bills gave up 153 yards and two scores to Tennessee RB Chris Johnson.
Analysis: During the week head coach Chan Gailey was upset with his team's lack of a pass rush. The Chargers have allowed 28 sacks on the year and QB Philip Rivers is not having his finest season. Opposing DSTs are averaging 10.33 Fantasy points per contest versus the Chargers this season. Fantasy owners should consider the Bills DST a low-end No. 1 option for Week 14.
News: The Bills couldn't slow down Titans RB Chris Johnson and Rob Bironas kicked three field goals in Tennessee's 23-17 win in Week 13. Johnson broke off big runs all afternoon against Buffalo on his way to 153 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee finished with 317 total yards. Buffalo sacked QB Matt Hasselbeck just once and forced no turnovers.
Analysis: Buffalo coach Chan Gailey complained during the week about his team's lack of pass rush and it didn't get any better against the Titans. Although, it was his run defense that really looked foolish against the Titans. The Bills defense had some early success in 2011, but it has struggled lately, allowing its last five opponents to all score 20-plus points. Don't plan on starting the Bills DST in Week 14 at San Diego.
News: Buffalo's feeble pass rush continues to struggle, and it seems like coach Chan Gailey is running out of any potential answers. The Bills are 31st in the NFL in sacks with 16. “We've probably beaten this horse a thousand times," Gailey said. "I don’t know how many different ways you can try and do it." Next up for the Bills defense is a showdown with Chris Johnson and the Titans in Week 13.
Analysis: Tennessee has allowed its QBs to be sacked just 16 times this season, which is tied for second-best in the NFL, so it doesn't appear Buffalo will have much success getting to QB Matt Hasselbeck in Week 13. The Titans have a middle of the road offense, averaging 319.5 yards and 20.5 points per game. However, the Bills defense has been awful lately. Since shutting out Washington in Week 8, Buffalo has allowed the opposition to average 33.5 points per game during a four-game losing streak. The Bills DST is at best a No. 2 Fantasy option Week 13.
News: The Buffalo defense missed out on several chances to take down Jets QB Mark Sanchez and dropped its fourth straight game in Week 12. The Bills often flushed Sanchez out of the pocket, but could not record a sack in Sunday's 28-24 loss. It's the second time in the past three games Buffalo failed to notch a sack. "We have to get more pass rush, but we had opportunities," said LB Nick Barnett, who had a team-high eight tackles. "The guys are working hard. We have the talent on defense to get to the quarterback, we just aren't doing it."
Analysis: The Bills were looking to take advantage of Sanchez's mistakes this season as five of his giveaways have gone for touchdowns, including two picks for scores in the past two weeks. However, Buffalo managed just one interception and recovered a muffed punt by New York's Antonio Cromartie in the third quarter. Fantasy owners should consider the sputtering Bills a No. 2 Fantasy DST for Week 13 against Tennessee.
News: The Buffalo defense has been extremely ineffective during the team's current three-game losing streak and is allowing an average of 35.3 points per game. The Bills face the Jets, who began the losing streak, in Week 12 hoping to earn some revenge. Buffalo surrendered 348 total yards and forced only two turnovers, including one interception by QB Mark Sanchez, during the teams' first meeting. It was the last game the Bills defense has generated a turnover, but the unit still remains tied for first in the AFC with 15 interceptions (New England).
Analysis: Buffalo will be looking to pick on Sanchez again as he has thrown two interceptions that have been returned for touchdowns in each of his past two games. The Bills also have managed just two sacks over their past three games since it registered a whopping 10 sacks against Washington in Week 8. Consider the Bills a low-end No. 2 Fantasy DST in Week 12 only for its penchant for creating interceptions.
News: Buffalo’s defense has been gashed for big gains throughout the season, but the Bills were able to compensate for the plays earlier in the year with takeaways. The unit has struggled to return to its aggressive method recently and failed to create a turnover during a 35-8 loss to Miami in Week 11. Buffalo, which allowed a touchdown on the Dolphins' first three possessions, did register a safety in the fourth quarter to cap the scoring.
Analysis: The Bills could not overcome the absence of standout DB George Wilson, who was ruled inactive with a neck injury. Buffalo entered Sunday's contest leading the AFC with 15 interceptions, but was unable to pick off Miami QB Matt Moore. The Bills also had just one sack. Wilson could return next week for Buffalo's Week 12 matchup against the Jets and struggling QB Mark Sanchez. Consider the Bills a No. 2 Fantasy DST for the matchup.
News: Buffalo will seek to continue its dominance over Miami during the month of November in the teams' Week 11 meeting. The Bills have won four of their past five games against the Dolphins entering Sunday's contest. Buffalo, which has feasted on mistakes this year and leads the AFC with 15 interceptions, has a favorable matchup to extend its streak versus error-prone Miami. The Dolphins have thrown nine interceptions this season, including five by current starting QB Matt Moore. Bills DB Terrence McGee has four career picks against Miami.
Analysis: The Buffalo defense leads also ranks second in the NFL behind Green Bay (17) for most interceptions this season. The Bills are tied for second with 20 takeaways, while Dolphins rank tied for last with six. However, in its past four games, Buffalo has generated a minus-seven in turnover differential as it has fallen in the AFC East standings. It was plus-11 before the current stretch. Consider the Bills a No. 2 Fantasy DST for Week 11.
News: The Cowboys scored on their opening drive and didn't look back in a 44-7 rout of the Bills in Week 10. The Bills couldn't get the Cowboys off the field, especially on third downs. Dallas converted 8 of 12 third downs. The Cowboys finished with 443 total yards, including 163 rushing. QB Tony Romo had three first-half passing touchdowns, while the Bills didn't record a sack or turnover in the game.
Analysis: The Bills defense usually gets a decent amount of turnovers, but they do give up plenty of yards and points. The Bills DST is pretty much only worth starting when the team has a favorable matchup. In Week 11, Buffalo travels to Miami. The Dolphins are playing well as of late, so the Bills DST remains a low-end Fantasy start Week 11.
News:The Sports Xchange notes the Bills face a Cowboys team in Week 10 that is 0-2 vs. the AFC East but with both losses by slim margins (27-24 vs. the Jets and 20-16 vs. the Patriots). In addition, Dallas played both those games on the road. Being at home gives the Cowboys a very big edge, particularly for a young line that has struggled protecting QB Tony Romo (13 TDs, 7 INTs). The Bills catch a break with WR Miles Austin (hamstring) out and RB Felix Jones (high-ankle sprain) questionable. No Jones means the Bills can focus on rookie DeMarco Murray, who is averaging a hefty 6.7-yards per rush. Giving SS George Wilson help on stud TE Jason Witten will also be important.
Analysis: Buffalo is giving up a lot of yards per game (381.1 ypg) and also rank in the bottom half in points allowed per game (21.8 ppg). The Cowboys might be down both Austin and Jones on Sunday, but they still have plenty of playmakers in Romo, Witten, Murray, Dez Bryant and Laurent Robinson. The Bills are good at forcing turnovers and could use some going up against an offense averaging 400.2 yards and 22.4 points per game. The Bills DST remains a No. 2 Fantasy option for Week 10.
News: In addition to possessing a high-powered offense, Buffalo has climbed to the top of the AFC East this season behind an improved run defense, which entered Week 9 having permitted 120 rushing yards per game. However, the Bills have struggled containing the Jets under coach Rex Ryan, allowing an average of 279 yards on the ground in the teams’ past four meetings. That trend continued Sunday as New York rolled up 126 rushing yards en route to a 27-11 victory. It was the sixth time in eight games Buffalo has surrendered at least 20 points.
Analysis: The Bills also came into Sunday’s game ranked first in the NFL with 14 interceptions and were hoping to feast on error-prone Jets QB Mark Sanchez. However, Buffalo forced only two turnovers, including one interception that came in the first quarter. The Bills seemed to unravel in the second half as they were unable to record a sack on Sanchez and let the Jets score 24 points. They finished with one sack for the entire game after posting 10 sacks last week against Washington. Consider Buffalo a No. 2 Fantasy DST against Dallas in Week 10.
News: Entering its Week 9 matchup against the Jets, the Buffalo defense is hoping it doesn't have to wait nearly five years for another shutout. The Bills dominated Washington last week to record its first shutout since beating Miami on Dec. 17, 2006. The Bills allowed only 178 total yards and intercepted two passes to give them an NFL-leading 14. They also recorded nine sacks. “You hope that your team gains confidence from that, and that your defense sees how well they can play,” coach Chan Gailey said. “It should create more confidence.”
Analysis: The Bills still rank 26th in the league allowing an average of 385.9 yards. And prior to Week 8, Buffalo surrendered at least 414 in each of the previous five contests. The Bills will have a chance to improve on that number against a Jets offense which ranks 29th gaining 300.1 yards per game. New York, however, busted out for a season-high 162 rushing yards against San Diego, as Shonn Greene rushed for 112 -- his most since running for 117 against the Bills in 2010. Consider Buffalo a high-end No. 2 Fantasy DST for Week 9.
News: The Bills DST put together a historic performance in the Week 8 victory against the Redskins in Toronto. The Bills DST pitched a shutout against the Redskins as they defeated Washington 23-0. It was the first time in Redskins coach Mike Shanahan's coaching career that he's been shut out. Even more impressive, the Bills recorded a team-record nine sacks of QB John Beck in the performance. The Bills DST forced two turnovers -- both Beck interceptions -- and Dwan Edwards and Marcell Dareus combined for four of the nine sacks. The Bills DST also managed to block a field goal from Washington's Graham Gano.
Analysis: The Bills DST has been a No. 1 Fantasy unit all season. That said, they had just four sacks all season entering the Week 8 game in which they had nine. If Buffalo improves in that area -- the only one in which the DST was struggling -- the unit can be very scary going forward. At the very least, consider the Bills DST a No. 1 Fantasy unit for Week 9 against the Jets.
News: Buffalo hosts Washington in Week 8, a team adjusting to a new quarterback (John Beck) and will be without Tim Hightower and Santana Moss. To say the least the Redskins are beat up. The Bills' 30th-ranked run defense is expecting a heavy dose of the ground game from the Redskins, even with Hightower out. Mike Shanahan's teams have been known for their commitment to the running game throughout his coaching career. "I know Hightower got hurt, but they've got two other backs that are very talented," LB Nick Barnett said.
Analysis: Opposing DSTs are averaging 10.83 Fantasy points per game against the Redskins this season. The Bills also give up some big plays through the air, but have intercepted 12 passes on the year. Fantasy owners should consider the Bills DST a No. 1 option for Week 8.
News: The Bills allowed 27 points and 414 yards of offense in Week 6 at the Giants. They did not force a turnover in the game and failed to record a sack in the game. The Bills entered play with the most interceptions in the NFL.
Analysis: Giants QB Eli Manning was coming off a three-interception performance and has a history of being prone to turnovers. The Bills were unable to create any takeaways, however. The Giants played without DL Kyle Williams against the Giants and figure to get healthier following their Week 7 bye. Given their aggressive secondary, they should remain a good source for interceptions and possibly even defensive touchdowns. However, they are also prone to giving up big plays. They'll return to action in Week 8 against Washington as a possible low-end No. 1 unit in Fantasy.
News: The Bills will be up against a Giants offense in Week 6 that ranks 13th in the NFL in total offense through the first five weeks of the season. They have averaged 359.2 yards per game, scoring 25.4 points per contest.
Analysis: Giants QB Eli Manning has dealt with the turnover bug in the past and is coming off a game in which he threw three interceptions to Seattle. Meanwhile, the Bills rank first in the league in intercepted passes. This could make for a very positive situation for the Buffalo pass defense. The Giants have also allowed at least three sacks in four of their first five games and have lost four fumbles.
News: The Buffalo Bills picked off Michael Vick four times and returned one of the interceptions for a touchdown. They added a forced fumble and recovery and a sack in a 31-24 win vs. the Eagles in Week 5. Vick threw for 315 yards and the Eagles totaled 174 yards on the ground.
Analysis: Buffalo's defense came up huge here, consistently pressuring Vick and forcing him into some mistakes and errant passes. The Bills defense still gave up plenty of yards and points , of course, and that's bound to happen given their lack of quality defenders. In fact, one of their top defenders, DT Kyle Williams, went down in this game. We suspect the Bills will give up more yardage and points in Week 6 at the Giants, but they'll likely get some interceptions. They've been scoring off of them too, so we would consider them a good one-week replacement option and not much more.
News:Michael Vick and the high-flying Eagles head to Buffalo for a Week 5 showdown, a matchup that can't be considered good for the Bills DST. The Eagles are second in running the ball and ninth in throwing the ball, averaging 434.8 total yards per game and 25.2 points per game.
Analysis: The Bills might find their way to a sack or two and a turnover, but that's about all that can be reasonably expected from this defense even though they've scored touchdowns in consecutive weeks. Use them if you must but the Bengals, Vikings and Chiefs are all better choices for Week 5.
News: Coming into its Week 4 matchup at Cincinnati, the Buffalo defense had only permitted two plays of 40-plus yards in three games this season. However, the Bills had a tough time keeping up with Cincinnati's rookie tandem of QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green during a 23-20 loss on Sunday. The duo connected for pass plays of 58 and 40 yards during the first half, and Dalton accounted for two touchdowns in Buffalo's first loss of the season.
Analysis: The Bills could not slow down the Bengals' surprisingly effective offense as Cincinnati rolled up 458 total yards -- more than double the total of Buffalo (273). However, the defense did return an interception for a touchdown by Bryan Scott in the second quarter -- a 43-yard score to give the Bills a 10-3 lead. Buffalo has now returned picks for touchdowns in back-to-back games for the first time since 2009. It was also its seventh interception of the season, tops in the NFL. Consider Buffalo a No. 2 Fantasy DST for Week 5 against Philadelphia.
News: A year after a 4-12 finish, Buffalo is one of three the NFL’s remaining unbeaten teams and will look to extend that winning streak in Week 4 against lowly Cincinnati. This year, the wins are coming as a result of an opportunistic defense that’s forced nine turnovers, including four interceptions against New England QB Tom Brady last Sunday. The Bills pace the NFL with six interceptions. “There’s only so much you can talk about expecting to win,” Buffalo DL Kyle Williams said. “Confidence comes with winning and not talking about it.”
Analysis: Buffalo, off to its best start since opening 4-0 in 2008 and one victory away from matching last season’s total, is the NFL’s first team to overcoming 18-point deficits in consecutive wins. The Bills defense has allowed the team to stay close in games by permitting just 24 second-half points in three games this season -- an average of eight points per outing. Buffalo should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy DST for Week 4 against Cincinnati as the Bills have average 8.7 Fantasy points per game this year.
News: The Bills defense played a big role in the team's comeback win Week 3 against the Patriots. Down 21-0 in the second quarter, the Bills would force Patriots QB Tom Brady to throw four interceptions as Buffalo rallied for the 34-31 win. One of the interceptions the Bills returned for a 27-yard score in the fourth quarter. Buffalo did surrender four passing touchdowns and 495 total yards (387 passing). They also failed to record a sack.
Analysis: It was a good/bad week for the Bills defense. They did force all those turnovers, but they also almost got smoked for 500 total yards. We do see the Buffalo defense making improvements, but the Bills DST is still a bit of a risky Fantasy option. They have low-end Fantasy appeal heading into Week 4 against the Bengals.
News: The Bills are the next victim...we mean team tasked with trying to slow down the high-octane Patriots offense in Week 3. New England heads into Sunday's matchup with the league's best offense, totaling 563 yards per game. They are also are third in scoring offense, averaging 36.5 points per game. Buffalo is allowing 333.5 yards and 21 points per game.
Analysis: The Bills defense had a disappointing performance in Week 2 against the Raiders after shutting down the Chiefs in Week 1. Perhaps the Bills aren't as good defensively as their Week 1 matchup showed and it was more of the Chiefs being a poor offensive team. We expect the Patriots to roll through the Bills much like they did in Week 1 against the Dolphins and Week 2 against the Chargers. It's best to avoid the Bills DST in Week 3.
News: The Bills allowed 35 points in Week 2 against the Raiders. They gave up 454 yards of offense and forced two turnovers in the game. They finished the game without a sack.
Analysis: There was little to salvage from the Bills' Week 2 performance from a Fantasy standpoint. Though they looked promising in Week 1 in Kansas City, that proved to be more of a Kansas City deficiency than a Buffalo strength. Kansas City has been held to 10 points combined in the first two weeks of the season. The Bills entered the season as a very low-end unit in Fantasy without many pass rushers or an ability to force turnovers. They remain a unit to avoid for Week 3 when they host red-hot New England.
News: In Week 2 , the Bills will face a Raiders team that put up 23 points against the Broncos on the road on Monday night. The Raiders totaled 289 net yards of offense in that game. uffalo held Kansas City to 213 total yards in Week 1.
Analysis: One thing that could play into the Bills' hands in Week 2 is the fact that the Raiders will be traveling across the country on a short week after playing on Monday night. Over the years, this has had the tendency of resulting in poor performances. Buffalo's defense looked solid in Week 1 on the road in Kansas City, making them an interesting flier pickup in deeper leagues if you are looking to play the matchups off the waiver wire.
News: In 2010 when the Bills and Chiefs met, Kansas City ran all over Buffalo to the tune of 274 rushing yards. In Week 1 in 2011 that wasn't the same case. Buffalo held Kansas City to 213 total yards, including 108 on the ground, and one touchdown in a 41-7 win against the Chiefs. The Bills defense also forced three turnovers -- two fumbles and one interception -- sacked QB Matt Cassel twice.
Analysis: The Bills made some upgrades to their defense, adding rookie lineman Marcell Darues and linebackers Nick Barnett, Shawne Merriman and Kirk Morrison. Thus far, it seems the additions have made the Bills a stronger defense. But it is only one game. It's not time to jump on the band wagon just yet. Buffalo has a semi-favorable matchup in Week 2 against the Raiders, so you might consider starting the Bills DST in deeper formats.
News: The Bills couldn't ask for a better test for their revamped run defense than Kansas City in Week 1. Buffalo finished last against the run in 2010, while the Chiefs had the top-ranked rushing offense. When the two teams met last season, the Chiefs rushed for a whopping 274 yards in a 13-10 overtime win. "It gives us a chance to find out where we're at as a defense to play somebody who was the best in the league," linebacker Shawne Merriman, one of Buffalo's key newcomers, told The Sports Xchange. "Stopping the run is an attitude, and a chance for you to set the tempo and say, 'This team's not going to run on us.' Once you have that mindset, you just took down the first barricade, and then after that it's about going out there and doing it, being physical and aggressive and having a sense of urgency."
Analysis: After watching opponents average nearly 170 yards rushing per game, including eight games of 200-plus yards, Buffalo's front office urgently set off to find bigger and more talented players. The major addition was 340-pound defensive end Marcell Dareus, the No. 3 overall pick in the draft out of Alabama. Teamed with Pro Bowl nose tackle Kyle Williams (301) and end Dwan Edwards (301), the Bills now average 314 pounds per man at the point of attack, an increase of 12 pounds from a year ago. Veteran free agents Nick Barnett and Kirk Morrison bring a ton of experience and attitude to the table, and will join Andra Davis, coming off a knee injury, on the inside. Also, if Merriman can stay healthy and return to the form he played at during his heyday with San Diego, then Buffalo should be much improved defensively. But you have to treat the Bills DST as a low-end Fantasy option heading into the season until they prove their worth.
News: Don't think for a second that the Buffalo Bills didn't know where they need improvement as they drafted seven players in the NFL draft. Alabama DT Marcell Dareus was their first-round pick, giving them a massive presence along their defensive line. From there they took Texas CB Aaron Williams (Round 2), LSU LB Kelvin Sheppard (Round 3), UNC safety Da'Norris Searcy (Round 4), Mississippi State LB Chris White (Round 6), Richmond CB Justin Rogers (Round 7) and Bethel DT Michael Jasper (Round 7). Williams and Sheppard could potentially join Dareus as first-year starters for Buffalo. Also during the draft, GM Buddy Nix expressed pessimism in bringing back safety Donte Whitner, suggesting that free-agent CB Drayton Florence is a much bigger priority.
Analysis: Dareus is a huge bonus for the Bills run defense, which Fantasy owners correctly banked on stinking for much of 2010. He'll help stop the bleeding there, as will Williams as at worst a nickelback and Sheppard as a part-time linebacker. Everyone else will likely start out as a reserve in training camp. Buffalo still has work to do to slow down opposing offenses, but we could see them posting some decent efforts in 2011. You might even consider using them as a one-week replacement off waivers at some point.
News: With a big hole to fill on what's been a porous defense, the Bills wasted little time in plugging it by selecting Marcell Dareus with the No. 3 pick in the draft. Listed at 6-foot-3, 308 pounds, he's a versatile lineman who can play either on the end or tackle, and showed an ability of pressuring the quarterback as well as stopping the run. Dareus was the defensive MVP in helping the Crimson Tide defeat Texas in the 2010 national championship game. Though Buffalo considered the possibility of drafting a quarterback with its top pick, general manager Buddy Nix said Dareus filled a much bigger need. "You guys always use the words 'Safe pick,"' Nix said, referring to reporters. "I don't know if there's any such thing. But I think (Dareus) is about as close at it gets, because he's got the right character."
Analysis: Dareus isn't the next B.J. Raji, but he's not far off. He should go a long way in helping the Bills defense slow down the run, but his arrival does not turn the unit into a reliable Fantasy option. It's a step in the right direction, but keep the DST off Fantasy rosters.
News: The Bills finished 2010 with the 24th overall defense in the NFL, but they were dead last against the run. The team brought in Dave Wannstedt as a defensive assistant, and the defense will become a combination of the 3-4 scheme utilized last year, and the 4-3 scheme Wannstedt has found plenty of success with, according to coach Chan Gailey. He told The Sports Xchange the team sill has a long way to go on both sides of the ball, but he followed by saying the team isn't as far behind as it seems. "I think we're probably closer than our record (4-12) shows, but I don't know how close that is," Gailey said.
Analysis: The Bills have a young defense that seemed overwhelmed by some of their AFC East counterparts. Still, they have some talent at all three levels and they are drafting No. 3 overall in April's NFL Draft, and the general consensus points to Buffalo selecting one of the top defensive players available. The transition to the combo scheme with both the 3-4 and 4-3 will take some time to implement, but recent NFL history suggests that the following year is when the real strides are made. Heading into 2011, Consider the Bills DST to be a low-end Fantasy option. The unit should not be selected on Draft Day.
News: The Bills DST finished the regular season with another poor effort in an ugly 38-7 loss to the New York Jets in Week 17. The Bills DST allowed 388 yards of offense to a second-team led Jets squad. They forced only one turnover in the game, though that was a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown by Jairus Byrd. The Bills DST had one sack in the contest.
Analysis: The DTD in Week 17 was the only thing that saved them of a second-straight awful performance. They were terrible against the Patriots in Week 16 and they were terrible to finish this season. They showed some promise later in the year but ended with two duds and has little Fantasy value entering next year.
