Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Playing in a time share is something that has ruined countless amounts of fantasy seasons. But sometimes, there is upside in those types of time shares, and the Buffalo Bills this season have one with Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. Both perform while on the field, but Jackson is the player to own in this duo.
Currently being selected around 118 overall and usually in the 12th (almost 13th) round on Yahoo Fantasy Football, Jackson offers great value. He is worth targeting almost five rounds earlier in drafts with confidence. He will handle all of the situations that fantasy owners care about; red zone and short yardage, which will equal touchdowns.
Throughout the preseason, Jackson has also been getting the third down work. That is worthwhile in regular leagues, and golden in PPR leagues. Jackson looks to be who the Bills are most confident going to in passing situations and should be the leading receiver out of the backfield. If last season is any indication, Jackson is in no threat to lose out to Spiller in passing situations as he was targeted 68 times compared to 40 for Spiller.
While Spiller is the more explosive player, the Bills look to trust the veteran Jackson more currently. It is a situation fantasy football players must take advantage of. Spiller is currently going almost 77 picks and six rounds earlier than Jackson. He is not worth the trouble as Jackson currently has a stranglehold on the most important aspects of the offense for a running back in terms of fantasy.
Another thing Jackson has going in his favor is the overall improvement the Bills look to have made offensively. As long as E.J. Manuel can improve, the Bills have the looks of a team with a potentially explosive offense. Adding Sammy Watkins and Mike Williams at wide receiver to go with Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin gives Manuel plenty of weapons.
With so many options in the passing game to keep an eye on, opposing defenses will not be able to key in on the running game, providing plenty of opportunities for Jackson to put together another strong season. He offers great value currently in fantasy drafts, and owners should not hesitate drafting him when it comes down to it.
Kenneth Teape is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @teapester725 or join his Google network
