Rex Ryan moved his carnival show from the Meadowlands to Buffalo last season, with predictable results. Rex talked a big game. Rex chose one arch rival that he had to beat no matter what. Buffalo was inconsistent and lost games they had no business losing. The surprising thing was that the defense regressed to the level it did. Buffalo was 4th in defense in 2014, but dropped to the middle of the pack last year. Fear not, Bills fans. Rex’s brother, Rob Ryan, was brought in as the Assistant Head Coach/Defense. The same Rob Ryan who oversaw the Saints 31st ranked defense over the past few seasons. The show continues.
Defense is in trouble already Second round pick Reggie Ragland is already lost for the year with a knee. Starting DT Marcell Dareus checked into rehab after being suspended for violating the substance abuse policy. Manny Lawson is under investigation for violating the personal conduct policy. So things are going swimmingly in Buffalo. There were no big ticket signings, so they were going with what they had and the rookies, but injuries and suspensions could derail this season early.
Rex may have finally found a quarterback A flier on Tyrod Taylor last year may have paid off for Buffalo. Taylor turned in a terrific season in 2015, tossing 20 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions. Taylor also added 568 yards on the ground making him a dual threat. Taylor was rewarded with a six year $93 million contract.
The rest of the offense is still a work in progress Sammy Watkins is poised to make the leap this season, and Bills fans are hoping that is the case. There’s not much behind him as Robert Woods is still in as the number two receiver. Charles Clay has to produce big to match his contract. Karlos Williams was a surprise release last week, leaving LeSean McCoy as the leader in the backfield. Reggie Bush was also signed as a change of pace, pass catching back, but it remains to see what he has left.
Fantasy Focus If you like to plug and play your quarterbacks, consider Taylor. He has some excellent matchups, especially in the fantasy playoffs. He also has some tough ones, so he may not be ready to be counted on for week to week production. LeSean McCoy should be the man in the backfield, and is worth a high pick. Buffalo will run more than they pass, which should lower Sammy Watkins’ value a bit, especially in PPR leagues.
Prediction Rex will talk like a 12 win team, but they will play like an average one. 7-9, but hey, they’ll beat the Jets twice!