News: The Bills DST allowed 34 points and 348 yards -- 271 of them on the ground -- in a Week 16 loss to the Patriots. Buffalo didn't force a single turnover and managed just one sack.
Analysis: The Bills DST was always going to face an uphill battle on Sunday, and if any Fantasy owners somehow ended up using them, they deserved what they got. In Week 17, Buffalo will face a Jets team that could bench several starters, but even then this DST unit should remain unowned in Fantasy play.
News: The Bills DST will have its work cut out in Week 16 when the Patriots come to town. New England put up 30 points against Buffalo earlier this season and have put up that many points or more in six straight games.
Analysis: The Bills DST is pretty much unusable in Fantasy play as the seventh-worst unit in standard leagues, and this matchup is as bad as they come. The Patriots are just on fire offensively lately and shouldn't have much trouble racking up the points on Sunday. Continue to ignore the Bills DST.
News: The Bills DST held the Dolphins to 10 points and 326 yards in a Week 15 road win. Buffalo forced one interception and recovered a fumble.
Analysis: The Bills defense has come on nicely the last couple of games, but you have to consider who they've played -- Cleveland and Miami. In Week 16, things will get a lot tougher when New England comes to town, so continue to ignore this unit in Fantasy play.
News:Jake Delhomme and the Cleveland Browns were so inept, even the Buffalo Bills couldn't help but come away with a victory. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin made a late interception in helping secure Buffalo's 13-6 win in Week 14. Cleveland's offense didn't cross midfield in five second-half possessions. The Browns managed nine first downs and 187 total yards. And then there were the turnovers. The Browns fumbled five times, losing two, while Delhomme's interception at midfield with under 4 minutes left turned out to be their final possession. Facing third-and-8, Delhomme was hit just as he released the ball. The pass fluttered high into the air and was easily picked off by McKelvin. The Bills finished with just one sack.
Analysis: The Bills defense has not been a strength of their team in 2010. In Week 13, the defense allowed 30-plus points for the seventh time. The Buffalo defense benefited in Week 14 from the inclement weather. The Browns offense became one-dimensional, but despite 108 rushing yards from Peyton Hills, the Buffalo defense held in a close game. While Buffalo gets credit for a great performance, the Bills DST is still not worth using in Fantasy Week 15. Buffalo plays the Dolphins.
News: The Bills can't stop the run, and they will be facing one of the best running backs of 2010 in Week 14 when Cleveland comes to down. The Browns will likely use RB Peyton HIllis early and often on Sunday against the league's worst run defense (170.9 yards a game). The Buffalo DST ranks in the bottom five of the Fantasy rankings this season.
Analysis: Hillis should have a field day on Sunday, and the Bills DST might well run out of gas by the third quarter. One thing that could help Buffalo is a rainy day, which might limit the Cleveland passing game and allow the Bills to stack the box in order to stop Hillis. That hasn't worked very well for most teams this season though, so you should continue to ignore the Bills DST in all Fantasy formats if you can.
News: The Bills entered Week 13 with the league's worst rush defense, but the Vikings pummeled them by ground and by air, even without QB Brett Favre, who left early with a shoulder injury. The Bills allowed the Vikings to amass 387 yards of offense (210 rushing, 177 passing) and score five touchdowns in a 38-14 rout. They managed only one sack, but they did pick off Favre once and his replacement, Tarvaris Jackson, three times. DB Drayton Florence took the second of his two picks in for a touchdown.
Analysis: The Bills did help owners out somewhat with their four interceptions and one touchdown, but those were a result of Jackson's carelessness as much as of the prowess of their defense. Despite the decent showing, owners should avoid the Bills DST if at all possible.
News: The Bills enter Week 13 with the league's worst rush defense, but they could catch a break when they face the Vikings. Minnesota ranks 10th in rushing yardage, but much of that can be attributed to RB Adrian Peterson (ankle), who is the NFL's third-leading rusher. Peterson is still questionable to start against Buffalo, and it appears that whether or not he will play will be a game-time decision.
Analysis: The Bills will certainly get a boost if they don't have to face Peterson, but they have been the fourth worst DST unit in Fantasy to date, and there's a reason for that. Even when not facing the likes of AP, the Bills' rush defense has had serious trouble stopping the run. Don't wait to hear about Peterson's status; just find another DST option for Week 13.
News: The Bills DST played well in a Week 12 overtime loss to Pittsburgh. Buffalo held the Steelers to 19 points and sacked QB Ben Roethlisberger five times, although they did allow 429 total yards and forced only one turnover on a fumble.
Analysis: The Bills DST can't stop the run to save their life, but they got to the quarterback on Sunday and held the Steelers to just one touchdown. In Week 13, Buffalo will visit Minnesota, who aren't as good offensively as they used to be, but the Bills DST is one of the poorest Fantasy units out there and should continue to be ignored.
News: The Bills defense only showed up for one half Week 11 against the Bengals, but it was the right one in a comeback victory. After falling behind 31-14 at the half, the Bills defense shut out the Bengals in the second half as the team rallied for 35 unanswered points in a 49-31 victory. The defense got in on the party as Drayton Florence returned a fumble 27 yards for a score in the third quarter. Buffalo came up with three turnovers, including an interception of Carson Palmer in the end zone. The Bills also had two sacks as Cincinnati put 361 yards (133 rushing) on the board.
Analysis: While we have to give credit to the Bills defense for shutting down the Bengals in the second half, it's not time to get giddy about the Bills DST for Fantasy purposes. The Bills defense has still allowed eight of their 10 opponents to score at least 20 points. And they are still the worst rush defense in the NFL. We need to see a few solid performances from the Buffalo defense before the Bills DST becomes a viable Fantasy play. The Bills host the Steelers in Week 12.
News: The Bills DST can be analyzed in one of two ways entering Week 11 in Cincinnati. Buffalo held the Lions to just 12 points in Week 10 and allowed just 13 points to the Chiefs Week 8. For a team still averaging close to 30 points per game on the year, that is progress. However, Detroit still racked up 390 yards of offense and the Chiefs had 414 and the Bills DST only totaled four sacks and two turnovers forced in those two games. The Bills DST has been among the worst in the NFL all season and has never topped double-digits in Fantasy points this year.
Analysis: The Bengals pose a much tougher test for the Bills DST than did the Chiefs or Lions. Plus, Chicago did what they wanted against Buffalo Week 9. With only the Jaguars and Texans having worse Fantasy DSTs this season, it is always going to be hard to find a use for the Bills DST. The Bengals do allow opposing DSTs to score the sixth-most Fantasy points per game, but the Bills do not pose the same problem that the Colts, Steelers and Dolphins DSTs did in the previous three weeks. We can not recommend the Bills DST for Week 11 in any regard.
News: Despite being depleted defensively and facing a Lions team that had averaged 29.4 points over its last five games, the Bills stepped up their performance in Week 10, limiting the visiting Lions to 12 points on 390 yards. They recorded one sack and one interception. The Bills entered the game having allowed a league-high 29.1 points per game
Analysis: A big reason for Buffalo's success on defense was the use of more blitz and pressure packages. "Some of the schemes that (defensive coordinator) George (Edwards) has implemented have helped us," coach Chan Gailey said. "We've got more guys up at the line of scrimmage." The Bills DST has allowed an average of 15.7 points over its last three games, so clearly something has changed. As miserable as it was earlier in the season, you wouldn't want to trust it now, but it bears watching. Leave it on waivers for Week 11 at Cincinnati.
News: The Bills DST, which is already the fourth-worst unit in standard Fantasy leagues, lost LB Andra Davis (shoulder) for the year earlier this week, which is only going to give them a tougher challenge Week 10 against a Lions team that is averaging 29.4 points over its last five games. The Bills are allowing a league-high 29.1 points per game. They have the sixth-best pass defense, allowing 193.4 yards per game, but they're giving up 265.8 in the last four. They rank dead last against the run, allowing 178.2 yards per game -- over 20 more than any other team. The Bills also may be without Shawne Merriman, who was claimed off waivers last week and hoped to make his Bills debut Sunday but left Wednesday's practice with a lower right leg injury.
Analysis: The Bills DST does get a break in that starting QB Matthew Stafford will miss the game with a shoulder injury, but backup Shaun Hill, who is partially responsible for the Lions' scoring surge, is set to return from a broken arm. The Lions don't have the best running game in the world, which means they'll be playing into the Bills' strength, but you have to think the Bills only rank so high against the pass because opposing teams spend most of the game running against them. Most likely, plenty of points are going up on the board in this one, so you should think of the Bills DST as no more than a last resort in Fantasy.
News: The Buffalo Bills could not hold off the Chicago Bears on Sunday as they lost in Canada, 22-19. The Bills DST gave up just 283 total yards of offense as they limited the Bears' offensive production in the game. The Bills lost this game as the defense could not stop Jay Cutler late. The Bills took a 19-14 lead with just over 10 minutes to play in the fourth quarter but Cutler threw a 2-yard TD pass to Earl Bennett with 6:45 to play and a 2-point conversion gave the Bears the 22-19 win. The Bills DST only forced Cutler and the Bears into committing one turnover and Cutler was only sacked once in the game.
Analysis: The Bills DST has been among the worst in Fantasy all season and the Week 9 loss to the Bears should be the case in point. They couldn't take down a quarterback in Cutler that normally spends half the game on his back and couldn't pick him off when he was coming off a game with four of them. The Bills DST was once again a major disappointment and we cannot recommend using the unit in any Fantasy leagues for Week 10 against the Lions.
News: The Bills claimed LB Shawne Merriman off waivers on Wednesday. He will likely get a chance to start immediately for Buffalo.
Analysis: The Bills rank dead last in run defense this season, allowing 188.7 yards a game, and have also produced a league-worst one interception. Merriman will certainly bring a veteran presence and nasty streak to the DST unit, but Fantasy owners should continue to stay well away from the Bills in all formats for now.
News: The Bills DST has not been useful all season. Owning one of the worst defenses in the NFL, the Bills DST has not registered double-digit Fantasy points in any game this year. They are coming off one of their better efforts in Week 8 at Kansas City when they notched nine points with three sacks and only 13 points scored allowed. The Bills DST will host the Bears in Week 9 and this actually makes for a tough decision on the Bills DST's value.
Analysis: The Buffalo Bills DST has been putrid this season. Only the Houston Texans DST has scored fewer Fantasy points this season. The unit has one defensive touchdown, one interception, just 11 sacks and has given up the third-most points scored in the NFL. Fantasy owners have been advised to avoid the Bills DST at all costs. That said, the Bears generally allow big Fantasy points to opposing DSTs. In fact, with Jay Cutler's penchant for throwing interceptions, the Bears have allowed the third-most Fantasy points per game to opposing DSTs. The Bears have been sacked more frequently than any other team by almost 1 1/2 sacks per game. Only the Panthers throw interceptions for frequently than the Bears. The Bills DST will almost never be a viable unit but if it is ever their week, Week 9 would be the one.
News: The Bills held the Chiefs to only 13 points in an overtime loss in Week 8, but it was still not a good outing for the defensive unit. They did not force any interceptions or fumbles, and a potent running attack led the way to a total of 414 net offensive yards for the Chiefs. The Bills did record three sacks in the game.
Analysis: The Bills entered the game with the league's worst rushing defense, and Chiefs RBs Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones took full advantage. In Week 9, Buffalo faces a Bears team that has a much less potent rushing attack, but the Bills DST cannot be trusted with just about any matchup. Continue to ignore them in all but the deepest Fantasy formats.
News: In Week 8, the Bills defense probably should expect a heavy dose of Chiefs RBs Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles, who power the NFL's top-ranked rushing attack at 176.5 yards per game. Looking to rush for 200-plus yards in three straight games for the first time since Sept. 3-17, 1978, the Chiefs will line up opposite a Bills run defense ranked last in the NFL at 174.5 yards allowed per game. Switching to a 4-3 defense following its bye week, Buffalo gave up 125 rushing yards in last Sunday's 37-34 overtime loss in Baltimore after yielding 200-plus in each of its previous three games. "Come on, man, it's something we're not satisfied with," defensive end Marcus Stroud said. "We're working, we're trying to get better every week. We gave up points, point blank."
Analysis: Buffalo could be tested by Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel and an offense that has thrived in its first season under coordinator Charlie Weis .Kansas City, which rolled up 426 yards against the Jaguars in Week 7, already has more 30-point games this season (three) than in any since 2006. With Cassel managing the offense, the Chiefs are tied with the New York Jets for the league lead with four turnovers. Those two stats alone means the Bills will have to contend with an offense that scores a lot and doesn't turn the ball over much. The Bills DST is not a recommended Fantasy option for Week 8.
News: The Bills DST gave up 37 points and 364 yards to the Ravens in a Week 7 loss, but did manage to recover two fumbles and force a pair of interceptions. They also sacked Joe Flacco twice.
Analysis: The Bills played some inspired football at times on Sunday but just couldn't stop the Ravens from coming back from a pretty big deficit. In Week 8, Buffalo will play at Kansas City, and the Bills DST will remain a non-viable option.
News: The Bills defense has switched from a 3-4 defense that focuses on pass rushing, back to a 4-3 defense because of their vulnerability to the run. "We felt like we need to get some bigger people on the field to help us in that respect," coach Chan Gailey said. "So, to be honest with you, it's not a shift of philosophy. It's a shift in necessity." Buffalo has given up 689 rushing yards over the past three games and they rank dead-last in the NFL against the run, allowing 180.4 yards per contest.
Analysis: The Bills feel like they made the most of their bye week by switching defensive schemes, but a different philosophy takes time to implement. However, the Bills did run the 4-3 before this season under former coach Dick Jauron. Still, the Ravens loom in Week 7 and that means Ray Rice, who has rushed for 451 yards and is tied for sixth in the NFL with 115 attempts. The Bills defense will go through some rough spots as they transition back to the 4-3 scheme, so consider them as a very low-end Fantasy option in Week 7 at Baltimore.
News: The Bills DST forced three turnovers in Week 5 and still lost to Jacksonville, 36-26. Buffalo allowed the Jaguars to rack up 381 yards of offense in the game and that isn't very good against a team not known for offense. That said, the Bills DST forced two fumbles lost and Andra Davis picked up an interception of quarterback David Garrard. Buffalo managed two sacks in the game as well.
Analysis: The Buffalo Bills came into the Week 5 game with the worst overall Fantasy DST and leave it not much improved. They did outplay the Jaguars DST but we really cannot recommended either unit in Fantasy play. The Bills now have just one interception and five forced fumbles on the season to go with six sacks. They struggled against the Jaguars and have a bye Week 6. They should be avoided even when they return Week 7 at Baltimore.
News: The Buffalo Bills DST has been the absolute worst Fantasy DST unit in the NFL after four weeks of the 2010 season. With just four sacks, one defensive touchdown and one turnover forced, the Bills DST has done almost nothing to help Fantasy owners. Heading into Week 5 at home against the Jaguars, at least the Bills DST should have a slightly easier matchup.
Analysis: The Jaguars did not turn the ball over in Week 4 against the Colts and they avoided taking any sacks versus the Indianapolis DST. However, in the two games previous, Jacksonville allowed the Chargers and Eagles DSTs to rack up nine sacks, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries, while keeping the Jaguars to just 16 points scored. Jacksonville has been dismal on offense but was much improved against the Colts last week. This Week 5 game is going to likely be a close hard-fought contest featuring two terrible teams. The Bills DST is going to likely have one of its better weeks but is still a unit to avoid for Week 5.
News: It was an ugly day all around on Sunday of Week 4 against the Jets for the Bills DST. Buffalo lost the game 38-14 and the DST gave up 444 yards of offense in the game. The Bills DST did not force a single turnover and also did not sack quarterback Mark Sanchez, or his replacement Mark Brunell, once in the entire ballgame.
Analysis: Buffalo came up with three sacks Week 1 against Miami. They have exactly one in the three games since. Buffalo has yet to come up with an interception this season. They do have a defensive touchdown, which came Week 3 in New England. That has to be considered a fluke at this point. We cannot recommend using the Bills DST for Week 5 against Jacksonville.
News: Bills starting cornerback Terrence McGee won't play against the New York Jets because of a knee injury. McGee missed practice Friday for the second consecutive day. Head coach Chan Gailey said afterward he was holding out hope that McGee would be able to play, but the team declared him out on its official injury report later in the afternoon. The suddenly banged-up Bills defense will be without three starters. Defensive end Marcus Stroud (left ankle) and linebacker Andra Davis (shoulder) also have been ruled out.
Analysis: The unit will get a little boost, though, when starting inside linebacker Paul Posluszny returns after missing two games because of a right knee he sprained in Buffalo's season-opening loss to Miami. But his presence won't help the Bills against the Jets in Week 4. Allowing an average of 28.3 points and 362.3 yards per game after three contests against the Dolphins, Packers and Patriots, Buffalo has not been able to stop anybody. Plus, outside of that defensive touchdown in the blowout in New England, the Bills have not been opportunistic with only three fumbles forced and no interceptions. Keep this unit benched in all leagues.
News: The Bills DST has been among the worst in Fantasy after three weeks of the season. Things might not be getting any easier with the division-rival Jets coming to town in Week 4 even with standout LB Paul Posluszny (knee) expected to return. Although opposing DSTs have been able to limit the Jets in terms of scoring and yardage -- and the Ravens, Patriots and Dolphins should all be considered better units than the Bills -- New York has still allowed the second-fewest amount of Fantasy points to opposing DSTs this season behind only the Colts. They have been incredibly secure with the football as the Jets have only allowed five sacks and have not thrown one interception with just one fumble lost.
Analysis: Even with a defensive touchdown to the unit's credit, the Bills DST has struggled this season. Allowing an average of 28.3 points and 362.3 yards per game after three contests against the Dolphins, Packers and Patriots, Buffalo has not been able to stop anybody. Plus, outside of that defensive touchdown in the blowout in New England, the Bills have not been opportunistic with only three fumbles forced and no interceptions. Since getting to Chad Henne three times Week 1, the Bills DST has registered just one sack since. The Jets should do well in Week 4 and the Bills DST is not a recommended starting unit.
News: The Bills DST gave up 445 yards and 38 points to the Patriots in a Week 3 loss. Buffalo got one turnover (a fumble) and one sack.
Analysis: Buffalo has now given up 30-plus points in two straight games after holding Miami to 15 points in the owners. The Bills face the Jets in Week 4, and while the New York offense isn't anything great, you should still avoid the Buffalo DST in all Fantasy formats for now.
News: The Bills take on the Patriots in Week 3, and the Buffalo DST will have its work cut out for a second straight week after facing Green Bay in Week 2. The Bills rank 20th in total defense after two games.
Analysis: Buffalo did a decent job against Miami in Week 1, but the Dolphins aren't one of the better offensive teams in the league, so take that performance with a grain of salt. While the Patriots only rank an average 13th in total offense, you should continue to ignore the Bills DST in Fantasy play for the time being, or at least until influential LB Paul Posluszny returns from injury.
News: The Bills allowed 34 points in a Week 2 loss at Green Bay. The Packers amassed 346 yards of offense with four touchdowns. The Bills, meanwhile, did not manage a single sack and did not force a single turnover in the game.
Analysis: The Bills had absolutely nothing positive to offer Fantasy owners in a well-rounded, sound drubbing at the hands of a superior offense. It didn't help that one of the team's best defensive players, Paul Posluszny, was out with an injury that will keep him out for around three weeks. Right now, there is absolutely no reason Fantasy owners should even consider activating the Bills for Week 3 at New England.
News: Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Paul Posluszny will miss about three weeks after the starter hurt his right knee in a season-opening loss to Miami. Providing the update after practice Monday, coach Chan Gailey didn't disclose any details of the injury, except to say tests revealed it wasn't as severe as first feared.
Analysis: The Bills are already thin at the linebacker position as they prepare to play at Green Bay this weekend. Akin Ayodele, signed last week after Kawika Mitchell was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury, and Keith Ellison are candidates to start in place of Posluszny. Starting outside linebacker Reggie Torbor did not play Sunday while continuing to recover from a chest injury. Gailey said there's a chance Torbor could be ready to play this week. Gailey said reserve safety Cary Harris will not play this weekend after hurting his hamstring against the Dolphins. The Bills DST gave up 15 points and 296 yards in Week 1, but will face a much tougher offense in Week 2 against the Packers. Avoid them at all costs given their shortcomings.
News: The Bills DST gave up 15 points and 296 yards in a Week 1 loss to Miami. They failed to record a turnover, but did manage three sacks.
Analysis: The Bills have a decent secondary and their LB corps would be OK if Paul Posluszny could stay healthy, but overall they're not a great Fantasy unit. In Week 2, Buffalo will head to Green Bay to face one of the better offenses in the league and the Bills DST should remain stashed away in deeper formats for that tough matchup.
News: The Bills host Miami in Week 1, and while Buffalo held Miami to just 14 points last season at Ralph Wilson Stadium, that game was in late November, and Miami didn't have Brandon Marshall or Ronnie Brown. In their first meeting in 2009, Miami put up 38 points.
Analysis: Buffalo is going to a 3-4 system in 2010, which might well play to the strength of their solid linebacker corps that includes Paul Posluszny and Andra Davis, although it's yet to be seen how Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay will do making the adjustment from DE to LB. Their secondary is also pretty good, but quality DB Jairus Byrd is questionable for Week 1 after undergoing offseason groin surgery. Overall, the Bills should be OK defensively in 2010, but Miami, with Marshall and their RBs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, both who have had success against Buffalo, might prove to be too much in Week 1. Continue to stash the Bills DST in deeper mixed leagues as a potential bye-week replacement option.
News: Bills starting safety Jairus Byrd is out indefinitely and could miss the season opener after having surgery to repair a groin injury. Bills coach Chan Gailey made the announcement after the Bills arrived in Toronto on Wednesday, one day before they face the Indianapolis Colts in a preseason game. Gailey said it's unclear whether Byrd will be ready to play Sept. 12 when the Bills open the season against the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins. Gailey said the injury is related to the groin ailment that ended Byrd's rookie season. Gailey said Byrd's groin had been bothering him during training camp, and it grew worse after practice Monday night. Byrd is coming off a solid rookie season, which he finished tied for the NFL lead with nine interceptions despite playing in just 14 games.
Analysis: This would be a tough loss for the Bills DST since Byrd is one of the lone playmakers on that side of the ball in Buffalo. Keep an eye on what happens with Byrd and hope he can return at some point in 2010, but the Bills DST would only be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option if he's healthy. Without Byrd, the Bills DST should not be drafted in the majority of leagues.
News: The Bills have released top pass-rusher Aaron Schobel, giving him the option to sign with another team or retire. General manager Buddy Nix announced the decision Wednesday afternoon after he spoke with the player earlier in the day. Nix calls the move "the fair thing to do," and notes that the nine-year NFL veteran has still not made up his mind about his future. Nix's decision comes two days after announcing the Bills were moving on without the linebacker, who had spent the offseason contemplating retirement.
Analysis: Schobel would have helped the Bills' pass rush a little bit, though he's more of a 4-3 defensive end than a 3-4 outside linebacker. The Bills' pass rush remains stagnant and it will take someone like Aaron Maybin to erupt this season and give them a chance to adequately replace Schobel. They also have to prove they can stop the run, a tall order. The Bills DST remains a low-end No. 2 option.
News: The Bills issued a press release Monday stating that the team is "moving forward with plans that do not include LB Aaron Schobel." The veteran has been mulling retirement, though some think he's unhappy about converting to a linebacker position in the Bills' 3-4 scheme. Schobel was previously an incredible defense end. "Aaron has been contemplating retirement for the past seven months, but we are at the point where we are moving forward and have informed his agent of our plans," GM Buddy Nix said in a statement. "Aaron has been a very good player for the Bills and we wish him and his family the best, but there comes a point where we have to move forward and that point is today. We are focusing on the team's best interests."
Analysis: This is simply another strike against a Bills defense rich in secondary talent but limited in what they have up front. Schobel should have helped their pass rush, but it looks like he's history. Also, pass rusher Chris Kelsay has been hurt early on in camp. With no pass rush, the Bills' defense will be in trouble. Consider them a No. 2 unit in drafts this summer.
News: Veteran Bills linebacker Chris Kelsay will be out indefinitely after injuring his right shoulder on the first day of training camp. He was hurt midway through practice, leaving the field and having his shoulder immediately wrapped in ice. Kelsay wouldn't divulge the nature of the injury after the session in suburban Rochester.
Analysis: Losing reps due to injury could be bad news for Kelsay, who is transitioning from defensive end to outside linebacker with the Bills switching to a 3-4 scheme. He played linebacker in high school, but it remains to be seen how effective he can can be outside at this level. He's worth no more than a late round pick in IDP Fantasy leagues, if he proves he can make the change during the preseason. The Bills DST, which is a No. 2 Fantasy option, would take a hit if Kelsay is forced to miss a significant amount of time.
News: Bills DE Aaron Schobel is likely retiring, according to multiple reports. "At this point, I don't think I'm going to play," Schobel told the Buffalo News on Thursday. While Schobel is "leaning toward not playing," he also said that he's not officially retiring right now in case he changes his mind down the road. He did say he has no intention of coming to the team's mandatory minicamp, which starts on June 23. Losing Schobel would give the Bills a significant hole in their pass rush as they switch to the 3-4. Buffalo drafted Aaron Maybin in the first round in 2009, but he has been a disappointment thus far in his career.
Analysis: Continue to monitor Schobel and what he decides to do. If he returns to the Bills this year he would remain a must-start Fantasy option in IDP leagues. If he retires then he obviously should not be drafted in any format. The Bills DST, which is a No. 2 Fantasy option, would take a hit without Schobel.
News: The Bills added some key players to their defense in the NFL Draft. Buffalo took DT Torell Troup in the second round, DE Alex Carrington in the third round, LB Arthur Moats in the sixth round and LB Danny Batten in the sixth round.
Analysis: Troup is expected to be part of the DL rotation and share snaps at NT with Kyle Williams. Carrington could help the Bills at DE if Aaron Schobel decides to retire. These are nice players, but they aren't going to help the Bills DST improve as a starting option. The Bills DST remains a low-end one-week option worth considering off waivers when the matchup is right.
News: The Buffalo Bills' new defensive scheme is starting to take shape after the team made two key additions in free agency Tuesday. First, the Bills bolstered their linebackers by signing eight-year NFL veteran Andra Davis to a two-year contract. Then, defensive end Dwan Edwards agreed to a four-year contract. Davis is expected to compete with LB Kawika Mitchell for an inside linebacker position next to Paul Posluszny. Edwards, who missed the 2008 season with a spinal cord injury before bouncing back last year, should take one of the team's end spots in their new 3-4 scheme.
Analysis: We like both of these signings a lot, and they should help the Bills stifle the run a little more. It's a step forward for their 3-4 scheme, but they still lack quality pass rushers to really make this defense churn. The Bills DST remains a low-end one-week option worth considering off waivers when the matchup is right.
News: Less than a month after joining Urban Meyer's staff at the University of Florida, George Edwards left Thursday to become the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator, reuniting him with newly hired head coach Chan Gailey. Edwards has 19 years of coaching experience, including 12 in the NFL. He broke into the NFL with Dallas in 1998 as a linebackers coach as part of Gailey's first staff. Edwards immediately announced his intention to change the Bills defense from a 4-3 scheme (four linemen and three linebackers) to a 3-4. "We will start from a 3-4 alignment," he said. "We're not going to give anything away about exactly what we'll do, but personnel will dictate what you can and what you can't do."
Analysis: Bills players seem excited with the move. Pass rush specialist Aaron Maybin posted on his Twitter account: "I'm [excited]. This might be just what we need to take this thing to the next level defensively." The team will have some serious issues about getting the defensive line in place for the switch, but if they can make a quick change then this unit will have a shot to be effective in 2010 even though they play in a tough division. Consider the Bills DST no better than a low-end No. 2 option for now, but there's some potential.
News: At his introductory press conference Tuesday, new Bills head coach Chan Gailey said he has not decided on what kind of defensive scheme the team will have in 2010, but he sounded interested in moving it to the 3-4 defense instead of the 4-3 defense, which it has been for the past several years. "We're going to look at other options," Gailey said. "... I have an idea of the direction that we want to go but I want to talk with [General Manager] Buddy [Nix] about drafting and how can you draft for these certain positions if you go to 4-3 or 3-4. ... I know one thing, I'm much more open to the 3-4 than I used to be because I know what a pain it is to go against it every week."
Analysis: Such a switch would be radical for the Bills, who are built for the 4-3 scheme right now and not even close to the 3-4 format. We'll keep you posted on that and who will coach the Bills defense, but for now consider this DST not worthy of being drafted in 2010 as there are far stronger units out there for Fantasy use.
News: The Bills opened their offseason with a purge by firing interim coach Perry Fewell and the rest of his staff on Monday. Though Fewell was dismissed, he will still interview for the team's vacant head coaching job, a personal familiar with the decisions told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the dismissals. The Bills released an awkwardly worded statement, saying members of the team's current coaching staff have been informed that their obligations for this season have been completed, and they now "have the opportunity to seek positions elsewhere." The release said their status will then be determined by the Bills' next head coach.
Analysis: Buffalo's DST was pedestrian in 2009, ranking in the middle of the pack in standard-scoring leagues. With the team headed for a complete overhaul, this unit will be no better than a sleeper choice in drafts this summer.
News: The Bills DST and some seriously snowy conditions helped limit the Colts to seven points and 157 yards in a Week 17 win. Buffalo had two interceptions, a sack and a fumble recovery.
Analysis: The Bills DST had some good outings against inferior opponents this season, but tended to vanish against better teams. They could be an improved unit in 2010, but won't be worth drafting in anything but very deep leagues.
News: The Buffalo Bills were never in the game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. The Bills defense gave up a 42-yard TD pass from Matt Ryan to Roddy White on the first play for the Falcons and it was all downhill from there in the 31-3 defeat. The Bills DST gave up 391 yards of offense to the Falcons. Buffalo managed three sacks of Ryan in the game and all three went to Aaron Schobel. They did not force any fumbles or interceptions in the game.
Analysis: The Bills DST failed to record any turnovers and managed just three sacks while not stopping the Falcons offense whatsoever in the game. Buffalo plays against the Colts in Week 17 and we just can't recommend their DST for that matchup. Leave them on waivers.
News: Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd's sensational rookie season is over. Byrd, who leads the NFL with nine interceptions, has been placed on injured reserve by the Bills with a groin injury related to surgery he had to repair a sports hernia last summer. This comes a day after the team put CB Terrence McGee on IR with a shoulder injury.
Analysis: The Bills' secondary is regressing quickly, and signs of that will show in Week 16 at Atlanta. Consider other options before going with the Bills DST.
News: A person familiar with a rotator cuff injury sustained by Terrence McGee has told The Associated Press that the Bills cornerback will have season-ending surgery this week. The operation is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team had yet to make an announcement. McGee was hurt early in the third quarter of Buffalo's 17-10 loss to New England in Week 15 when he attempted to break up a pass to Randy Moss.
Analysis: This definitely hurts their secondary. The Bills DST wasn't a desirable option to begin with, so this shouldn't impact many Fantasy owners. Cut them in all seasonal leagues; they'll play at Atlanta in Week 16.
News: Buffalo came up short against the Patriots in Week 15, 17-10, as the Bills DST actually did a nice job limiting the Patriots' offense to 224 total yards. The Bills DST struggled, however, as they could not sack an ailing Tom Brady once in the game and forced just one turnover on an interception.
Analysis: The Bills DST continues to rank among the league's leaders in interceptions but that doesn't matter much to Fantasy owners. They remain low-end as a DST unit for Week 16 at Atlanta.
News: For someone who's displayed a keen knack for taking away the ball, Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd proved he has a giving quality to his game, too. The rookie second-round draft pick found himself back on top of the NFL's interception list Monday morning a day after securing his ninth of the season in a 16-10 win at Kansas City. It was no big deal to Byrd that he was denied a 10th when he and fellow safety George Wilson both got their hands on Matt Cassel's last-second desperation pass into the end zone. Wilson got the interception - the Bills fourth of the game - after Byrd let go of the ball when realizing he was wrestling with a teammate. "I didn't know who was down there, so I was trying to get the ball," Byrd recalled. "And he was like, 'It's me, it's me.' And I said, 'Oh, OK, go ahead, you can have it." Byrd joked he'll settle for 9 1/2. Split it up however you like as Buffalo (5-8) prepares to host AFC East-rival New England (8-5) on Sunday. In a season in which very little has gone right for the Bills, their opportunistic defense is showing it can share the wealth in leading the league with 25 interceptions. Aside from Byrd, 11 Bills players have registered at least one interception this season, including Wilson's four and one by reserve defensive tackle Corey Mace, who's back on the team's practice squad after appearing in only two games. The 25 interceptions are the most since the Bills managed 25 in 1975, and mark a turnaround for a defense that had 10 last season to match a franchise low.
Analysis: Byrd doesn't get tackles like that of a high-end Fantasy IDP option but you can't deny his value as far as interceptions go. He definitely is worth using as a No. 2 Fantasy IDP option. The Bills DST, though leading the league in picks, still only has lower-end Fantasy value as a DST unit for Week 15 against the Patriots.
News: Buffalo was able to squeak out a win in Week 14 as both they and the Kansas City Chiefs combined for a pretty poor game. The Bills DST didn't exactly limit the Chiefs as they racked up 354 yards in the 16-10 Buffalo win. Buffalo did make QB Matt Cassel pay, however, as they got to him for four sacks and four interceptions. Cassel also fumbled but the Chiefs were able to recover.
Analysis: The Bills DST wasn't flashy on Sunday of Week 14 but they got the job done by pounding Matt Cassel into the ground and picking him off when he was able to throw it. Unfortunately for the Bills' defense, they must play the New England Patriots in Week 15. The Patriots have struggled in recent weeks but would like nothing more than to decimate the Bills to make up for it. Only use the Bills DST as a last-resort Fantasy option in Week 15.
News: The Bills lost Week 13 against the Jets, but they played well defensively, allowing 19 points on 331 yards. They also recorded five sacks, marking only the second time this season they recorded more than two.
Analysis: After some blowouts early, the Bills DST has stepped up recently, recording four interceptions last week at the Dolphins before recording the five sacks this week. With another good matchup Week 13 at Kansas City, the Bills DST is once again a good sleeper unit in Fantasy.
News: The Bills DST made four interceptions, one sack, and allowed 325 yards and 14 points to the Dolphins in a Week 12 win.
Analysis: The Bills forced Chad Henne (3) and Ricky Williams (1) into throwing them the ball on Sunday, but not many Fantasy owners got to benefit as the DST unit was only starting in five percent of leagues. Only use Buffalo in Week 13 vs. the Jets if you're in a deep leagues and your unit has a tough matchup.
News: Bills starting defensive tackle Marcus Stroud and starting cornerback Terrence McGee are questionable for Sunday's game against Miami. Both Stroud and McGee are nursing knee injuries, and both missed last week's loss at Jacksonville. Rookie safety Jairus Byrd (groin) is also questionable.
Analysis: The Bills DST isn't recommended for Week 12 vs. a Dolphins team that should run all over them. Consider other options to start over this unit.
News: Bills starting cornerback Terrence McGee is practicing for the first time in more than three weeks since having surgery on his right knee, and could play against Miami this weekend. McGee said he experienced no pain in his knee after practicing on a limited basis Thursday. He's been out since having minor surgery on Nov. 2 during Buffalo's bye. Rookie linebacker Nic Harris missed practice because of what interim head coach Perry Fewell called personal reasons. Fewell expects Harris to return to practice prior to Sunday's game.
Analysis: The Bills DST isn't recommended for Week 12 vs. a Dolphins team that should run all over them. Consider other options to start over this unit.
News: The Buffalo Bills were winning for much of the Week 11 game at Jacksonville but the Jaguars scored late on a Mike Sims-Walker TD reception to take the game, 18-15. The Bills DST gave up 310 yards of offense to the Jaguars and only managed two sacks of QB David Garrard. Buffalo did force two turnovers in the game as Garrard lost a fumble and threw an interception.
Analysis: The Bills DST did little in Week 11 with two sacks and two turnovers forced. Buffalo has been awful against the run and not much better against the pass and really don't need to be utilized in Week 12 against the Dolphins. Miami should run all over the Bills.
News: Buffalo's Marcus Stroud has been ruled out because of a knee injury, meaning the NFL's worst run defense could be without both starting defensive tackles against Jacksonville this weekend. Kyle Williams has missed three games because of a knee injury, and was listed as questionable by interim head coach Perry Fewell on Friday. Williams has practiced sparingly this weekend. The Bills have only two other defensive tackles on their roster, reserves Spencer Johnson and John McCargo. While strong safety Donte Whitner is set to return after missing three games with an ankle injury, the Bills banged-up defense could be down another regular with rookie safety Jairus Byrd listed as questionable because of a nagging groin injury. Byrd has a league-leading eight interceptions to tie the Bills' rookie single-season record. He also has a five-game interception streak. And, reserve cornerback Ashton Youboty was also ruled out after hurting his ankle last weekend.
Analysis: Their defense is allowing an NFL-worst 173 yards rushing this season. Buffalo prepares to face the run-happy Jaguars led by Maurice Jones-Drew, who's tied for fourth in the league with 860 yards rushing and has scored seven of his 12 touchdowns in the past four games. Suffice to say, keep the Bills DST off your roster in Week 11.
News: The Bills allowed 378 yards of offense and 41 points in Week 10 at Tennessee. They forced just one turnover in the game and managed no sacks in the game.
Analysis: The Bills defense actually gave up 27 points, but the offense gave up two interceptions that go on their slate. Fantasy owners have to steer clear of a Bills defense that has had 72 points put up against them in the last two weeks. They'll travel to Tennessee in Week 11.
News: Bills starting cornerback Terrence McGee had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair minor damage and expects to be out for about two weeks. McGee said Tuesday he waited to have the operation on Monday, when the Bills began their bye week so that he would not miss much playing time. Meanwhile, DE Aaron Schobel said he expects to play against Tennessee after he hurt his groin in a 31-10 loss to Houston last weekend.
Analysis: The Bills DST isn't a valuable Fantasy option in standard leagues, so consider other options when you set your lineup for Week 10 action.
News: Buffalo lost at home Week 8 to the Houston Texans, 31-10. The Bills DST couldn't really stop the Texans en route to 439 total yards. Buffalo forced QB Matt Schaub to throw two interceptions and Steve Slaton lost a fumble but those three turnovers were really the only positives for the Texans on the day. Buffalo did manage two sacks of Schaub but one of the players with a sack, Aaron Schobel, left the game with a groin injury.
Analysis: The Bills have a bye Week 9 so they should not be used in any Fantasy leagues. Come to think of it, they aren't very good at all and should not be owned in many Fantasy leagues regardless.
News: Starting defensive tackle Kyle Williams will miss Buffalo's game Sunday against Houston because of a knee injury sustained in last week's win over Carolina. The Bills will also be without starting safety Donte Whitner (ankle). Safety Bryan Scott is doubtful with an ankle injury, while Chris Kelsay (back) and cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) are both probable.
Analysis: The Bills will have their hands full with the Texans offense in Week 8, so consider other DSTs before relying on this one since they might give up plenty of yardage and points.
News: The Bills defense gave up 425 yards at Carolina in Week 7, but it allowed only nine points, mostly because it made life miserable for Panthers QB Jake Delhomme. The Bills intercepted Delhomme three times and sacked him twice.
Analysis: The Bills DST remains vulnerable to the run, but it has a few playmakers and knows how to take advantage of a good matchup, like it had this week. It won't be as fortunate Week 8 against the Texans, so you should probably reserve it for that contest.
News: Bills S Donte Whitner (ankle) and CB Terrence McGee (chest contusion) are day-to-day, according to head coach Dick Jauron. Both were injured in the team's Week 6 game at the Jets.
Analysis: The Bills DST turned out to be a pretty good option in Week 6 after picking off Jets QB Mark Sanchez five times and getting a sixth on a busted field goal attempt. Expect this defense to get run over in Week 7 when they play the Panthers in Carolina, so don't start them unless you're desperate.
News: The Bills had a dominant defensive performance at the Jets in Week 6, intercepting rookie QB Mark Sanchez six times and recording one sack. They allowed only 13 points on 414 yards.
Analysis: This performance was surprising considering the way the Bills DST had played so far, but you can't expect it to get six turnovers every week. It's still just a matchups type in Fantasy, but it has another good matchup Week 7 at Carolina.
News: Buffalo starting middle linebacker Paul Posluszny and starting safety Donte Whitner are both probable for the Bills game at the New York Jets. Posluszny has missed the past four games because of a broken forearm, while Whitner missed his second straight game last Sunday because of a thumb injury. Both players participated fully in practice on Thursday and Friday. Starting safety Bryan Scott (ankle) is out for Sunday's game, while starting linebacker Keith Ellison (knee) is questionable. Starting cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) is probable.
Analysis: These returning defenders will help a unit that's had a hard time slowing opponents down. Now's not the time to trust them as they play at the Jets DST in Week 6, though. Consider other options if you can, even with the Jets entering the game without WR Jerricho Cotchery.
News: After losing one starter after another, the Bills were buoyed after safety Donte Whitner and linebacker Paul Posluszny returned to practice Wednesday. Both have a chance to play Sunday, when Buffalo plays the Jets. Their additions would provide a much-needed lift for a defense that placed linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Marcus Buggs on injured reserve this week. Posluszny's missed four games with a broken left arm. Whitner's missed two weeks with an injured thumb. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell got the news Tuesday after Posluszny and Whitner were medically cleared. "That was the only time I smiled," Fewell said. CB Terrence McGee (knee) did not practice.
Analysis: Posluszny is a quality run-stopping linebacker while Whitner can play against the run and the pass. Both will help a unit that's had a hard time slowing opponents down. Now's not the time to trust them as they play at the Jets DST in Week 6, though.
News: Bills coach Dick Jauron says middle linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Marcus Buggs will miss the rest of the season because of knee injuries. They were hurt in a 6-3 loss to Cleveland on Sunday and Jauron says both require surgery. Mitchell was carried from the field after hurting his right knee early in the second quarter when he was hit by two Browns linemen while trying to make a tackle. Buggs injured his left leg covering on a punt return late in the third quarter. He was also carted. Meanwhile, starting middle linebacker Paul Posluszny missed a fourth game with a broken left arm and the game was the second straight without starting safeties Donte Whitner (right thumb) and Bryan Scott (ankle).
Analysis: The Bills DST is in a tough spot right now as they're down to second-stringers in several spots in the lineup. They cannot be considered a usable Fantasy option in Week 6 at the Jets.
News: The Bills defense had a sack and an interception vs. the Browns in Week 5. But on the plus side, they held the Browns to just six points and 23 yards passing. The Bills also saw two linebackers -- Kawika Mitchell and Marcus Buggs -- get carted off the field with serious injuries.
Analysis: The Bills defense will have their hands full next week against the Jets in New Jersey. Consider other options before going with the Bills defense/special teams in Week 6.
News: Bills starting safeties Donte Whitner (thumb) and Bryan Scott (ankle) will both miss their second straight game while starting middle linebacker Paul Posluszny will miss his fourth game because of a broken forearm. Rookie safety Jairus Byrd (hip) and starting cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) are both probable. The Bills host the Browns in Week 5.
Analysis: Because the Browns are coming to town and are fresh off of trading their most established receiver, this matchup looks appealing. However, the Bills DST shouldn't be trusted because of their banged-up secondary and linebacking corps (they're moving around their linebackers again this week). Consider them no better than a low-end option for Week 5 Fantasy play.
News: Bills starting safeties Donte Whitner (right thumb) and Bryan Scott (left ankle) did not practice Wednesday and are likely to miss their second straight games in Week 5 against the Browns. Reserve defensive end Chris Ellis' status is uncertain; he remains excused after his mother died last weekend. Elsewhere, in a bid to bolster their run defense, the Bills shifted veteran starter Kawika Mitchell from outside to middle linebacker while moving rookie LB Ashlee Palmer to the outside and LB Marcus Buggs out of the starting lineup. DT John McCargo (groin) returned to practice.
Analysis: The bottom line is that the Bills' defense, and the secondary in particular, will have a tough time playing well in the coming weeks. They host the Browns in Week 5, and even though Cleveland's offense is ugly and they just traded WR Braylon Edwards, expecting big things from the Bills DST is unreasonable. Consider them a No. 2 option for Week 5.
News: The Miami Dolphins finally won at keepaway. With quarterback Chad Henne making his first NFL start, the Dolphins controlled the ball for 37 minutes and earned their first victory by beating hapless Buffalo 38-10 in Week 4. Henne, a second-year pro, shook off six sacks and managed the game well in his first start replacing Chad Pennington, sidelined by a season-ending shoulder injury. Henne finished 14 for 22 for 115 yards and no turnovers, and he threw his first NFL touchdown pass, a 5-yarder to rookie Brian Hartline. The Bills defense forced three fumbles, but couldn't get their hands on any recoveries.
Analysis: If it weren't for the six sacks, the Bills DST probably would have scored nothing for Fantasy owners in Week 4. Most teams usually dominate against rookie QBs. While Henne didn't have a great day, the Dolphins still posted 38 points and embarrassed the Bills defense. Buffalo's defense wasn't at 100 percent in Week 4 as they were missing a lot of key players, including Paul Posluszny and Donte Whitner. They should get better once they are at 100 percent. The Bills DST could be considered a sleeper Fantasy option in Week 5 with the lowly Browns coming to town.
News: Bills CB Leodis McKelvin has been placed on IR with a fractured bone in his lower leg. He is now out for the season.
Analysis: Luckily for McKelvin, he's still young and should bounce back from this injury in 2010. Obviously you can drop him in all non-keeper IDP leagues now. The Bills DST is falling apart and should not be used in Fantasy play at this time.
News: The injuries keep piling up on the Bills, who could be missing three-quarters of their defensive backfield for their game at Miami this weekend. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin (broken leg) and safeties Donte Whitner (thumb) and Bryan Scott (high ankle sprain) missed practice Wednesday after they were hurt in a 27-7 loss against New Orleans last weekend. McKelvin is out and Whitner and Scott aren't likely to play. Drayton Florence is expected to fill in for McKelvin while George Wilson and Jairus Byrd will fill in at safety if needed.
Analysis: Even though the Bills defense will take on second-year QB Chad Henne in his NFL debut, this isn't on the terms they'd prefer. Terrence McGee is the only healthy starter left in the secondary and it should be easy for the Dolphins to maneuver around the second-string players Buffalo will throw at them. Consider the Bills DST no better than a No. 2 option in Fantasy play this week.
News: Bills FS Donte Whitner has a thumb injury that will require surgery, CB Leodis McKelvin is out indefinitely with a fractured bone in his lower leg and starting strong safety Bryan Scott has a hurt ankle. All three got hurt vs. the Saints in Week 3.
Analysis: Additionally, CB Terrence McGee is playing banged up. This is a DST that could be in for some long weeks beginning when they play at Miami in Week 4.
News: With all the attention on Drew Brees and his prolific start, turns out the Saints defense is pretty effective, too. Will Smith had an interception and a sack to help New Orleans shut down the Buffalo Bills for a 27-7 win in Week 3. The Saints prevented the Bills from mustering any type of a threat through three quarters. That's when Pierre Thomas took over, sealing the win with two touchdown runs in the final 10 minutes. Thomas finished with 126 yards rushing, while scoring on 34- and 19-yard runs for a Saints offense had scored 45 points in each of its first two games. The loss spoiled a solid effort by a Bills defense that managed to rattle Brees, sacking him twice, including one on which Aaron Schobel stripped the quarterback of the ball to end a scoring threat early in the second quarter.
Analysis: The high-powered Saints offense mustered just 378 yards against the Bills and Brees failed to throw one touchdown. It was a fine effort by the defense. It was too bad the offense couldn't match it. Buffalo has been decent but not great defensively through the first few weeks. They remain a low-end Fantasy DST until that changes. However, they could be considered a sleeper option heading into Week 4 against a struggling Dolphins' offense that might have to start Chad Henne, who replaced an injured Chad Pennington (shoulder) in Week 3.
News: With the help of an opportunistic defensive effort led by safety Donte Whitner, the Bills put aside the lingering frustrations that followed last week's season-opening 25-24 loss to New England in which Buffalo squandered an 11-point lead in the final 2:06. In Week 2's 33-20 win over the Buccaneers, the defense allowed 296 yards through the air but only 57 yards on the ground.
Analysis: The Bills DST has held up better than expected the first two weeks of the season, especially when you consider how many passes they have faced the first two weeks. Despite a good week against the Buccaneers' tepid offense, the Bills DST should be benched in all formats as they will face the high-powered New Orleans offense.
News: Bills starting cornerback Terrence McGee is questionable for Buffalo's game against Tampa Bay after missing practice because of back spasms. The Bills top cornerback developed the spasms on Friday morning after practicing all this week. If McGee can't play on Sunday, Ashton Youboty would likely take his place. Starting left defensive end Chris Kelsay practiced Friday for the second straight day and should be ready for the Bills home opener. Kelsay bruised his knee in Buffalo's season-opening loss to New England, and missed Wednesday's practice. Starting right defensive end Aaron Schobel returned Friday after sitting out Thursday's practice because of a sore back, and is also probable for Sunday's game.
Analysis: This could be a good week for the Bills DST as the Bucs will likely enter the game without WR Antonio Bryant, and the unit is relatively healthy. If you're looking for a sleeper option for Week 2, consider this DST a fair choice off waivers.
News: Bills starting middle linebacker Paul Posluszny is expected to miss about six weeks after having surgery to repair a broken bone in his left arm. Head coach Dick Jauron said Wednesday that Posluszny's surgery went well and that the team is hoping he'll return "somewhere before the halfway point of the season." Posluszny was hurt in the first half of the Bills' season-opening 25-24 loss at New England on Monday. Backup Marcus Buggs, who appeared in only four games as a rookie last year, is pegged to take over as starter on Sunday, when Buffalo hosts Tampa Bay. Jauron added that starting defensive end Chris Kelsay is listed day to day after hurting his knee against the Patriots.
Analysis: This hurts the Bills' ability to stop the run as Posluszny is a solid run stopper in the heart of the defense. We're not sure if Buggs will be able to pick up the slack. Consider the Bills DST a decent option off waivers in Week 2 against the Bucs, but surely you can do better than this in standard leagues.
News: Buffalo was beating the New England Patriots with just minutes to play in the 4th quarter of Monday night's game. That is when the Tom Brady comeback began. But not before a terrible special teams play by the Bills. Leodis McKelvin fumbled on the second-to-last kickoff of the game and allowed New England to take the ball deep in Bills' territory for the game-winning score. The Bills DST wasn't really able to stop the Patriots' offense as New England racked up 441 yards in a 25-24 win. Buffalo forced Tom Brady to throw one interception and it turned into a touchdown return for defensive lineman Aaron Schobel. Schobel added a sack as the Bills got to Brady just once.
Analysis: Buffalo had a good chance to win on Monday night but outside of the defensive touchdown, the Fantasy DST was not very good. The touchdown was a fluke as we don't see a big man like Schobel returning anything for a touchdown very often. Consider the Bills DST a low-end Fantasy option Week 2 against Tampa Bay.
News: Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel will miss at least a week with an injured left elbow. The team's top pass rusher did not practice Monday in Buffalo's first session since a 31-21 loss at Green Bay on Saturday. Without divulging the nature of the injury, coach Dick Jauron said it's not considered a "long, long-term" problem, but could keep Schobel out for a week or so. The Bills have two preseason games left and next play at Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Analysis: Schobel is a huge part of the Bills' defense as he delivers their most potent pass rush. He struggled last year with a foot injury and could be a problem this year if he can't stay healthy. Even though the Bills have some potential gems on special teams and in their secondary, this DST is no better than a No. 2 option.
News: Buffalo Bills rookie first-round draft pick Aaron Maybin has signed a five-year contract. Ending four weeks of negotiations, the defensive end was at the team's headquarters to sign the contract on Friday afternoon. Maybin was drafted 11th overall out of Penn State. He is expected to begin practicing on Monday, the team's first session after returns home following its preseason game at Green Bay on Saturday. Buffalo has two preseason games left, at Pittsburgh on Aug. 29 and at home against Detroit on Sept. 3.
Analysis: Listed at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Maybin is a fast and aggressive pass-rushing specialist, who was expected to immediately help a defense that registered 24 sacks, finishing in a tie with Washington for fifth-fewest in the NFL last season. The Bills believe he's versatile enough to eventually spend time at linebacker. Maybin has minimal Fantasy value this season and should not be drafted in most IDP leagues this year.
News: Contract talks between the Buffalo Bills and first-round draft pick Aaron Maybin are stalled, and neither side is offering positive signs a deal is close. Neither the team nor Maybin's camp will offer specifics on how far apart they are, but the Bills are becoming concerned that the defensive end, selected 11th overall out of Penn State, will not report soon enough to be ready for the regular season in less than four weeks. As of Tuesday, Maybin has missed 21 practices, 15 walkthroughs, countless film study sessions and two preseason games since the Bills opened camp. "If the guy's not on the roster, you don't have plans for him," coach Dick Jauron said. "We'd love to get him in as soon as we can. I know they're working at it, and I know our people are certainly working at it. I hope it happens fast."
Analysis: Maybin's a fast and aggressive pass-rushing specialist who's expected to immediately help a defense that registered 24 sacks, finishing in a tie with Washington for fifth-fewest in the NFL last season. He'll definitely help the pass rush, but this DST can move on without him. However, their front seven isn't as strong as their secondary, which is why they're no better than a No. 2 DST in Fantasy play.
News: Injuries could force Bills starting cornerbacks Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin to miss the remainder of the team's spring minicamp practices. Though both have begun taking part in individual drills, coach Dick Jauron said Friday he's not sure whether either will be cleared for full practice for the Bills' final four sessions next week. "I would say maybe," Jauron said, noting he won't rush the two back to practice. McGee has been out since hurting his right shoulder on May 27. McKelvin also has been out since May 27 because of an infection to his middle right finger.
Analysis: Without these very good cornerbacks, the Bills would be in big trouble as teams would throw all day on them. Hopefully they can be ready sooner rather than later and be in great shape for the regular season. The Bills have a lot of potential but play in a tough division and have had a knack for getting banged up over the past couple of years. Consider them a sleeper option for 2009, worth a late-round pick in deeper drafts assuming McGee and McKelvin are healthy.
News: Bills starting cornerback Terrence McGee hurt his right arm when he tumbled to the turf while defending receiver Terrell Owens during a voluntary minicamp practice on Wednesday. Bills coach Dick Jauron did not have an update on the player's injury following practice. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin did not practice because of a hand injury, which is expected to force him to miss the final two days of this week's minicamp.
Analysis: Not a good start for either cornerback, nor for the Bills defense, which needs both of these quality corners to be healthy to have a chance in the AFC East. This unit has a lot of potential, but it all starts up front for them with DE Aaron Schobel and DT Marcus Stroud, not to mention rookie LB Aaron Maybin making an impact. The better they do, the better the rest of the defense does. Consider the Bills a sleeper option for 2009, worth a late-round pick in deeper drafts assuming McGee and McKelvin are healthy.
News: Bills DE Aaron Schobel won't need surgery for the Lisfranc sprain he suffered on his left foot this season, the official team Web site reports. Schobel will continue to take care of his foot but will otherwise spend his offseason as he normally would. "I've just got to get ready to play," said Schobel. "In my mind it's about 90 percent. I can still feel it. It's not like the other foot where I never feel it and just run normal. But I could play with it right now if I had to. As long as it's stable even if there's just a little bit of pain then I've got to deal with that."
Analysis: This is good news for the Bills DST, which has taken on several injuries over the last two seasons. They've got a lot of potential, but it all starts up front for them with Schobel and DT Marcus Stroud. The better they do, the better the rest of the defense does. Consider the Bills a sleeper option for 2009, worth a late-round pick in deeper drafts.
News: The Buffalo Bills limited the Patriots on a ridiculously windy Week 17 in Buffalo but did not score any points of their own. The Bills DST held New England to just eight pass attempts and 241 total yards in the 13-0 loss. Buffalo did not force a turnover, however, and could manage just a Kyle Williams sack on Matt Cassel.
Analysis: The Bills were at times useful in Fantasy DST leagues this season and finish the year with 10 interceptions and 24 sacks. They were best at scoring with five defensive touchdowns. Out of playoff contention, the Bills DST should head into 2009 as a lower-end Fantasy DST not worth drafting until the latest of rounds.
News: Bills LB Kawika Mitchell (knee), who did not participate in Wednesday's practice, had limited participation Thursday. LB Teddy Lehman (groin), who did not participate in Wednesday's practice, also had limited participation.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Mitchell and Lehman but it appears like both will play Sunday against New England.
News: The Bills allowed 532 yards and 23 points in Week 16 at Denver. They forced two turnovers (a fumble and an interception) and sacked QB Trent Edwards once.
Analysis: The Bills gave up a ton of yards and while they did force two turnovers, did not do enough to offset that. Fantasy owners should consider the unit a low-end option for Week 17 against a red-hot Patriots offense.
News: Buffalo had the win on Sunday of Week 15 against the Jets. The Bills held the ball with two minutes to go and the lead but coughed it up as the Jets DST scored to win the game, 31-27. The Bills DST did not limit the Jets as they totaled 372 yards. Buffalo forced two turnovers, both coming on interceptions by Brett Favre. The Bills did not sack Favre on the day.
Analysis: With no sacks and just two turnovers forced in Week 15, it is safe to say the Bills DST did not perform well. The Bills DST came out hot this season, but are now on the way down towards being barely worth using in Fantasy play. Things won't get easier in Week 16 at Denver, who owns one of the league's better offenses. Don't use the Bills in Week 16.
News: While the Bills DST held Miami to 16 points in Week 14, Buffalo failed to record a turnover and had only one sack in Toronto.
Analysis: The Bills DST came out hot this season, but are now on the way down towards being barely worth using in Fantasy play. Things won't get much easier in Week 15 at the Jets, so you might want to bench the Bills unit unless the weather is questionable at the Meadowlands.
News: With the Bills playing a huge game in Toronto vs. the Dolphins in Week 14, it looks like they're getting some reinforcements. Bills DE Aaron Schobel (foot) and FS Donte Whitner (shoulder) practiced in full on Wednesday and are considered candidates to make their respective returns to the field for Sunday's game. Schobel has missed seven games and Whitner has missed three. Elsewhere for the Bills, CB Jabari Greer missed practiced with his knee injury and DE Chris Kelsay had the day off.
Analysis: While it's great to see these guys back for Buffalo, the reality is that the Bills DST is only worth considering as a low-end No. 1 option in deeper leagues. There are far better options out there, possibly on the waiver wire, for an owner to check out.
News: The Bills DST held the 49ers to 195 yards and 10 points in a Week 13 loss. They tallied a fumble recovery and three sacks.
Analysis: The yardage and point totals were great for Buffalo on Sunday, but they could have used a few more turnovers to really put the icing on their nice day. In Week 14, Buffalo hosts Miami in Toronto, and the DST should remain a decent No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Bills starting cornerback Jabari Greer won't play because of injury when Buffalo hosts the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Greer's right knee was injured against Cleveland two weeks ago and he'll miss his second straight game. Starting strong safety Donte Whitner, who's nursing a separated shoulder, is doubtful. Whitner has missed two of the last three games since hurting the shoulder against the New York Jets in Week 9. Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin are expected to start against the Niners. Also, starting defensive end Aaron Schobel (foot), backup defensive lineman John McCargo (back) and backup linebacker Teddy Lehman (hamstring) are out, while starting linebacker Keith Ellison (ankle) is questionable.
Analysis: The 49ers' offense will certainly try to move the ball through the air in this game because of the Bills' thin secondary, but the Chiefs tried that last week and got beat up, thanks in part to the play of McKelvin. Treat the Bills DST as a low-end starting option worth using in deeper leagues.
News: Bills LB Keith Ellison returned to practice Thursday, a day after the starter was held out because of a sore ankle, and is likely to play Sunday when Buffalo hosts San Francisco. Coach Dick Jauron said Ellison was feeling better, which was good news for an already depleted linebacking corps that could be without top reserve Teddy Lehman, who missed a second straight day of practice with a hamstring injury.
Analysis: Ellison has minimal Fantasy value, but his return could boost the Bills DST against the 49ers. Consider the Bills DST a low-end No. 1 option against San Francisco.
News: In the Bills' 54-31 win at the Chiefs in Week 12, the defense played very well in spite of missing several starters to injury. While they did allow 316 passing yards, 159 rushing yards and four passing touchdowns, they also came up with three sacks, three forced fumbles (two recovered) and two interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. In standard-scoring leagues, the Bills DST totaled 19 Fantasy points.
Analysis: This was a shocker simply because the Bills defense was so thin as Donte Whitner, Aaron Schobel, Jabari Greer and others were missing. But a big catalyst for the unit was rookie CB Leodis McKelvin, who scored the defensive touchdown and had both interceptions. Next week, the Bills host the 49ers, and while the Niners are putting up a decent amount of points, they're also turning the ball over a bunch and allowing some sacks. Consider this unit a sleeper option in Week 13.
News: Bills starting safety Donte Whitner and starting cornerback Jabari Greer won't play because of injuries when Buffalo travels to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Sunday. Whitner, who missed the second half of Buffalo's Monday night loss to Cleveland, is nursing a right shoulder separated against the Jets on Nov. 2. Greer, meanwhile, hurt his right knee in the Browns game. Buffalo's secondary might be even further depleted if Whitner's replacement, Bryan Scott, can't play. Scott is questionable because of a left knee injury sustained against the Browns. Rookie Leodis McKelvin will likely start in place of Greer, while George Wilson would start at strong safety if Scott is unable to go.
Analysis: With the Chiefs throwing the ball well lately, expect the Bills defense to struggle in Week 12. Consider other options before finalizing your lineup.
News: The Bills defense had another uninspiring performance Week 11 against the Browns, allowing 29 points on 337 yards. It recorded only one sack and didn't have an interception. The Bills did, however, get a 98-yard return score from Leodis McKelvin.
Analysis: Some injuries have decimated the Bills DST, which looked like one of the top units in Fantasy at the beginning of the season. Now, it looks like a risky start even when it has a decent matchup. Consider it a so-so Fantasy option at Kansas City in Week 12, facing a Chiefs offense that has thrived with Tyler Thigpen under center.
News: Bills starting defensive end Aaron Schobel (foot) will miss his fifth game, while starting strong safety Donte Whitner hopes to play despite being listed as questionable. Whitner's been nursing a separated shoulder since Buffalo's loss to the Jets two weeks ago. He missed his first game of the season last week in a loss to New England. "I'm feeling good," Whitner said after Friday's practice. "We'll see how it goes. I expect to play, and I want to play, but it's up to (the coaches and trainers). It depends on how I progress over the next two days."
Analysis: With Schobel out, you can expect the Bills' sacks to be kept to a minimum. With Whitner in, you can expect a better pass defense. Because they're playing the Browns and inexperienced QB Brady Quinn, figure this DST to be no better than a No. 2 option.
News: The Bills DST had a fumble recovery and a sack in a 20-10 loss at New England. George Wilson recovered a fumble and had a half-sack along with Marcus Stroud, but the Bills had no interceptions. On special teams, Leodis McKelvin had three kickoff returns for 138 yards with a long of 85.
Analysis: The Bills DST couldn't do much against the Patriots but should be better in Week 11 against Cleveland. Consider the Bills DST a low-end No. 1 option against the Browns.
News: Bills starting defensive end Aaron Schobel (foot), starting strong safety Donte Whitner (separated shoulder) and nickel back Ashton Youboty (plantar fasciitis, placed on IR) have all been ruled out for Buffalo's Week 10 game at New England. Whitner will be missing his first game since hurting his shoulder in last week's loss to the New York Jets. Schobel and Youboty have both missed four straight games. Bryan Scott will replace Whitner, while either rookies Reggie Corner or Leodis McKelvin will assume Youboty's slot in the secondary. Ryan Denney will take Schobel's spot.
Analysis: Facing a Patriots offense ready to prove that they can still throw the ball, this spells trouble for the Buffalo DST. Consider other options if you can before finalizing your Week 10 lineup.
News: The Bills' top pass rusher Aaron Schobel will miss at least another two weeks and could potentially be out for the rest of the season with a left foot injury. The two-time Pro Bowl defensive end is to meet with a specialist in North Carolina on Wednesday to have his foot examined, a person familiar with the injury told The Associated Press on Tuesday. There is concern that Schobel sustained a more serious injury in the mid-foot area where a cluster of bones forms a small arch between the ankle and toes, known as a Lisfranc injury. Depending on what the tests show, Schobel could miss as few as two weeks, the person said. Schobel has already missed three games since aggravating the injury during a 41-17 loss at Arizona on Oct. 5. He was initially hurt a week earlier during a 31-14 win at St. Louis.
Analysis: The Bills are already expecting to be without DB Donte Whitner for their game at New England in Week 10. Suddenly, this unit is looking much like last year's unit, which succumbed to several major injuries. Consider other options before settling on the Bills DST in Week 10.
News: Bills safety Donte Whitner has a separated right shoulder and isn't likely to play Sunday at New England. Bills coach Dick Jauron said Monday that Whitner's status is week to week after he was hurt in the second half Sunday against the Jets. Whitner was the Bills' first-round draft pick in 2006 out of Ohio State.
Analysis: Buffalo has fallen to 5-3 after winning its first four games as injuries continue to deplete the defense. In fact, the DST is no better than a low-end option when they play at New England. Consider other options before finalizing your lineup in Week 10.
News: Buffalo fell to New York at home in Week 9 by the score of 26-17 as the Bills DST allowed 297 yards to the Jets offense. Buffalo held Brett Favre in complete check as he threw for just 201 yards with an interception that the Bills' Jabari Greer returned 42 yards for a touchdown in the 4th quarter. It was the only turnover the Bills forced. Buffalo did not sack Favre in the game.
Analysis: Buffalo was actually supposed to be a low-end No. 1 Fantasy DST in Week 9 against the Jets and they did limit Favre and the total offense. They scored a defensive touchdown which is always nice as bonus points, but did not force many turnovers and lost the game. They face the Patriots in Week 10 in New England and should probably get a downgrade as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy DST for that game.
News: The Bills DST gave up 25 points and 358 yards to the Dolphins in a Week 8 loss. They did recover one fumble and recorded one sack.
Analysis: The Bills DST was supposed to be decent option in Week 8, but Chad Pennington lit them up. Buffalo did hold Ronnie Brown in check, but the lack of turnovers really hurt their owners. In Week 9, the Bills host the Jets, who threw three interception in Week 8. Continue to consider the Bills a decent No. 1 option with that matchup.
News: Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel won't play Sunday for Buffalo at Miami, and nickelback Ashton Youboty (foot) and cornerback Terrence McGee (left knee sprain) are questionable.
Analysis: The Bills DST might struggle to contain Ronnie Brown on the ground, but the rest of their matchup against the Dolphins bodes well. Consider them a low-end starting option in Week 8.
News: While holding the Chargers to 14 points and LaDainian Tomlinson to just 41 rush yards, the Bills DST added a sack, an interception and a forced fumble -- all by Kawika Mitchell. The DST added two fumble recoveries.
Analysis: The Bills DST should remain a decent option in Week 8 when then play at the Dolphins. Consider starting them then.
News: Bills starting CB Terrence McGee will not play in Sunday's game against the Chargers. McGee will miss his second consecutive game because of a left knee sprained in Buffalo's win at St. Louis last month. Rookie Leodis McKelvin will start in McGee's place. Starting DE Aaron Schobel (foot) and nickel back Ashton Youboty (foot) are all questionable. Schobel didn't practice all week and has been wearing a protective boot on his left foot to help heal a ligament and bone injury. He aggravated the injury against the Cardinals on Oct. 5, making him more likely to also miss Sunday's game. Youboty was limited on Friday.
Analysis: The Bills DST is not a good start against the high-powered Chargers, especially if McGee and Schobel don't play. Keep them reserved this week.
News: Bills DE Aaron Schobel wore a protective boot on his injured left foot while watching practice from the sideline Wednesday. The status of the team's top pass rusher is uncertain for Buffalo's game against San Diego this weekend. Schobel was held out of practices last week after he aggravated the injury to a ligament near his big toe during a 41-17 loss at Arizona on Oct. 5, but Wednesday was the first time the defensive end was spotted wearing a boot, an indication the injury might be more severe than first believed. Starting cornerback Terrence McGee practiced for the first time since spraining his left knee against St. Louis.
Analysis: While the Bills DST will be rested heading into Week 7, the reality is that their matchup with the explosive Chargers will be a tough one. Consider other options before rolling with the Bills DST in Week 7.
News: Bills starting cornerback Terrence McGee and starting defensive end Aaron Schobel both missed Monday's practice with injuries. McGee sprained his left knee early against St. Louis in Week 4 and missed the Cardinals game in Week 5, while Schobel is nursing a nagging left foot injury. Both are considered questionable for their Week 7 matchup against San Diego, whose offense ranks first in scoring, averaging 29.7 points per game while averaging 338.3 total yards per contest. The Chargers also had a 30-point performance vs. New England in Week 6, and that was without their best receiver, Chris Chambers, who is expected to return this Sunday. The only bright side is that San Diego is making the dreaded West-to-East flight and will play at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. San Diego mustered up 10 points on their first West-to-East trip this season at Miami.
Analysis: While the Bills DST will be rested heading into Week 7, the reality is that their matchup with the explosive Chargers will be a tough one. Consider other options before rolling with the Bills DST in Week 7.
News: Buffalo came into Week 5's game against the Cardinals at 4-0. They leave 4-1 after getting trounced 41-17. The Bills DST allowed 373 yards of offense to the Cardinals. What's worse, Buffalo didn't force a single turnover or sack Kurt Warner one time.
Analysis: The Bills have a bye in Week 6 and after this defensive effort, they need it. So much for the good feelings after starting 4-0. They were considered a decent No. 2 DST heading into this week's game. Guess we should have considered them worse than that. Certainly don't start them in the bye week.
News: Bills starting CB Terrence McGee won't play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals because of a sprained left knee. McGee, originally listed as doubtful on Friday, didn't make the trip to Arizona on Saturday. He was hurt in the first quarter of the Bills' win over St. Louis last Sunday, and missed all three practices this week.
Analysis: McGee has been working hard trying to rehab from a sprained knee suffered Week 4 against the Rams, but it just doesn't appear he made enough progress. McGee is a decent Fantasy DB when healthy, but keep him reserved Week 5. The Bills DST will obviously take a bit of hit after this. Consider them a decent No. 2 Fantasy unit for Week 5 against the Cardinals.
News: Bills CB Terrence McGee, who wore a brace on his left knee and walked with a noticeable limp, was one of three defensive starters to miss practice Wednesday as the team prepared to play at Arizona. Coach Dick Jauron wouldn't rule McGee out, saying he will continue to have his sprained knee tested through the end of the week. McGee said the knee was still sore, but had improved since Monday, when he had difficulty walking. Also missing practice were DT Marcus Stroud (left shoulder) and DE Aaron Schobel (foot). They were hurt in last weekend's 31-14 win at St. Louis, but both finished the game. Jauron anticipated Stroud and Schobel returning to practice Thursday. McGee's injury is considered the most serious after the starting cornerback was hurt early in the first quarter against the Rams, when his leg was caught in the pile while making a tackle.
Analysis: If McGee can't play, the Bills would have nickelback Ashton Youboty and rookie first-round draft pick Leodis McKelvin split time opposite starter Jabari Greer against the Cardinals. Arizona (2-2) is coming off a 56-35 loss at the New York Jets. Kurt Warner had an NFL-season high 472 yards passing with two touchdowns and three interceptions. By not playing, McGee would get additional time to recuperate as the Bills are off next week until hosting San Diego on Oct. 19. If McGee is healthy and ready to go, consider him a low-end No. 2 DB for Week 5. The Bills DST is also a good start, but keep an eye on Stroud and Schobel also. Stroud and Schobel also expect to play.
News: The Bills got a 33-yard interception return for a touchdown in Week 4 at St. Louis from Jabari Greer en route to a 31-14 win. The Bills allowed 14 points and 380 yards of offense, forcing two turnovers in the game. They sacked the quarterback twice.
Analysis: The Bills defensive unit has been one of the more consistent ones in the first month of the season. They've held opponents to under 20 points in three out of four games to start the season and have been able to force turnovers in every game. Consider them a good start in any league, but they'll face a solid offense in Week 5 at Arizona.
News: The Bills DST couldn't touch Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell in Week 3, getting just one sack and forcing one fumble the entire game in their 24-23 win over the Raiders. Their biggest accomplishment? Holding Darren McFadden to under 50 rush yards.
Analysis: The Bills DST should have put up a better effort based on what we've seen from them previously. However, they're still a solid unit worth using when they play at St. Louis in Week 4.
News: The Bills gave up 16 points and 243 yards of offense in Week 2 at Jacksonville. They sacked the quarterback twice and forced two turnovers, a fumble and an interception.
Analysis: The Bills had their way with the Seahawks in Week 1, recording five sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery and holding Seattle to 252 yards. They followed that up with another solid game in Week 2 on the road and are looking like an up-and-coming defensive unit. In Week 3, they'll face a run-oriented offense against the Raiders.
News: Bills WR Roscoe Parrish returned to practice Thursday. Parrish returned after missing Wednesday's practice with sore ribs and a sore left knee and is expected to play against the Jaguars on Sunday.
Analysis: Parrish should be fine for Week 2 at Jacksonville. He's not worth using as a receiver, but he will help the Bills ST unit in the return game.
News: The Bills DST had their way with the Seahawks in Week 1, recording five sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery and holding Seattle to 252 yards. They also got a special teams touchdown courtesy of Roscoe Parrish's spectacular punt return.
Analysis: The bad weather in Buffalo on Sunday certainly contributed a little to the Bills' nice performance in Week 1, but this DST has been making noise for a year or two now. They play at the Jags in Week 2 and should be considered a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 with a decent matchup like that.
News: Buffalo's defense put up a very strong showing on Sunday against the Colts. Granted, the Colts were without Peyton Manning. Shoot, they were even without backup Jim Sorgi. But what the Bills did was still impressive. The defensive onslaught started just before halftime when DB Terrence McGee picked up a Joseph Addai fumble and took it 68 yards for a touchdown. The Bills would ultimately recover three Colts fumbles. As if that wasn't enough, Buffalo also intercepted Colts' QB Quinn Gray four times. The only area they didn't put up a big defensive number was in sacks. They had just one.
Analysis: The Bills did most of their damage against the Colts second and third strings. Be that as it may, Buffalo showed a penchant for making the big turnovers and turning them into points. That's good news for a defense that is considered a high-end No. 2 Fantasy option heading into 2008.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Bills DB Leodis McKelvin's 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Steelers sealed himself a role in the team's special teams plans for 2008. McKelvin showed the speed and explosiveness that allowed him to set an NCAA record with eight career scores while at Troy, reading a key block from fullback Darian Barnes and just leaving the Steelers in his dust. A week earlier against Washington, McKelvin had a 37-yard kickoff return and a 45-yard punt return.
Analysis: The Bills have two of the NFL's best return men in team record-setters Terrence McGee and Roscoe Parrish, but coach Dick Jauron said a team can never have enough of these guys. "Those guys (return men) tend to get nicked so there's room for all of them," he said. "They'll all have their opportunities." The Bills DST is a high-end No. 2 Fantasy option at this time, but if they can get consistent points from their return game, they might end up a No. 1 option by season's end. As far as McKelvin's IDP Fantasy value, he is a low-end option heading into the season since he has to prove himself first before becoming a must-own Fantasy player.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that CB Leodis McKelvin had a 45-yard punt return and a 37-yard kickoff return in the team's preseason loss at Washington.
Analysis: McKelvin was an explosive returner in college for Troy and looks like he can provide more of the same at the NFL level. That adds a level of production this season for the Bills DST that they did not have in leagues where you get rewarded for return touchdowns.
News: According to the team site, Bills linebacker Paul Posluszny is a year wiser and a whole lot healthier to start the season. The Penn State LB is playing with a hunger to play following a 10-month layoff. With an improved front seven, Posluszny should find less traffic in front of him on run plays enabling him to get to the ball carrier faster.
Analysis: Few remember that Posluszny was leading the Bills in tackles through the first two games of last season. Consider him a No. 2 LB in IDP leagues and hope he can live up to how he started in 2007.
News: With the No. 11 pick in the 2008 draft, the Bills took Troy CB Leodis McKelvin, strengthening their secondary and adding a legit playmaking returner to their defense.
Analysis: McKelvin should play right away opposite CB Terrence McGee in Buffalo and be a pain in the side of passing rivals like the Patriots and Jets. The Bills defense will get a lot of players back that got hurt last year and will be better against the pass over the long haul with McKelvin. Treat the Bills DST as a No. 2 option in drafts this summer.
News: The Bills have acquired DT Marcus Stroud from Jacksonville and signed DT Spencer Johnson to a five-year deal. Buffalo will give the Jaguars two draft picks, a third and a fifth according to FOX Sports, in exchange for Stroud. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Stroud immediately solidifies what had been an undersized defensive line that was manhandled last season and unable to take the pressure off star pass-rushing defensive end Aaron Schobel. Earlier this offseason, the team signed LB Kawika Mitchell.
Analysis: For the season, the Bills DST had five defensive touchdowns, 18 interceptions, two safeties, 25 sacks and 12 fumble recoveries. The one area that slipped for the Bills was sacks, which dropped from 37 in 2007. Hence these moves, which should help Schobel and Chris Kelsay get to the quarterback. Consider the Bills DST a No. 2 unit heading into 2008.
News: The Bills lost their best DB in Nate Clements and two best LBs in Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher prior to 2007, so it was a rebuilding year. Still, the unit was able to produce with young players on defense in Donte Whitner, Terrence McGee and Angelo Crowell. They also should improve with the return of injured LB Paul Posluszny, who missed 13 games following a broken forearm. For the season, the Bills DST had five defensive touchdowns, 18 interceptions, two safeties, 25 sacks and 12 fumble recoveries. On special teams, Buffalo was solid with Roscoe Parrish getting a touchdown and averaging 16.3 yards per return on punts, and McGee getting a touchdown and averaging 24 yards per return on kickoffs.
Analysis: The one area that slipped for the Bills was sacks, which dropped from 37 in 2007. That's one spot which could improve in 2008. Look for the Bills DST to keep getting better and consider them a No. 2 unit heading into 2008.
News: The Bills gave up 17 points and 391 yards of offense in Week 17 at Philadelphia. They recorded four sacks and forced two turnovers.
Analysis: The Bills was a middle-of-the-road defensive unit for Fantasy purposes in 2007, but they were banged up and still managed to be useful as a No. 2 unit in most formats.
News: The Bills DST had one sack and no interceptions or fumble recoveries Sunday in the snow at Cleveland. They did hold the Browns to only eight points in the loss.
Analysis: The Bills DST is a solid No. 2 Fantasy option and should be used in Week 16 against the Giants as a backup.
News: Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay practiced Wednesday for the first time since spraining his left ankle more than two weeks ago and could be ready to play at Cleveland on Sunday. Coach Dick Jauron said he's optimistic Kelsay will play, but trainers want to see how the ankle responds through the rest of the week. Reserve linebacker Coy Wire also could be ready to return after he practiced for the first time since sustaining a neck injury against Jacksonville.
Analysis: Kelsay ranks seventh on the team with 53 tackles, is second with two sacks. He also has an interception, which he returned for a touchdown, and a fumble recovery in 11 games this season. His return would help the Bills DST, but they're still no better than a low-end backup option at Cleveland's prolific offense in Week 15.
News: The Bills DST held Miami to 17 points and 285 yards and totaled five sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries in Buffalo's 38-17 victory over the Dolphins in Week 14. They also returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Analysis: The Bills DST was a sexy sleeper pickup in Week 14 and came through with flying colors as the snow fell in Orchard Park on Sunday. Of course, the Dolphins are no offensive juggernaut, so you might want to think twice about starting the Bills DST in Week 15 at Cleveland...if the weather is OK, that is.
News: The Bills allowed just 16 points and 282 yards of offense in Week 13 vs. Washington. They recorded a safety and forced two turnovers while picking up three sacks.
Analysis: The Bills have been a middle-of-the-road Fantasy defense and are not recommended at this late stage of the season in most weeks. In Week 14 vs. Miami, consider them a sleeper option because of the poor state of the Dolphins offense.
News: The banged-up Bills had 11 players miss practice Wednesday, including starting defensive end Chris Kelsay, who's likely to be out for Buffalo's game at Washington on Sunday because of a sprained left ankle. Coach Dick Jauron stopped short of ruling out Kelsay, but said he was "not overly optimistic" because the third-year starter is still wearing a protective boot. Kelsay said he's been playing with a torn tendon in his ankle for the past month. The problem this time is a severe bone bruise that's limiting his mobility. The Bills' depth at defensive end could be further depleted after backup Ryan Denney aggravated a foot injury last weekend. Denney was held out of practice and his status is uncertain. Without Kelsay and Denney, the Bills would be down to one experienced reserve, Anthony Hargrove; starting defensive tackle Larry Tripplett was limited in practice because of a strained abdomen.
Analysis: The Bills DST isn't a recommended option against the Redskins in Washington in Week 13, especially with their defensive line a mess. Steer clear.
News: The Bills DST gave up 36 points and 416 yards in Buffalo's 36-14 loss to the Jaguars in Week 12. They had one sack, but were held without a turnover.
Analysis: The Bills have been banged up all season and were torched by the average Jags offense in Week 12. They are far from a recommended start in Week 13 at Washington.
News: The Bills allowed 510 yards of total offense and 56 points in a blowout loss to the Patriots in Week 11. They did not force a turnover and did not have a sack in the game.
Analysis: Luckily, there weren't many Fantasy owners out there who started the Bills against the Patriots' powerhouse offense. The Bills have been banged up defensively and they aren't a recommended Fantasy unit on most weeks. They do have a decent matchup against a mediocre offense at Jacksonville in Week 12, but we recommend looking for alternatives.
News: New England travels to western New York to face the Buffalo Bills Sunday in Week 11. The Patriots offense ranks first overall, including second in the passing game and seventh on the ground. They have allowed just 10 sacks and five interceptions.
Analysis: The Bills DST ranks 28th in total defense and they are a horrible start in Fantasy play against what could be a record-breaking offense.
News: The Bills DST had a pretty nice day in Week 10, holding the Miami Dolphins to only 10 points and 269 total yards in Buffalo's 13-10 victory over the Dolphins in Week 10. They also had a sack and a safety from Chris Kelsay.
Analysis: The Bills were a sexy DST pick coming into Week 10 against the woeful Dolphins and they came through in a nice way with a decent outing. The turnovers were non-existent, but a safety and 10 points allowed helped them out immensely. The party is over for this unit for now, however, as they face the ridiculous Patriots offense in Week 11. You shouldn't need to be told about the perils of that game.
News: Buffalo travels to South Florida to take on their longtime rival Miami at Dolphins Stadium Sunday in Week 10. The Fins rank 18th in total offense, but they no longer have their No.1 QB (Trent Green), RB (Ronnie Brown) or WR (Chris Chambers) at their disposal.
Analysis: The Bills DST should be able to dominate this game, although they have also been dealing with a rash of injuries this season. Their DST is ranked 29th in total defense. This game is always a tough one to break down, but we like the Bills DST as a top-10 Fantasy unit this week.
News: The banged-up Bills DST held the high-powered Bengals offense to 299 total yards, while intercepting Carson Palmer once in Buffalo's 33-21 victory over the Bengals in Week 9. They did not record a sack or a fumble recovery.
Analysis: The Bills DST is not worth using except in the deepest of leagues when Buffalo visits Miami in Week 10.
News: Not too long after last Sunday's game against the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills cornerbacks Terrence McGee and Jabari Greer had a discussion about their next opponents in Week 9. McGee and Greer have seen a number of good receivers this season, but they expect their toughest test yet against the Cincinnati Bengals' explosive pair of Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. "They are one of the best tandems in the league right now," McGee said. "So it's going to be a big challenge for me and Jabari."
Analysis: No receiving duo in the NFL has been as productive as Johnson and Houshmandzadeh this season. Johnson averages a league-best 104.4 receiving yards per game and 40 of his 44 catches have resulted in first downs. Houshmandzadeh is the league's leading receiver with 58 catches (for 629 yards). He has at least one touchdown in every game and his nine TDs are three more than the Bills' entire offense has scored. The Bills DST ranks 30th in total defense, including 29th against the pass and 24th against the run. They have just eight sacks this season, but their secondary has been able to produce 11 interceptions. This DST is not worth starting for this matchup -- and honestly, they are so banged up, they're really not worth owning at this point.
News: The Bills DST will face Cincinnati's fifth-ranked offense in Week 9 on Sunday. The Bengals are fifth in the passing game and 21st on the ground.
Analysis: The Bills DST ranks 30th in total defense, including 29th against the pass and 24th against the run. They have just eight sacks this season, but their secondary has been able to produce 11 interceptions. This DST is not worth starting for this matchup -- and honestly, they are so banged up, they're really not worth owning at this point.
News: The Bills defense, which entered Week 8 ranked 31st in yards allowed and with only five sacks, allowed 254 and registered three at the N.Y. Jets on Sunday. It also had two interceptions and recovered a fumble, permitting the Jets to score only three points. The Bills special teams, meanwhile, gained 125 yards.
Analysis: The Bills DST had a nice game, but it's still about the last unit you'd want in Fantasy. Hosting the Bengals in Week 9, keep it on the waiver wire.
News: The Bills DST travels to East Rutherford, N.J., to face the N.Y. Jets at Giants Stadium. Got all that? The Jets have had their share of offensive problems, and they are currently ranked 29th in total offense, including 22nd through the air and 25th on the ground.
Analysis: The Bills DST ranks 31st in total defense. They are 31st against the pass and 25th against the running game. Injuries have decimated this unit, and they only have five sacks all year, which is the second-lowest number of any team (Carolina). While the matchup might be tempting because of the Jets offense, only consider this unit if you start two defenses.
News: The Bills' defense did its part during a Week 7 win over Baltimore, limiting the Ravens to two touchdowns despite six drives into Buffalo territory. That included Baltimore's final drive when Kyle Boller couldn't convert a fourth-and-1 from the Buffalo 49, his pass falling just out of the reach of Musa Smith with 1:49 remaining. Baltimore totaled 308 yards against Buffalo and only turned the ball over on a fumble. The Bills only forced one sack.
Analysis: While the Bills buckled down when it mattered most against the Ravens, in terms of Fantasy, they didn't help out Bills DST owners much by only getting one sack, forcing just one turnover and not scoring any touchdowns. The Bills DST is still dealing with too many injuries to warrant using for Fantasy purposes outside of weeks when favorable matchups appear on the horizon. The Bills play the Jets in Week 8.
News: Baltimore will travel to face the Bills DST in Buffalo in Week 7. The Ravens have the 19th-ranked offense (14th in the passing game and 16th on the ground), and they have allowed only eight sacks and four interceptions.
Analysis: The Bills DST ranks last in the league in total defense (31st against the pass and 25th against the run) through six weeks. The Bills DST is still dealing with too many injuries to warrant using for Fantasy purposes.
News: The Bills defense and special teams combined for three touchdowns in Week 5 as the visiting Cowboys committed six turnovers. George Wilson scored on a 25-yard interception return in the first quarter, Chris Kelsay on a pick in the end zone in the second and Terrence McGee on a 103-yard kickoff return in the third. The defense finished with five interceptions and a fumble recovery, limiting the Cowboys to 25 points on 385 yards. The special teams finished with 165 total yards.
Analysis: Fantasy owners in only three percent of leagues enjoyed the fluke performance for the Bills DST. Don't buy into it, though, as Cowboys QB Tony Romo had an uncharacteristically error-prone day. The Bills defense still allowed too many yards, so leave it on the waiver wire. Buffalo has a bye in Week 6 before hosting the Ravens in Week 7.
News: Buffalo remains a banged-up team as it prepared Wednesday to host its first Monday night game since Sept. 26, 1994. Backup safety Jim Leonhard (calf) and reserve linebacker Kevin Harrison (knee) were ruled out after both were hurt Week 4 against the Jets. Reserve cornerback Ashton Youboty's status is uncertain after he missed practice with an ankle injury also sustained against the Jets. That further depletes a defense that already has three starters on the season-ending injured reserve list. And that doesn't include reserve defensive end Ryan Denney (broken foot) and reserve linebacker Coy Wire (sprained knee), both of whom aren't expected back until after the bye.
Analysis: Despite all the injuries, the Bills could get back one player on Sunday: reserve defensive end Anthony Hargrove, who finished serving the NFL's four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The Bills have not yet decided to activate Hargrove, although he has returned to practice. The Bills have until Monday afternoon to make a decision whether to activate or release him. Whether Hargrove plays or not, the Bills have a tall order ahead in the Cowboys. It is best to avoid the Bills DST in Fantasy play for Week 5. As far as IDP players are concerned, Youboty, Ellison and Denney are merely low-end Fantasy options for deeper leagues when healthy. Leonhard has been great in the place of the injured Ko Simpson (leg) and has become a decent No. 3 Fantasy DB when active. Keep him reserved Week 5. It is safe to ignore the remaining injured players at this time.
News: According to the Buffalo News, the Bills defense could be without even more players after DB Jim Leonhard and LB Kevin Harrison suffered what could be serious injuries during a 17-14 win over the New York Jets. Leonhard hurt his left calf, while Harrison injured his knee. DB Ashton Youboty also left the game with a sprained ankle. Leonhard was injured on the first play of the Jets' final drive. He said he "felt something pop" as he tried to break on the ball after a completion. Harrison suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff. He was taken off the field on a cart and didn't return. Harrison's injury leaves the Bills without a backup middle linebacker. John DiGiorgio is starting for Paul Posluszny, who broke his forearm. Youboty left the field early in the second quarter. He rejoined the team in the second half but did not play.
Analysis: Monitor the status of Leonhard, Harrison and Youboty, but the Bills DST is not a recommended option in Week 5 against Dallas.
News: The Bills, playing without several of their regular starters, held the Jets to 14 points and 148 yards in Week 4 vs. the N.Y. Jets. DB Jabari Greer and Terrence McGee each had an interception. DE Chris Kelsay had the team's only sack.
Analysis: The Bills defensive unit has been one to stay away from all season due to injuries and overall shoddy play. They went up against a struggling offense in Week 4 and we don't recommend using the Bills in Week 5 when they face a very good Dallas offense.
News: Cornerback Jerametrius Butler signed with the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday in the team's latest attempt to plug a leaky and banged-up defense. He will replace LB Paul Posluszny, who is out for the year with a broken forearm.
Analysis: Butler is a six-year NFL veteran who was cut by Washington in August. He spent six seasons with St. Louis, but played sparingly last year after missing 2005 with a knee injury. The Bills DST is only worth a look in Fantasy leagues as a bye-week replacement at best.
News: The Buffalo News reports that Bills LB Paul Posluszny's broken forearm, suffered in Week 3 at New England, will keep him out at least eight weeks and may end his 2007 campaign, according to coach Dick Jauron. The Bills have four players on IR, four more defenders hurting and even have starting QB J.P. Losman hobbling. "It is bad luck, I guess," Bills DE Chris Kelsay said. "I don't know how else you would explain it. I have never been a part of something like this, where we have had this many guys go down this early, and especially significant contributors on the defensive side of the ball."
Analysis: With all the injuries the Bills have taken on, their DST unit shouldn't be an option in Fantasy play. If anything, they're a bye-week replacement when they play vs. the Jets in Week 4.
News: The Bills allowed 38 points and 485 yards of total offense in Week 3 at New England. DL Aaron Schobel and LB John DiGiorgio split the team's only sack of the game. DL John McCargo recovered a fumble for the only turnover of the game for Buffalo. The team also lost starting LB Paul Posluszny for at least a month with a broken left forearm.
Analysis: The Bills had an all-around rough day in New England and continue to lose important players due to injury. At this point, they are a very poor Fantasy option for Week 4 vs. the N.Y. Jets. DiGiorgio is an intriguing option in deeper IDP leagues after recording 12 tackles in Week 3. He'll need to pick up some of the slack left by Posluszny. Aaron Schobel is also useful in IDP formats, but McCargo isn't quite there despite the recovery.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Bills, who rank 27th in passing yards allowed at 267.5 yards per game, somehow have to find a way to contain New England's new trio of productive receivers. Newcomers Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth have combined for 34 catches for 478 yards and four TDs through two games playing with QB Tom Brady, the NFL's top-rated passer.
Analysis: Brady is 11-1 all-time against the Bills with 21 TD passes and 10 interceptions. "It doesn't surprise me," said Bills CB Terrence McGee, who will be in the spotlight a lot on Sunday. "That's been all the talk ever since free agency, how explosive that offense would be, and they've showed it the first two weeks. It's a great receiving corps and you've got Tom Brady throwing the ball. You've got to come with your 'A' game." McGee is questionable for Sunday's game, and if he is not in there, the Bills secondary will be in even more trouble. It is probably best to keep the Bills DST reserved in all Fantasy leagues for Week 3.
News: Bills cornerback Terrence McGee is questionable for Sunday's game at New England because of a rib injury. McGee had limited practice Friday after missing practice the past two days. He was injured in the fourth quarter of Buffalo's loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday. If McGee can't play, he'll likely be replaced by Jabari Greer, who'll get the start against a potent Patriots offense that boasts Tom Brady, the league's top-ranked quarterback, and receiver Randy Moss.
Analysis: McGee is the Bills' best defensive back; without him, they'd be in enormous trouble against the high-flying Patriots. Do not start the Bills DST under any circumstance this week.
News: The Bills DST may have racked up a sack and an interception, but they were thoroughly dominated by the Steelers in Week 2. Moreover, CB Ashton Youboty left the game with an injury, making him the second cornerback to get hurt in as many weeks for the Bills.
Analysis: The Bills DST should be on the waiver wire at this point. Don't use them at New England in Week 3.
News: The Buffalo Bills placed starting CB Jason Webster on injured reserve Thursday. Webster broke his forearm in the second half of Buffalo's 15-14 Week 1 loss to Denver. It's not clear how he was hurt, but it's the latest blow to an already injury-depleted defense as the team prepares to play at Pittsburgh in Week 2. The Bills also signed LB Leon Joe, a three-year NFL veteran who was waived by Tampa on Sept. 2.
Analysis: Webster was brought in to fill Nate Clements' shoes, but has a history of being injury-prone and will miss the rest of the 2007 season. Needless to say, his Fantasy value is now a big, fat zero. The Bills DST was already a No. 3 option and things just keep getting worse.
News: The Bills signed safety Bryan Scott and defensive end Copeland Bryan on Wednesday to help a defense hit by injuries. A day after placing starting free safety Ko Simpson on injured reserve because of a fractured ankle, Buffalo bolstered its secondary with the addition of Scott, who spent the past four seasons in Atlanta and New Orleans. Buffalo signed Bryan off the Bears practice squad, where he played after Tennessee released him before the 2006 season. Including Simpson, the Bills are down six defensive players. Starting CB Jason Webster (broken forearm) and LB Coy Wire (sprained knee) are out indefinitely. Keith Ellison (high ankle sprain), who Wire replaced in the starting lineup, is already out at for at least one more month, and backup DE Ryan Denney (broken foot) won't return until after the bye week at the earliest. DE Anthony Hargrove, meanwhile, will miss his second game when the Bills play at Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Analysis: The Bills defense is too beaten up to be considered reliable on a week-to-week Fantasy basis. They'll accumulate a handful of sacks each week, but they're expected to give up plenty of points while they're hurting. Don't start them in Week 2 play at Pittsburgh.
News: The Buffalo Bills announced that cornerback Jason Webster (broken forearm) and free safety Ko Simpson (broken ankle) had surgery. Buffalo head coach Dick Jauron said both might miss the rest of the season. Coy Wire has a sprained knee and is out indefinitely.
Analysis: The Bills really were banged up in their Week 1 loss against the Denver Broncos, including the terrible injury to TE Kevin Everett. You might want to avoid using the Bills DST until they are able to get a little more healthy. They play at Pittsburgh in Week 2 against a team which throttled the Browns 34-7 in their opener on the road.
News: The Broncos managed to rack up 470 total yards of offense Week 1 against the Bills defense. They scored just 15 points while rushing for 171 yards and passing for 299 yards. The Bills defense did intercept one pass (Jim Leonhard) and sack QB Jay Cutler once (John McCargo).
Analysis: The Bills defense did manage to tighten up plenty in or around the red zone Sunday, but they still managed to let the Broncos offense run all over them. The Bills finished the game without free safety Ko Simpson (left ankle), linebacker Coy Wire (knee) and cornerback Jason Webster (arm) was hurt in the fourth quarter. They were already down a handful of players on defense. The Bills need to get healthy before recommending them for Fantasy play. Consider them a No. 2 DST at best heading into Week 2 against the Steelers.
News: The Bills DST will face a solid Denver offense in Week 1 and their main task will be to stop former teammate Travis Henry, who will be looking to put up big numbers against his old team.
Analysis: The loss of CB Nate Clements will certainly hurt the Bills this season, and they also will have to overcome a questionable LB corps that features stud rookie Paul Posluszny out of Penn State, former safety Coy Wire, who will be making his first start at LB this week in place of the injured Keith Ellison, and third-year starter Angelo Crowell. The Bills were 28th against the run last season as they allowed an average of 140.9 yards a game on the ground, and are certainly not an advisable start this week.
News: Bills LB Keith Ellison is out indefinitely with a sprained ankle, and Coy Wire will replace him when Buffalo opens the season against Denver next Sunday. "It's not good. It's going to be a while," coach Dick Jauron said Sunday. Ellison was hurt in the second quarter of Buffalo's preseason finale, a 16-13 win at Detroit Thursday. He did not attend practice Sunday, but was spotted walking on crutches and wearing a protective boot on his right foot in the locker room afterward. The Bills were counting on the second-year player to take over the weak side spot in a revamped linebacking corps that lost two veterans starters - Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher. Ellison, Buffalo's sixth-round pick, started seven games last season.
Analysis: Wire is a sixth-year veteran who has experience playing both safety and linebacker, as well as being a key member of Buffalo's special teams unit. Keep Ellison reserved in all IDP leagues. Wire is worth keeping an eye on but should not be drafted at this time.
News: Breathe easy Titans fans, Vince Young found his shake-and-bake groove Friday. His passing game didn't look bad, either. Playing only the first half, Young went 13-of-19 for 162 yards passing and a touchdown, and also scored a TD rushing in a 28-17 preseason victory over the Buffalo Bills. It was a much-needed performance from Young and a starting offense that had failed to produce a score in eight possessions in a 27-24 win in sloppy and wet conditions at New England last week. The Bills' young defense unraveled, allowing 218 yards in the first half and 393 overall. Buffalo also lost starting cornerback Terrence McGee, who had a concussion in the first quarter. Head coach Dick Jauron said McGee will miss Buffalo's preseason finale.
Analysis: The Bills lost Nate Clements in the offseason to free agency and are hoping that McGee will be able to fill his shoes. Now they are hoping he is ready for the start of the season. The Bills have some rising playmakers on defense, particularly Aaron Schobel and Paul Posluszny, but are still not an elite unit. Consider them a sleeper DST unit in 2007 Fantasy play.
News: The Buffalo Bills' defensive end depth has taken another big hit. Ryan Denney suffered a broken left foot Friday night. Denney was hurt while covering the opening kickoff during the Bills' 13-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and had to be carted off the field. Bills head coach Dick Jauron is not sure if the injury is season ending but said, "At the very least he'll miss a substantial amount of time here." Denney is the third defensive end on the depth chart behind Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay. His injury becomes more magnified in light of Anthony Hargrove's four-game suspension at the start of the regular season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Analysis: The only other defensive ends on the Bills roster are Eric Powell, rookie seventh-round draft pick C.J. Ah You and rookie free agent Ryan Neill. Powell made the team last season but was inactive every game. Jauron hasn't ruled out the possibility of looking for help outside the organization. "There will be some decisions we'll have to make there," he said. "It's really unfortunate for him and for us. We definitely need to keep looking. It really hit us in a bad spot, clearly." It is the Bills' secondary that is expected to be a weak link for a big part of 2007, but now the defensive line has to join the mix. Consider them a sleeper DST unit in 2007 Fantasy play.
News:The Sports Xchange reports that Bills CB Jason Webster is now playing left corner with Terrence McGee shifting to right, the old spot held by the departed Nate Clements. The Bills are curious to find what side each is most comfortable at and to also develop interchangeable parts. Also, SS Donte Whitner is playing on the slot receiver in the club's nickel package. The coaches like his physical style at the point of attack, but continue to experiment.
Analysis: It is the Bills' secondary that is expected to be a weak link for a big part of 2007. Up front, the Bills' talent and depth is great along the line and improving at linebacker. Consider them a sleeper DST unit in 2007 Fantasy play.
News: Linebacker Paul Posluszny signed a four-year deal with Buffalo potentially worth over $5 million on Wednesday, a day before the start of Bills training camp. The two-time All-American agreed to a deal that includes $2.55 million in guaranteed money and is worth $4.75 million overall. It also includes $325,000 in incentive clauses. Posluszny, the 34th pick overall, set a Penn State record with 372 career tackles in 44 games. In each of his last two seasons, he had 116 tackles and won the Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player. He also won the Dick Butkus Award -- awarded to the nation's top linebacker -- in 2005. To make room, the Bills cut cornerback Duane Coleman.
Analysis: Posluszny has an opportunity to become an immediate starter among the young Bills linebackers after Buffalo lost starter London Fletcher to free agency and traded Spikes. The Bills may be deep up front but they're young and full of potential otherwise, making them a sleeper DST unit in 2007 Fantasy play.
News: With contract talks progressing slowly, veteran defensive tackle Darwin Walker is prepared to face a fine for missing the start of the Buffalo Bills' mandatory minicamp Monday. Walker brought his football gear with him to attend a wedding in Chicago this weekend, Irby said, but his client has not made plans to travel to Buffalo for the start of the three-day camp. It's the Bills' only mandatory session and their last series of practices before the start of training camp in late July. "We're moving at a snail's pace," Walker's agent, Albert Irby, told The Associated Press on Sunday. "We ain't that close. I don't know if we're going to get anything done today."
Analysis: Should Walker not report, he stands to face a fine because he has two years left under his current contract. Walker is holding out to negotiate a contract extension, a condition he agreed to with Buffalo when the Bills acquired him in March as part of a deal that sent linebacker Takeo Spikes to Philadelphia. Walker is part of the Bills' deep and talented defensive line, so his presence is big (literally!) for the team. The Bills may be deep up front but they're young and full of potential otherwise, making them a sleeper DST unit in 2007 Fantasy play.
News: The Buffalo Bills have retained restricted free agent defensive linemen Tim Anderson and Anthony Hargrove. Both players accepted Buffalo's tender offers on Tuesday for the upcoming season. Anderson, the Bills' third-round pick in the 2004 draft, has been a part-time starter at defensive tackle over the past two seasons. He finished with 38 tackles in 15 games last year, but was surpassed on the team's depth chart by the emergence of rookie Kyle Williams. Hargrove, acquired in a trade with St. Louis in October, is a three-year NFL veteran who finished with 25 tackles and a sack in 10 games with Buffalo. The defensive end's best game came when he had six tackles in Buffalo's season-finale against Baltimore.
Analysis: These guys will provide solid depth to the Bills' defensive line, one of the deepest groups of linemen on an NFL team. It includes Darwin Walker, Larry Tripplett, Kyle Williams, John McCargo, and of course DEs Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay. The Bills have some questions after losing Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher already this offseason, not to mention the departure of CB Nate Clements. The Bills may be deep up front but they're young and full of potential otherwise, making them a sleeper DST unit in 2007 Fantasy play.
News: The Eagles acquired Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes and quarterback Kelly Holcomb from the Bills on Monday night for defensive tackle Darwin Walker and a conditional draft pick in 2008. A nine-year NFL veteran, Spikes was slow recovering last year from a right Achilles' tendon tear he suffered in Week 3 of the 2005 season. Walker started 15 games and was tied for second on the Eagles with six sacks, and had 56 tackles. Three of his sacks came Oct. 8 against Dallas, and he tied an Eagles postseason record with two sacks in a loss at New Orleans.
Analysis: With the addition of Walker, the Bills bolster what had been an inexperienced defensive tackle position last season. In fact, they might have the deepest defensive line in the NFL with Walker, Larry Tripplett, Kyle Williams, John McCargo, and of course DEs Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay. At linebacker, the Bills have some questions after losing Spikes and London Fletcher already this offseason, not to mention the departure of CB Nate Clements. The Bills may be deep up front but they're young and full of potential otherwise, making them a sleeper DST unit in 2007 Fantasy play.
News: The Buffalo News reports that a Bills source says the club is close to a trade that would send LB Takeo Spikes to an unnamed team in exchange for a draft pick, with the specifics also not known. Spikes is entering the last year of his contract and likely would have to have a new deal in place before moving on to a new team. Moving out the 30-year-old linebacker would save the Bills nearly $3 million against the salary cap. In 2006, Spikes made it in to 12 games, registering 43 solo tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and three passes defensed. A trade of Spikes would likely mean a starting job for LB Keith Ellison.
Analysis: Spikes is a solid outside linebacker who could fill a spot with several teams in the league. Assuming he moves into a starting role, he'd be a decent No. 3 Fantasy linebacker. He hasn't topped 80 solo tackles in four seasons and has had some major injuries over the last two years.
News: The Buffalo News reports that the Bills are trying to find a trade partner for LB Takeo Spikes. Moving out the 30-year-old linebacker would save the Bills nearly $3 million against the salary cap. In 2006, Spikes made it in to 12 games, registering 43 solo tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and three passes defensed.
Analysis: Spikes is a solid outside linebacker who could fill a spot with several teams in the league. At the rate the Bills are going, they will be very young defensively, especially past the D-line. They're still a sleeper DST unit for 2007, but if they don't arrange to have some talent on board, they'll slip into "untouchable" waters.
News: The Bills released two veterans, including guard Chris Villarrial, and re-signed reserve cornerback Jabari Greer to a two-year contract on Thursday. The Bills also released veteran safety Matt Bowen, who failed to make an impact a year after the team signed him as a free agent and had one year left on his contract. Bowen appeared in only five games last season, hampered mostly by a broken bone in his lower right leg, which he hurt in training camp. The Bills did bolster their depth at cornerback, signing Greer to a contract that will pay him more than $1 million this season, including guaranteed bonus money. The Bills could have retained Greer's rights by offering him a one-year tender. In another move, the Bills signed quarterback Kevin Eakin, and assigned him to play in NFL Europe.
Analysis: None of the players above are expected to make an impact in Fantasy Football next year. The Bills DST will be strong up front but will miss CB Nate Clements in their backfield. They remain a sleeper DST unit for '07.
News: Defensive end Chris Kelsay signed a four-year contract with the Bills, avoiding the uncertainty of becoming an unrestricted free agent. A second-round draft pick in 2003 out of Nebraska, Kelsay emerged as one of the Bills' top defensive linemen last season. Starting all 16 games for the second straight year, he had career highs in tackles (88) and sacks (5.5), finishing third on the team in sacks and sixth in tackles. "Relieved, excited, it's just kind of an overwhelming feeling right now because Buffalo really exceeded my expectations and really did their part to get me back here," Kelsay said. "The stress that comes along with free agency and not knowing what lies ahead ... that's all over and done with. It's a huge sigh of relief."
Analysis: Kelsay will help the Bills stay strong up front, although they are likely to lose LB London Fletcher-Baker and CB Nate Clements in free agency. The Bills defense surprised a lot of people in 2006, but will definitely take a hit if they lose some of their defensive studs. Consider them a sleeper unit at this time.
News: Cornerback Nate Clements, a key to the Bills' defense, plans to test free agency next month. His agent, Todd France, told The Associated Press on Thursday it's in his client's best interest to pursue free agency once the period opens March 2. France added that Clements is open to re-signing with the Bills if the team makes a competitive offer. Clements' loss would be a blow to a unit that also risks losing starting middle linebacker London Fletcher-Baker to free agency.
Analysis: The Bills defense surprised a lot of people in 2006, but will definitely take a hit if they lose Clements and Fletcher-Baker. Consider them a sleeper unit at this time, moving them up to a low-end No. 1 DST if they keep their free agents.
News: The Bills defense yielded 327 yards and 19 points to the Ravens in a Week 17 loss. They didn't do much else outside of an interception by LB London Fletcher-Baker, who also had eight tackles.
Analysis: The Bills will be viewed as a No. 2 Fantasy DST heading into next season. Fletcher-Baker will be a high-end Fantasy LB on Draft Day 2007.
News: The Bills defense mustered up just one sack of Vince Young in Week 16 vs. the Titans. That's all they did in the game.
Analysis: Don't consider the Bills defense at Baltimore in Week 17 unless the Ravens end up having nothing to play for and use only their backups in the game.
News: The Bills gave up 30 points and 396 total yards in a Week 16 loss to the Titans. They forced no turnovers, but DL Aaron Schobel did pick up his 14th sack of the season. DB Donte Whitner led all tacklers with 14.
Analysis: Consider the Bills DST a No. 2 Fantasy option for Week 17 against the Ravens. Schobel remains a solid Fantasy DL and will likely be a high-round pick in IDP leagues next season. Whitner will probably also be drafted in 2007.
News: The Bills DST shutout the Dolphins 21-0 with one sack and two interceptions. LB London Fletcher-Baker had 10 tackles. LB Keith Ellison had eight tackles and an interception. LB Takeo Spikes had six tackles. DB Nate Clements had an interception. DL Aaron Schobel had three tackles and a sack. DB Terrence McGee had six tackles. DB Donte Whitner had seven tackles. DL Chris Kelsay had three tackles.
Analysis: Consider the Bills DST a low-end No. 1 option for Week 16 against Tennessee and use all regular IDP players as needed.
News: The Buffalo Bills DST allowed 13 points and 277 total net yards in Week 14 at N.Y. Jets. They also had three sacks and one fumble recovery. They also got a touchdown from Nate Clements on a 58-yard interception return.
Analysis: The Bills defense is still not a recommended Fantasy option in most leagues for Week 15 against the Dolphins despite the score.
News: The Buffalo Bills announced LB John DiGiorgio (ankle), CB Terrence McGee (ankle), LB Roy Manning, TE Matt Murphy, QB Craig Nall and FS Donte Whitner (hamstring) are inactive for Week 14 at N.Y. Jets.
Analysis: McGee and Whitner have some value in IDP Fantasy leagues for Week 15 against the Dolphins if they are healthy.
News: Bills starting strong safety Donte Whitner missed his second day of practice Friday because of a hamstring injury and remains questionable for Week 14 against the Jets. Teammate Terrence McGee (ankle), meanwhile, was back at practice on Friday. Coach Dick Jauron called them both gametime decisions for the game.
Analysis: The Bills defense is not a startable Fantasy unit at this point anyway. Use them only out of desperation in Week 14 at the Jets.
News: Bills starting linebacker Angelo Crowell is expected to miss the rest of the season because of a broken left leg. Crowell was hurt Sunday during a 24-21 loss to San Diego. Bills coach Dick Jauron announced the injury Monday, saying the team is planning to place Crowell on season-ending injured reserve. Also, starting cornerback Terrence McGee's status is uncertain for Buffalo's game at the New York Jets on Sunday. McGee twisted his left ankle while returning a kickoff against the Chargers.
Analysis: The Bills defense will be hurting without those players, and the Jets offense has been pretty good of late. Don't start the Bills in Week 14 Fantasy play.
News: The Bills DST recovered one fumble and had two sacks against San Diego. DL Chris Kelsay had three tackles and recovered a fumble. DB Nate Clements had seven tackles. DL Aaron Schobel had four tackles and a sack. DL Ryan Denney had three tackles and a sack. LB Takeo Spikes had nine tackles. LB London Fletcher-Baker had seven tackles. DB Donte Whitner had seven tackles.
Analysis: Consider the Bills a No. 2 DST option for Week 14 against the Jets. Use all IDP players as needed.
News: The Bills yielded 323 yards and 24 points to the Jaguars in a Week 12 win. The Bills were able to force one turnover and get three sacks on QB David Garrard. DL Larry Tripplett had 1 1/2 sacks, DL Anthony Hargrove had one sack and DL Aaron Schobel came up with 1/2 sack.
Analysis: The Bills defense had a fairly decent day against the Jaguars, but will have a much tougher task ahead in Week 13. The Chargers come to town and it is recommended you use another DST for Fantasy purposes. Schobel is the only player worth using for Week 13 in IDP leagues.
News: The Bills defense allowed 21 points and 397 total yards in Week 11 against the Texans. DL Larry Tripplett and DL Aaron Schobel picked up sacks for the Bills, while DB Nate Clements had an interception and a fumble recovery. LB London Fletcher-Baker led all tacklers with 10.
Analysis: Consider the Bills DST a No. 2 Fantasy option in Week 12 against the Jaguars. Schobel, Clements and Fletcher-Baker are all solid Fantasy IDP options.
News: The Bills DST held the Colts to 17 points. LB Angelo Crowell had 13 tackles and forced a fumble. LB London Fletcher-Baker had 14 tackles. DL Aaron Schobel had two tackles and forced a fumble. DB Terrence McGee had six tackles and recovered a fumble. He also had four kickoff returns for an average of 36.8 yards and a long of 88. DL Chris Kelsay had three tackles. LB Takeo Spikes had nine tackles. DB Nate Clements had five tackles. DB Donte Whitner had four tackles.
Analysis: Consider the Bills DST a good sleeper for Week 11 against Houston and use all regular IDP players.
News: The Bills defense held the Packers to 10 points, scoring a defensive touchdown and racking up two interceptions and a pair of sacks in Week 9.
Analysis: Buffalo's defense heads to Indianapolis in Week 10, so start them only if you have a death wish.
News: Bills strong safety Matt Bowen could see his first action of the season when Buffalo hosts Green Bay on Sunday. Bowen hasn't played since breaking a bone in his lower right leg in the Bills' first preseason game against Carolina nearly three months ago. This week was the first time this season that he was not listed on the team's injury report and he participated in all practices. "He's getting healthier every week," coach Dick Jauron said Friday. "He had a fairly normal week of practice." Jauron also said that injured defensive end Ryan Denney (hamstring) should be available to play against the Packers. Special teams standout Sam Aiken (hamstring) will be a game-time decision.
Analysis: The Bills defense hasn't been very reliable this season, and the Packers offense has been rejuvenated of late. Don't expect Bowen's return to help the Bills defense -- sit them in Week 9.
News: The Bills DST gave up 28 points against the Patriots with four sacks. London Fletcher-Baker had nine tackles and a sack. DL Chris Kelsay had five tackles and a sack. And DL Aaron Schobel had five tackles and two sacks.
Analysis: The Bills have a bye in Week 8 but consider the DST a good option in Week 9 against Green Bay. All these players should be started in IDP leagues.
News: After allowing 132 yards rushing and 4.9 yards per carry against what had been the worst rushing team in the NFL, the Bills defense is back to square one with the Tampa 2 scheme coach Dick Jauron adopted this season. An inability to make opposing offenses one-dimensional the past two weeks has resulted in bad Buffalo losses and a 2-4 record heading into Sunday's home rematch with the AFC East-leading Patriots. It all starts with stopping the run; Buffalo ranked 29th last season, and after a promising first month this year is starting to slip fast. Jauron said he still likes his players and feels the talent is good enough to play the scheme, but clearly, the Bills have a lot to work on. "You have to fit the counters in all of your coverages, and we didn't," he said. "We missed our 'fits,' and we missed tackles, too. ... We made our share of mistakes and they made their share of plays, but our mistakes are something we've got to clear up."
Analysis: Using the Buffalo defense in Week 7 vs. New England is not advised since the Patriots' run game has been solid and their pass game is improved as well. Sit or cut the Bills defense.
News: The St. Louis Rams traded DE Anthony Hargrove to the Buffalo Bills on Monday for a fifth-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Analysis: Hargrove lost his starting job with the Rams after skipping two days of practice and meetings earlier this season. He is not worth using in IDP leagues. His loss does not affect the value of the Rams DST, nor does it increase the appeal of the Bills DST.
News: The Buffalo Bills traded a fifth-round pick to the Rams in exchange for DE Anthony Hargrove. Hargrove was a potential starter for the Rams but fell out of favor and even was missing from the team for a short spell.
Analysis: This will boost the Bills' depth along the defensive line, but that's about it. Continue to consider Buffalo's defense a lukewarm option in Fantasy play. They are not a recommended option against the Patriots in Week 7.
News: The Buffalo Bills defense had a tough time in Week 6 stopping the Lions offense giving up 397 total yards and 20 points. The Bills were able to come up with three sacks and one interception, but it just wasn't enough as the Lions won 20-17. DB Donte Whitner led everyone with eight tackles, while London Fletcher-Baker, Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay all had sacks. Ko Simpson got the team's lone interception.
Analysis: The Bills defense played better in Week 6 than they did in Week 5 as the Bears ripped dropped 40 points on them. Still, the Bills DST is at best a bye-week replacement heading into Week 7, where they play the Patriots. Whitner and Fletcher-Baker are decent Fantasy IDP options on a weekly basis, while Schobel and Kelsay should be used more in bye-week replacement situations.
News: Bills starting cornerback Nate Clements missed practice Wednesday because of a sore right quadriceps, and it's uncertain whether he'll play against Detroit this weekend. Coach Dick Jauron hopes Clements will be able to practice by Friday and ready to play Sunday. The defense is further banged up with rookie tackle John McCargo out indefinitely after surgery Monday to repair a broken left foot. Linebacker Takeo Spikes, who's missed four straight games with a hamstring injury, practiced fully, but is still listed as questionable.
Analysis: The Bills DST should be considered as a low-end bye-week replacement as they play at Detroit in Week 6.
News: The Bills defense took one hit and may take another as rookie defensive tackle John McCargo is out indefinitely after surgery Monday to repair a broken left foot and starting cornerback Nate Clements hurt his right leg and left wrist against Chicago. Jauron said Clements is sore and the team won't know until Thursday whether he'll be able to play this weekend, but there is no timetable for McCargo's return.
Analysis: On the plus side, LB Takeo Spikes said he's feeling better and may play at Detroit in Week 6. Consider the Bills defense a fair bye-week replacement option in deeper leagues.
News: The Buffalo defense had a pair of sacks with a fumble recovery while allowing the Bears to score 40 points in Week 5 at Chicago.
Analysis: Buffalo had numerous chances to pick off Rex Grossman in the game but dropped several tipped passes. They play at Detroit in Week 6, and that could be good for owners who get lots of points for takeaways.
News: Rookie defenders Donte Whitner, Ko Simpson, Keith Ellison, John McCargo and Kyle Williams continue to log huge amounts of playing time. Each win seems like a bonus with that many young players in the lineup. Playing against the unbeaten Bears in Soldier Field will be the Kiddie Corps' biggest test yet. "We think they are playing well and it's a credit to them and a credit to the defensive staff that got them ready to play," Bills coach Dick Jauron said. "They will make mistakes. They can overcome it sometimes with their enthusiasm because they love to play. It's fun, but it's nerve wracking."
Analysis: Through four games the Bills have the 12th best overall defense in the league allowing 296 yards per game. They will certainly get a huge test in Week 5 against a resurgent Bears offense, and if they prove they can handle it, they could be finally heading in the right direction. The Bills DST is a high-end No. 2 Fantasy start for Week 5.
News: Buffalo allowed just 12 points in Week 4 vs. Minnesota. They gave up 330 yards of total offense, but forced two turnovers in the game.
Analysis: The Bills weren't able to get to the quarterback often in the game, but were still very effective. In leagues where yards against are penalized, they weren't as good as you would have liked, but were still good enough to be useful as a bye-week replacement. They'll face the Bears in Week 5 on the road -- a tougher matchup than first expected.
News: Bills LB Takeo Spikes did not practice on Friday because of a lingering right hamstring injury and will likely miss Buffalo's game against Minnesota on Sunday. Coach Dick Jauron said after Friday's practice that Spikes is on "the downside of 50-50," but added the player will be a gametime decision. Spikes, who remains questionable on the official injury report, had practiced fully on Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out Friday. "It didn't feel as good as we had hoped after yesterday's practice, so we decided to hold him out," Jauron said. "We're going to be cautious until we can see him run and burst." Spikes, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has missed the last two games and most of a third because of the injury. He was hurt in the first quarter of a 19-17 opening loss at New England on Sept. 10.
Analysis: We are all aware of the defensive presence Spikes brings to the game when he is healthy. We saw it when he was with the Bengals, but injuries have plagued him the last two years in Buffalo and his stats haven't been the same since leaving Cincinnati. It looks as though players in IDP leagues should reserve Spikes for yet another week. Players that own the Bills DST might want to be on the cautious side when using the them in Week 4. Spikes is a formidable run-stuffer and the Vikings love to run the football at the opposition.
News: After notching seven sacks against Miami's Daunte Culpepper, Buffalo's defense could manage only one on Chad Pennington, whose three-step drops and quick decisions neutralized the Bills' speed. "He did a great job getting rid of the ball," DT Larry Tripplett said. "He really didn't give us a chance to get a pass rush against him."
Analysis: The Bills will face a Minnesota offense that has an immobile QB in Brad Johnson but one of the best O-lines in the NFL. Consider them at best a bye-week replacement option in Week 4.
News: The Bills allowed 28 points in Week 3 vs. the N.Y. Jets. They gave up 256 yards of offense and did not force a single turnover in a 28-20 loss to the Jets.
Analysis: The Bills defense is usually considered a decent bye-week replacement option, but we don't recommend trotting them out there on a weekly basis.
News: Bills LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring) was listed among the inactives for Week 3 vs. the Jets.
Analysis: Even without Spikes, consider the Bills defense a fair bye-week replacement for the Chargers or Cowboys defenses in Week 3 if you need a last-minute squad.
9/20/2006
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Bills getting Spikes back?
News: Bills LB Takeo Spikes returned to practice Wednesday and expects to play in Buffalo's home opener against the Jets this weekend. Coach Dick Jauron cautioned that Spikes, nursing a pulled right hamstring, is progressing, but he did not take part in full team drills and is still listed as questionable. Spikes' return would be a big boost for a young defensive unit that, despite starting three rookies, produced a dominating performance with seven sacks and an interception as they held the Dolphins scoreless until the final two minutes of the game. "That's a great sense of confidence," Spikes said. "We took a major step last week. Nobody gave us a chance to win. We believed in ourselves. Not only did we win but we did a lot of good things."
Analysis: Spikes will improve Buffalo's young defense, and his presence will definitely help shut down the run (not that the Jets have an imposing run offense to begin with). Consider the Bills defense a fair bye-week replacement for the Chargers or Cowboys defenses in Week 3.
9/18/2006
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Bills DST shines vs. Dolphins
News: The Bills DST held the Dolphins to six points and got an interception and a sack from Angelo Crowell, three sacks from Ryan Denney and a sack each by Chrus Kelsay and Ko Simpson.
Analysis: It was a great day for the Bills, who were close to a shutout before the Dolphins scored with less than two-minutes remaining. Buffalo's DST is a good option for Week 3 against the Jets if your team is on a bye.
9/14/2006
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Bills DST hurting
News: Bills LB Takeo Spikes missed his second day of practice Thursday with a pulled right hamstring, leaving his status in doubt for Buffalo's game at Miami this weekend. Spikes remains listed as questionable on the Bills injury report, but coach Dick Jauron held out hope he would be able to play and said after Thursday's practice it will likely be a game-time decision. Spikes has said he intends to play, and that he doesn't believe the injury will force him out of the lineup for long.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Spikes as the week goes on. His loss would hurt the Bills DST and help all of Miami's offensive players.
9/13/2006
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Bills' rookies playing hard
News: According to the Buffalo News, the Buffalo Bills used a bevy of rookies in Sunday's disheartening loss to the New England Patriots. Safeties Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson, defensive tackles John McCargo and Kyle Williams and outside linebacker Keith Ellison all played for a significant amount of time in Week 1. "I think we showed that this rookie class has a lot of talent," Whitner said in the report. Ellison had nine tackles in the game and was the third-leading tackler on the team. Whitner not only recorded his first NFL interception, he alos had eight tackles. Simpson had seven tackles, Williams had six and McCargo had one.
Analysis: It has to be good news for first-year Buffalo head coach Dick Jauron that his rookie defensive class is ahead of the learning curve and being able to hang with the Patriots has to be uplifting. However, rookies are still that and will have some bumps along the way. The loss of S Troy Vincent will not be easy for the Bills, so be cautious with starting a DST that has a lot of rookies in the rotation. Miami QB Daunte Culpepper will be salivating on Sunday seeing that many rookies across the field. Be cautious with starting the Bills' D in Week 2.
9/13/2006
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Bills' defenders to get looked at
News: LB Takeo Spikes, playing his first game since tearing his Achilles tendon last September 25, caused a sack/forced fumble on the game's very first play, resulting in a TD. But he lasted just a few more players, tweaking a hamstring. Spikes said he expects to play Sunday at Miami. FS Troy Vincent also injured a hamstring. His status is undetermined. Coach Dick Jauron said on Monday that both players' conditions would be updated on Wednesday.
Analysis: The Bills defense needs Spikes and Vincent to be successful. They are a risky start this week against the Dolphins, but don't consider using them if Spikes and Vincent can't play.
9/11/2006
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Spikes, Vincent expect to play
News: LB Takeo Spikes doesn't expect to miss any time after leaving Sunday's game against the Patriots with a hamstring injury. DB Troy Vincent also left the game after reinjuring his left hamstring on the same series Spikes was hurt. The same injury slowed Vincent for a short time in training camp. Vincent is hopeful he'll be able to practice this week. Also, DB Matt Bowen did not play due to his injured leg. Coy Wire started in his place.
Analysis: The Bills defense needs Spikes and Vincent to be successful. They are a risky start this week against the Dolphins, but don't consider using them if Spikes and Vincent can't play.
9/10/2006
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Bills defense scores
News: The Bills DST scored a TD against the Patriots when LB London Fletcher-Baker recovered a Tom Brady fumble in the end zone in the first quarter. The Bills also got sacks from DE Chris Kelsay, DE Aaron Schobel and LB Takeo Spikes. DB Donte Whitner also had an interception.
Analysis: The Bills DST still gave up 17 points to the Patriots offense. The Dolphins should also be able to score against the Bills next week, so keep the Buffalo DST reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
9/7/2006
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Bills defense excited
News: Bills LB Takeo Spikes said he is ready to play a full game despite playing just a dozen plays in the preseason. "There's a lot of excitement," Spikes told The Buffalo News. "We're ready to go out and do what we need to do as a team. Yesterday was our day off but we had a lot of guys come in and not only watch film but work on little things to help themselves out." The Bills also essentially could have some co-starters at several positions for the opener. The team's depth chart lists rookie fifth-round pick Kyle Williams ahead of third-year man Tim Anderson at defensive tackle. Williams has adapted quickly to the upfield attacking style required in the Bills' new defensive scheme. At strong safety, rookie first-round pick Donte Whitner is the No. 1 player, but he could share time early on with veteran reserve Coy Wire. "We're really not ready to say that Coy is the starter, but we like Coy," said Jauron. "He has the most experience of those guys and we're trying to bring Donte along. Whoever starts, Donte is going to play. If he doesn't start he's going to play a great deal in the game. Coy is coming back from an injury so whoever is out there is going to need a blow at some time or another." Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney remain neck and neck in competition at left defensive end, although Kelsay is listed as the starter. The Bills listed just one player on their injury report. Backup strong safety Matt Bowen is questionable with a sore lower leg and did not practice.
Analysis: The Bills defense is not a recommended start in Week 1 against the Patriots.
9/7/2006
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Schobel ready to go
News: DL Aaron Schobel is ready for the season. He has never missed a game (80 overall) in his career and has 75 starts. In that span, he has totaled 46.5 sacks, already placing him fourth on Buffalo's all-time list, just six behind linebacker Cornelius Bennett. Schobel and all-time sack leader Bruce Smith (171), who did it on 12 occasions, are the only players in Bills history with multiple double-digit sack years. Schobel had 11.5 in 2003 and a career-best 12.0 last season. His goal for 2006? Double-digits for sacks and — most importantly — wins. The Bills last won at least 10 games in 1999. "I'd like to improve on the year before, for sure, but just to play fast and play hard and all of that other stuff takes care of itself," Schobel told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. "It's a long season. If you don't get a sack in a game, I can't worry about it. You can get two or three in a game and be right back on track. My thing is to stay focused and stay steady."
Analysis: Schobel and the Bills defense are a bad option this week against Tom Brady and the Patriots.
8/28/2006
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Bills make cuts early
News: The Bills' coaching staff released CB James Bethea, DE Josh Cooper, WR Chris Denney, QB Kliff Kingsbury, S Rob Lee, WR Martin Nance and K Nick Setta Monday.
Analysis: The cutdown deadline was Tuesday, but the Bills are go-getters apparently. None of these players should even be close to your cheatsheets. Expect a couple of these to be re-signed to the practice squad. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
8/27/2006
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Bills glad to have Spikes back
News: Buffalo Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes has a message for anyone who may have doubted his determination. "I'm back," Spikes said Saturday after Buffalo's 20-17 preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns. It was the two-time Pro-Bowler's first game appearance since shredding his right Achilles' tendon in the third week of the 2005 season. One tackle against the Browns helped erase months of frustration. On the game's first play, Cleveland running back Reuben Droughns was stuffed by Spikes off right tackle after gaining a mere 2 yards. Spikes jumped up and pumped his fist before teammates swarmed him.
Analysis: Spikes should be a fierce competitor and a definite catalyst for the defense. Barring any setbacks, he should be ready for the regular season. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
8/26/2006
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LB Spikes makes preseason debut
News: LB Takeo Spikes, who played his first game in 11 months since tearing his right Achilles' tendon. The two-time Pro Bowl linebacker played in two series oand had one tackle, when he stopped Reuben Droughns for 2 yards on the Browns' first play. "I was very anxious, very nervous and I felt like a little kid in a candy store who got his first taste of sugar," Spikes said. "I'm glad to be home."
Analysis: Spikes should be a fierce competitor and a definite catalyst for the defense. Barring any setbacks, he should be ready for the regular season. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
8/26/2006
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Bills D to get their Spikes back
News: Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes will start against Cleveland on Saturday, his first game since injuring his right Achilles' tendon 11 months ago.
Analysis: Spikes should be a fierce competitor and a definite catalyst for the defense. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
8/25/2006
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LB Spikes is a game-time decision
News: BuffaloBills.com reports LB Takeo Spikes (Achilles') remains a gametime decision for Saturday's preseason game against the Browns.
Analysis: Spikes should be a fierce competitor and a definite catalyst for the defense. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
8/22/2006
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Spikes coming back this weekend?
News: BuffaloBills.com reports that LB Takeo Spikes (Achilles') could play in the team's third preseason game vs. Cleveland. "I think he's probably ready, but we're going to address it as we get closer," said head coach Dick Jauron. "Physically he's probably ready." Spikes has been getting more reps in practice and has built up quite a bit of confidence.
Analysis: Spikes should be a fierce competitor and a definite catalyst for the defense. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
8/19/2006
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LB Spikes inactive on Friday
News: LB Takeo Spikes (Achilles') was inactive for Friday's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, his former team.
Analysis: Spikes should be a fierce competitor and a definite catalyst for the defense. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
8/14/2006
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Bills DST gets solid play from rookie
News: The Bills' official website noted that Donte Whitner led the Bills with four tackles and one assisted tackle against Carolina Saturday. He was their first-round pick this spring and is expected to emerge as their starter at strong safety. He held out for eight days before signing. He has to beat out Matt Bowen for the job, but the latter injured his right leg early in the second quarter. X-rays were negative.
Analysis: Fantasy owners in IDP leagues should target Whitner as a No. 2 or 3 DB because he should rack up tackles and have a fair hand in a number of passes defended and interceptions. If Bowen holds him off for the job, he's just worth picking up late in IDP drafts, since he's likely just a placeholder until Whitner is ready. The Bills DST is still a risky one as a starting Fantasy unit, but you could do worse for a backup.
News: Head coach Dick Jauron said that Anderson suffered an AC sprain in his shoulder in Saturday's preseason game at Carolina and S Matt Bowen sustained a leg contusion and nerve damage, although neither injury is considered serious.
Analysis: Anderson is battling for a starting spot on Buffalo's defensive line next to Larry Triplett and Bowen is battling S Donte Whitner for the strong safety job. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
8/7/2006
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Crowell to start for BUF
News: Angelo Crowell, who started 13 games in place of an injured Takeo Spikes last season, is penciled in as the starter at strong-side linebacker over Jeff Posey, who was cut. Buffalo's new "Tampa-2" scheme puts an emphasis on speed. Said coach Dick Jauron: "We have a lot of respect for Jeff, but the scheme we run is clearly a bit different. Speed is really important to us. Size is not as important to us. Clearly, you've got to be big and strong to play the position in the NFL, but we think Angelo is poised to make a leap. We're penciling them in and they will compete."
Analysis: Crowell is a pretty solid linebacker, but his addition won't improve the Bills' DST to be anything more than a bye-week replacement this season. In 2007, though, they could be slated to be a huge sleeper thanks to their haul of rookie defenders in April's draft.
8/6/2006
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Bills sign rookie safety
News: Rookie safety Donte Whitner finally signed with the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. The next step is seeing how quickly the No. 8 draft pick can begin competing for a starting job. "I'm a little behind," Whitner acknowledged after signing a five-year deal and joining the team at its training camp site in suburban Rochester. "But once I get in, I'll be a quick learner."
Analysis: He'll have to be because Whitner has plenty of catching up to do after missing the first eight days of camp, and with the Bills' preseason opener at Carolina on Aug. 12 fast approaching. The former Ohio State star had been the top drafted player still unsigned and only one of three first-round selections not under contract. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
8/1/2006
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Bills get 'TKO' back in pads
News: Bills LB Takeo Spikes, who tore his ACL early last season and missed nearly all of 2005, is back at work at training camp and is confident he'll be ready to start the season. "I'm right where I need to be," Spikes said, noting he's not felt any soreness in his right leg during the first four days of camp. "The thing I really love about it is that I'm not favoring one leg. I'm able to push off both legs and put extra emphasis on my Achilles' leg. I'm fine, man."
Analysis: The Bills rebuilt their defense in the draft and have a team loaded for potential, but it might take one year for it to jell. The LBs are all veterans, though, so that should be a solid unit, and the defensive line has some questions but could be impressive. Nate Clements is the star of a secondary that will include CB Terrence McGee, FS Troy Vincent, and rookie Donte Whitner at SS. The team also will have CB Ashton Youboty as a probable nickelback, so there's a lot of talent back there. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
5/5/2006
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CB Clements re-signs with Bills
News: Nate Clements re-signed with the Bills, accepting the one-year, $7.2 million contract Buffalo offered the star cornerback after designating him the team's franchise player in February. The deal was struck in time for Clements to attend the start of a three-day minicamp.
Analysis: The Bills rebuilt their defense in the draft and have a team loaded for potential, but it might take one year for it to jell. Clements is the star of a secondary that will include CB Terrence McGee, FS Troy Vincent, and rookie Donte Whitner at SS. The team also will have CB Ashton Youboty as a probable nickelback, so there's a lot of talent back there. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
5/1/2006
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Bills rebuild defense in draft
News: The Bills spent six of their nine draft picks and their first five overall selections on defense, taking SS Donte Whitner (8th), DT John McCargo (26th), CB Ashton Youboty (70th), FS Ko Simpson (105th) and DT Kyle Williams (134th). Buffalo did not spend a single pick on any offensive skill-position players.
Analysis: The potential is there for the Bills to dominate defensively -- in 2007 or 08. This is going to be an interesting year for Buffalo because they will have a plethora of defensive talent across the board but are changing schemes and will have little to excite on offense unless Willis McGahee can work behind a rag-tag line. That will tax the defense and could lead them to bending late in games. Buffalo's DST is worth a late-round flier as a bye-week option in 2006 but may actually be a sleeper to consider for keeper leagues since they're bulked up for the future.
3/2/2006
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Bills release Lawyer Milloy
News: The Buffalo Bills have released SS Lawyer Milloy.
Analysis: Milloy recorded 106 total tackles and one sack in 2005.
3/1/2006
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Bills release Sam Adams
News: According to reports, the Buffalo Bills have released Sam Adams.
Analysis: Adams recorded 19 total tackles and three sacks in 14 games last season.
2/22/2006
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Bills franchise Nate Clements
News: According to reports, the Buffalo Bills have designated CB Nate Clements as their franchise player. He finished 2005 with 78 tackles, a fumble recovery, two interceptions a fumble recovery, three forced fumbles and 11 passes defensed.
Analysis: Clements' continued presence makes the Bills DST much more attractive next season. Look for it in the late rounds.
1/4/2006
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Bills D disappoints in '05
News: The Bills DST was not a strong unit, falling below expectations. They ranked 29th in total defense and underachieved in the takeaway battle, finishing the year plus-4 in turnovers. Buffalo did have 17 interceptions, much of it due to DBs Troy Vincent, Terrence McGee and Nate Clements (who will be a free agent this offseason).
Analysis: Buffalo will have to alter its defense some, but remember that they were also put in some tough situations thanks to their offense and suffered some injuries (Takeo Spikes, Ron Edwards to name two). Consider the Bills DST a sleeper unit for 2006, especially if they keep Clements and make improvements on offense.
12/24/2005
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Bills DST scores two TDs
News: The Bills DST allowed 27 points and recorded two touchdowns (Terrence McGee - 2), two sacks and two interceptions in Sunday's 37-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Analysis: The Bills DST is a nice choice in leagues with 12-plus teams for Week 17 at the N.Y. Jets
12/18/2005
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Bills DST allow 28 points
News: The Bills DST allowed 28 points without registering an interception in Week 15 vs. Denver.
Analysis: The Bills DST unit is not recommended in Week 16 at Cincinnati.
12/15/2005
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Bills D in trouble
News: Last year the Bills could run the ball and stop the run, two keys to winning football games. This year, they do neither well, which isn't a good thing when playing the Denver Broncos. Denver ranks second in the NFL in both rushing offense (157.6 yards per game) and rushing defense (85.4 yards). Unless Buffalo can find a way to dent those numbers, a repeat of last week against New England is in store. The Patriots, who rolled up a team-record 32 first downs, held the ball for 41:59 and methodically produced a 35-7 victory.
Analysis: Do not utilize the Bills DST in Week 15 against a good Denver offense with a great running tandem.
12/11/2005
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Bills DST disappoints
News: The Bills defense couldn't keep the Patriots out of the end zone, allowing 28 offensive points. They did record a sack and two interceptions.
Analysis: The Bills DST just cannot be used in Fantasy leagues anymore this season. They play vs. Denver in Week 15.
12/5/2005
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Bills gives up lead
News: The Buffalo Bills allowed 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter of Week 13 at Miami to give up a 20-point lead. They allowed 24 points and 434 yards.
Analysis: The Bills DST has gone south the past few weeks. They are no longer a recommended unit.
12/1/2005
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Milloy, McGee hurting
News: The Bills could start two backups in their secondary -- Jabari Greer at left cornerback for Terrence McGee (hamstring) and Coy Wire at strong safety for Lawyer Milloy (foot). These are areas the Dolphins are sure to test early and often. Miami had four pass plays of 22 yards or longer in the year's first meeting with the Bills. Both starters are questionable for Week 13 at Miami.
Analysis: Their secondary is their strongsuit, so if these players are hurt, that's trouble. The Bills DST is not a recommended option in Week 13.
11/29/2005
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Milloy has injured foot
News: The Buffalo News reports Bills head coach Mike Mularkey said X-rays on Lawyer Milloy's right foot came back negative. However, he was still wearing a walking boot in the locker room Monday.
Analysis: Mularkey said Milloy will be re-evaluated Tuesday before determining his status for practice on Wednesday.
11/27/2005
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Bills D collapses late
News: The Bills DST only had one sack and one forced fumble and recovery vs. Carolina in Week 12. They did hold the Panthers to 13 points in the loss.
Analysis: The Bills DST is a palatable unit at Miami in Week 13.
11/20/2005
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Bills DST gets smoked
News: The Bills DST allowed 48 points in Week 11 at San Diego. During the thumping, they did manage a sack but zero interceptions.
Analysis: The Bills may actually match up well with Carolina in Week 12, but it's hard to recommend a Fantasy DST unit after allowing 48 points.
11/13/2005
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Bills D holds Chiefs
News: The Buffalo Bills defense held the Kansas City Chiefs to 3 points in Week 10. They allowed 316 total yards and recorded three interceptions.
Analysis: The Bills didn't allow much scoring and they confused Trent Green into throwing three interceptions. They'll face a tough Chargers offense in Week 11 at San Diego.
11/10/2005
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Clean Bills of health
News: The only defensive player on the Bills injury report is CB Terrence McGee (hamstring) who is listed as questionable. The Bills play at home vs. Kansas City in Week 10.
Analysis: The Bills DST has not been consistent enough to rely on so far this season. They face a good offense in Week 10 when they play Kansas City. They aren't a bad start at home, but consider other options.
10/31/2005
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Bills force two turnovers, three sacks
News: Buffalo's defense recovered two fumbles and sacked Tom Brady three times in Sunday night's loss to the Patriots.
Analysis: The Bills figure to have their hands full after their bye week when they host the Chiefs. Look for alternative DST options.
10/23/2005
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Bills DST romped by Raiders
News: The Bills allowed 38 points and 416 total net yards in Week 7 at Oakland. They also picked up two sacks and a fumble recovery.
Analysis: The Bills will look to right the ship in New England in Week 8 on Sunday night.
10/17/2005
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Bills defense has five sacks
News: The Bills DST allowed 17 points and 275 total net yards in Week 6 against the Jets. They also had five sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Analysis: The Bills will look to carry the momentum over into Week 7 at Oakland against Kerry Collins and the Raiders.
10/9/2005
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Buffalo D does OK vs. MIA
News: The Bills DST held Miami to 14 points, adding two sacks, three interceptions and a fumble recovery in Week 5.
Analysis: Buffalo's DST should flourish against the Jets in Week 6. Start 'em if you've got 'em.
News: Defensive tackle Ron Edwards had tests Monday on his right shoulder injury, leaving his status uncertain for Buffalo's home game against Miami this weekend. Coach Mike Mularkey wouldn't discuss the injury except to say he was still awaiting word on the tests. It's the same shoulder Edwards had surgically repaired in 2003, an injury that forced him to miss the final 11 games of the season.
Analysis: The Bills' defense has already suffered the loss of Takeo Spikes. Consider it a risky unit in any Fantasy league at this point.
10/2/2005
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Bills DST allows 19 points
News: The Bills DST allowed 19 points and recorded one sack in Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Analysis: The Bills DST remains a viable option in leagues with 12-plus teams.
9/26/2005
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LB Spikes out for the year
News: The Buffalo News reports LB Takeo Spikes tore his Achilles' vs. Atlanta in Week 3 and will miss the rest of the year.
Analysis: Spikes will be replaced by Angelo Crowell. The Bills DST is still a useful Fantasy unit.
9/25/2005
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Bills D struggles vs. Vick
News: The Buffalo defense was kept off balance most of the afternoon in Week 3 against Atlanta, allowing 24 points and 403 total net yards. They also managed only one interception while failing to record a sack or forced fumble.
Analysis: The Bills will look to bounce back in Week 4 at New Orleans. Despite the down week, this is still a top-notch Fantasy defense.
9/25/2005
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Spikes hurt at Atlanta
News: Bills LB Takeo Spikes was helped off the field and stretchered into the locker room in Week 3 at Atlanta.
Analysis: Angelo Crowell replaced him. The Bills DST is still a start-worthy unit.
9/25/2005
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Milloy, Fletcher to start
News: Bills star defenders Lawyer Milloy and London Fletcher will both start in Week 3 vs. Atlanta.
Analysis: Despite Michael Vick, the Bills DST is a nice start in Week 3.
9/18/2005
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Bills DST can't slow a Cadillac
News: The Buffalo DST allowed 17 points and 318 yards of offense at the Buccaneers in Week 2. They sacked Brian Griese once, but they were unable to force a turnover. In the game, Bills LB London Fletcher missed the second half of his game at Tampa Bay with an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: Buffalo hosts Atlanta and Michael Vick in Week 3. The Bills DST has allowed only four opposing rushers 100 yds in past 10 games and it has allowed 444 net passing yards total in their past six games. Expect them to give Vick plenty of problems in Orchard Park. Continue starting them in all leagues.
9/11/2005
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Buffalo DST rocks HOU
News: Buffalo's defense held Houston to a touchdown, 70 passing yards and 95 rushing yards in Week 1. They also intercepted David Carr three times, sacked him five times and recovered two fumbles.
Analysis: Buffalo's DST looked like superheroes against Houston. They should produce a similar effort in Week 2 at Tampa Bay.
9/7/2005
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Bills CB Clements probable
News: The Buffalo News reports CB Nate Clements (shoulder) could miss the Bills' first game of 2005 against Houston. However, the team listed him as probable on its injury report.
Analysis: Clements is a key part of the Bills defense, making them one of the best in Fantasy Football. They should be a must-start against the Texans.
9/3/2005
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Clements suffers injured shoulder
News: Nate Clements left Friday's preseason contest due to an injured shoulder and did not return.
Analysis: There were no reports on whether the ailment could cause Clements to miss the start of the regular season.
7/18/2005
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Improvement for Buffalo D?
News: According to a story on BuffaloBills.com, linebacker Jeff Posey says the team is focusing on improving defensively. They were No. 2 overall last year. "That's not No. 1," said Posey. "That shows there's room for improvement because we want to be the No. 1 defense."
Analysis: Buffalo's defense should be one of the top Fantasy units in 2005.
12/19/2004
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Bills spike Bengals
News: Linebacker Takeo Spikes intercepted a Jon Kitna pass and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown to help Buffalo beat up his old team, Cincinnati, 33-17 in Week 15. The Bills intercepted Kitna twice and also recovered one of his fumbles. Additionally, Jason Peters blocked a punt and recovered the ball in the end zone for a score.
Analysis: Buffalo has one of the best defenses in the NFL and are a top Fantasy option as a D/ST. They should be active in all leagues for a trip to San Francisco in Week 16.
12/12/2004
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Vincent sparks Bills
News: After missing nine games with a right knee injury, Troy Vincent returned to action in Week 14 against Cleveland and had an interception, fumble recovery and a sack in the Buffalo Bills 37-7 win. In total, the Bills generated five turnovers, added eight sacks and held the Browns to 17 yards of total offense.
Analysis: It was the fifth-fewest yards allowed in league history. The Bills are a solid Fantasy D/ST and worth using in all leagues. They travel in Cincinnati in Week 15.
12/9/2004
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Troy Vincent questionable
News: Buffalo Bills CB Troy Vincent (knee) is questionable for Week 14 against Cleveland.
Analysis: Terrence McGee will make his tenth straight start if Vincent can't play. The Bills D/ST should be owned and starting in all leagues.
12/8/2004
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McGee a return stud
News: According to the Buffalo News, Bills cornerback-return man Terrence McGee is one of only 10 players to return three kickoffs for touchdowns in one season. Atlanta's Derrick Vaughn was the last to do the feat in 2000.
Analysis: McGee returned a kickoff a team-record 104 yards for a touchdown in Week 13 against the Dolphins. His big-play ability only adds to the appeal of the Bills D/ST. They should be owned and starting in all leagues.
12/5/2004
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Buffalo DST scores on Dolphins
News: The Bills DST returned a kickoff and an interception for touchdowns at Miami Sunday. They also created seven turnovers.
Analysis: The Bills DST will face another struggling offense in Week 14 against the Browns. Consider going with this upstart unit.
12/2/2004
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Troy Vincent questionable
News: According to the Buffalo News, cornerback Troy Vincent (knee) was able to practice on Wednesday and is questionable for Week 13 at Miami.
Analysis: The Bills are a solid Fantasy D/ST for Week 13.
11/28/2004
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Bills D quiets Seahawks O
News: The Buffalo Bills allowed only nine points and 230 total net yards in Week 12 at Seattle. The performance was especially impressive considering they were again without CB Troy Vincent (knee).
Analysis: The Buffalo defensive unit is a recommended Fantasy option in Week 13 at Miami.
11/25/2004
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Troy Vincent doubtful
News: Troy Vincent (knee) is doubtful for Week 12 at Seattle.
Analysis: Terrence McGee is expected to make his eighth straight start in his absence. The Bills D/ST can be used in leagues with at least 12 teams.
11/21/2004
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Bills DST scores TD
News: The Bills DST allowed 17 points with one touchdown, six sacks, three interceptions and one forced fumble in Sunday's win over St. Louis.
Analysis: This unit is a nice option for Week 12 in leagues with 12-plus teams.
11/18/2004
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Bills D/ST injury update
News: The following defensive players were listed on the Buffalo injury report for Week 11: CB Troy Vincent (knee, questionable) and S Coy Wire (abdomen, questionable).
Analysis: The Bills are a solid Fantasy D/ST option, especially when they play at home as they do in Week 11 against the Rams.
11/12/2004
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Vincent likely out
News: According to the Buffalo News, cornerback Troy Vincent is likely out for Week 10 against New England. He spent the past two days practicing on a limited basis. "We've tried certain things in the training room. We go out on the football field and my body only allows me to do so much," Vincent said. "It's frustrating, it's disappointing."
Analysis: Vincent has missed five games since hurting his right knee in the Week 4 against the Patriots. He is still listed as questionable on the Bills' injury report but Terrence McGee is expected to make his sixth straight start in his place.
11/7/2004
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Bills contain C Mart
News: The Buffalo Bills held Curtis Martin to a season-low 67 yards in a Week 9 win against the Jets.
Analysis: Buffalo is a decent option as a D/ST in all leagues. The Bills travel to New England in Week 10.
11/5/2004
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Vincent likely to miss Week 9
News: Troy Vincent (knee) is doubtful for Week 9's game against the New York Jets. Het practiced for the third straight day Friday, but was limited. He hasn't played since having arthroscopic knee surgery more than a month ago.
Analysis: Backup safety Coy Wire probably will miss Sunday's game with an abdominal injury as well.
11/2/2004
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CB Vincent to test knee
News: The Buffalo News reports CB Troy Vincent is expected to test his surgically repaired knee on the practice field Wednesday. "I think a lot of that will be how he feels," coach Mike Mularkey said.
Analysis: Vincent has been going through workouts with the team's trainers the past couple of weeks, but Mularkey isn't sure if he will participate in the entire practice.
News: Terrence McGee had an 87 yard kick return for a touchdown in Week 8 against the Cardinals to spark the team to their second win of the season. The Bills held the Cardinals to just 14 points.
Analysis: The Bills are worth using in leagues with at least 10 teams.
10/24/2004
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Bills get no support
News: Despite holding Kyle Boller to under 100 yards passing in Week 7, the Bills fell to the Ravens by a 20-6 score.
Analysis: Buffalo did a nice job defensively but got zero support from Drew Bledsoe and the offense. The Bills host the Cardinals in Week 8.
10/22/2004
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Milloy questionable
News: The Buffalo Bills listed safety Lawyer Milloy (forearm) as questionable for Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens. Additionally, cornerback Troy Vincent (knee) is out.
Analysis: The Bills should only be considered in larger leagues.
10/17/2004
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Bills contain Dolphins
News: Buffalo held Miami to just 13 points in a Week 6 win. The highlight of the day was when Takeo Spikes intercepted a Jay Fiedler pass and returned it 11 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter.
Analysis: Buffalo should only be considered as a Fantasy defense/special teams in larger leagues. The Bills travel to Baltimore in Week 7.
10/17/2004
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Fiedler gets spiked
News: Takeo Spikes intercepted a Jay Fiedler pass and returned it 11 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter of Week 6.
Analysis: The Bills are dominating a weak Miami offense early in the game.
10/13/2004
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Bills defense injury update
News: S Lawyer Milloy (forearm) was able to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday. He is listed as questionable for Week 6 against the Dolphins, but is not expected to play.
Analysis: S Coy Wire (quadriceps) is also listed as questionable for the Miami game. The Bills defensive unit might actually be a decent start against the pathetic Miami offense if your primary unit has an unfavorable matchup or bye week.
10/12/2004
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Buffalo DB's ready to play
News: The Buffalo News reports that DB Coy Wire (bruised right quadriceps) might be ready to return in Week 6 against Miami. Safety Lawyer Milloy might begin practicing with the Bills this week.
Analysis: The passing defense could use their return, but the Bills defense does not do enough to warrant starting in most leagues.
10/3/2004
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Bills allow 31 points
News: The Bills DST allowed 31 points and had no sacks in Sunday's loss to New England.
Analysis: Though this unit did force two fumbles, it did little else for owners.
10/1/2004
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Patriots try to score on Bills DST
News: The Buffalo DST has allowed only 249 yards per game so far this season, good for fourth-best in the league.
Analysis: Last season, the Bills defense shut New England out in the home opener, but in the season finale, they allowed 31 points. While Buffalo has certainly improved from a defensive standpoint this year, they should not be activated for this week.
9/19/2004
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Buffalo DST plays well Sunday
News: The Bills allowed 13 points, 73 yards rushing and only 200 yards passing at Oakland Sunday.
Analysis: Buffalo has proven to be a solid defense. They are on a bye in Week 3, but Fantasy owners should consider picking them up.
9/17/2004
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Milloy out until Week 5
News: According to the Buffalo News, Bills safety Lawyer Milloy (forearm) will be out at least through the October 3rd game against the New England Patriots. "What I don't want to have is a setback when I get back out there," Milloy said. "I want to go out there with no hesitation. And that's the most important thing. It doesn't matter who we're playing, it matters that I'm healthy."
Analysis: The Buffalo Bills play at the Oakland Raiders in Week 2. They should only be considered in larger leagues.
9/10/2004
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Bills to battle Jaguars
News: The Buffalo defense will try to contain Fred Taylor and the Jaguars this weekend as they open the regular season at home.
Analysis: The Bills should be started in larger Fantasy leagues.
9/8/2004
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Bills defense injury update
News: The team's official website reports S Lawyer Milloy (forearm) will not play in Week 1 against Jacksonville.
Analysis: The team is also listing LB Angelo Crowell (hamstring) and CB Terrence McGee (thigh) as probable for the contest. The Bills are a decent Fantasy defensive unit in most leagues with 12 or more teams, especially for this favorable matchup.
9/6/2004
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LB Gildon and Bills part ways
News: LB Jason Gildon was released by the Bills over the weekend as the team cuts down to 53 players.
Analysis: Other players unable to make the team include CB Gerald Dixon, DE Keith MacKenzie, DT Lauvale Sape and LB Dominique Stevenson. The Bills will still be a decent defensive unit in most Fantasy leagues.
8/29/2004
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S Milloy breaks forearm
News: S Lawyer Milloy suffered a broken right forearm in Saturday's preseason game at Indianapolis while forcing a fumble in the third quarter. "I think my hand got caught in the turf," Milloy said. "I couldn't feel anything in my fingers. I just sat there and held my arm."
Analysis: Milloy is expected to undergo surgery on Sunday. The team did not say how much time he is expected to miss, but he added he hoped he would be ready for the team's opener against Jacksonville.
8/23/2004
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McGee impresses with returns
News: According to the Buffalo News, cornerback Terrence McGee impressed the Bills' coaching staff in Saturday's preseason game against Tennessee with three kickoff returns for 136 yards. "When (McGee) had his chances on the returns, he really hit the holes that were tight," coach Mike Mularkey said. "That's what you're looking for, especially on kickoff returns, a guy who's not afraid to hit the hole. You don't want anybody back there looking for it. If it's there, go."
Analysis: McGee is battling Antonio Brown, Josh Reed, Joe Burns and Freddie Smith for the return duties in Buffalo.
8/22/2004
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DE Schobel in the lineup
News: DE Aaron Schobel (hamstring) was in the starting lineup at right defensive end for Saturday's preseason game against the Titans. Also, CB Terrence McGee was impressive returning kicks in the game. He had one for 85 yards and another for 34 yards.
Analysis: The Bills defensive unit will be a solid No. 1 option in Fantasy leagues with at least 14 to 16 teams.
8/19/2004
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Josh Reed to return kicks?
News: According to the Buffalo News, Bills receiver Josh Reed might handle the kickoff return duties this year in Buffalo. "I think Josh has a good feel for it," coach Mike Mularkey said.
Analysis: The Bills D/ST should be considered in Fantasy formats.
8/11/2004
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Secondary jobs up for grabs
News: The team's official website reports Izell Reese appears to have a leg up on the competition with Coy Wire at the free safety position. Rashad Baker is also in the mix, but likely to be a reserve. At cornerback, it appears Terrence McGee is in a tight competition with Kevin Thomas as the top nickel back option.
Analysis: The Buffalo defense should again be a solid No. 1 unit in larger Fantasy leagues with players such as London Fletcher, Takeo Spikes and Lawyer Milloy leading the charge.
7/17/2004
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Gildon signs with Bills
News: According to reports, Jason Gildon signed a one-year deal with Buffalo Friday.
Analysis: Gildon will compete with Jeff Posey for the strongside linebacker spot.
12/17/2003
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Bills FS is done
News: The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle says Izell Reese has a torn left calf and will likely miss the rest of the season. Pierson Prioleau will move back into the starting free safety spot after losing the job earlier this year
Analysis: Buffalo's defense is still a good starting choice against Miami in Week 16.
11/25/2003
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Bills D stingy through the air
News: Buffalo has allowed an average of only 172 passing yards per game this season in 11 games.
Analysis: Consider starting Buffalo's defense each week.
9/7/2003
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Bills shutout New England
News: The Buffalo Bills defense was impressive on Sunday, limiting the Patriots to 239 total yards. The Bills held Tom Brady to 123 yards while picking off four passes. DL Sam Adams returned one of the interceptions 37 yards for a touchdown.
Analysis: With the offseason additions of Sam Adams, James Posey and Takeo Spikes, and the recent signing of Lawyer Milloy, the Bills might emerge as an above-average Fantasy defensive unit.
9/3/2003
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Bills add S Lawyer Milloy
News: The Buffalo Bills agreed to terms with Milloy on Wednesday. His acquisition will likely move Coy Wire over to free safety and force Izell Reese to the bench.
Analysis: Milloy's signing strengthens an already impressive defense. Offseason acquistions of Sam Adams, Jeff Posey and Takeo Spikes might make the Bills an above-average Fantasy defensive unit this season.
9/3/2003
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Buffalo eyes Lawyer Milloy
News: The Buffalo News reports the Bills are in the running to get Lawyer Milloy, who was released by New England. The Redskins, Vikings and Saints are also believed to be interested in Milloy.
Analysis: Buffalo's defense is significantly improved over last year, and the addition of Milloy will only boost the unit's Fantasy appeal.
