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The first answer that comes to mind is “Play Him”.  This weekend anyways as he takes on the New Orleans Saints.  The Bills are going to need every bit of firepower they can muster to keep up with the high-octane New Orleans Saints.  Fred Jackson has 220 rushing yards (5.1 ypc) and 11 receptions for 108 yards and a TD.  Last year Jackson had 571 yards (4.4 ypc) and 3 TDs and 37 catches for 317 yards, so clearly what he’s done is not a fluke.

The problem comes next week when Marshawn Lynch returns from his suspension.  Even though Jackson filled in admirably for Lynch, things are gonna change.  Lynch is too talented of a back to keep on the sidelines.  He has averaged 1075.5 yards and 7.5 TDs on the ground while averaging 4.1 ypc.  He has added 65 catches for 484 yards and a TD through the air.  If he weren’t such a knucklehead, he probably wouldn’t have to worthy about his role in the Bills offense.

In my opinion, Fred Jackson is better suited for the Bills no-huddle offense.  The time Lynch missed gives Jackson the advantage, especially considering how well he’s played.  It make little sense to abandon that style and go with the more deliberate Lynch.  I’m not saying Lynch won’t get his reps, I just think he takes a backseat to Jackson.  Even last year, long before the suspension, Jackson was heavily involved it Buffalo’s Offense.  It may be hard to rely on either one after this week, but they both absolutely need to be on fantasy rosters.  If I had to choose one to play in Week 4, I would lean towards Fred Jackson, barring injury of course.

Image courtesy of Icon SMI

Image courtesy of Icon SMI

The NFL released team schedules today, which means we can see what three games Marshawn Lynch will miss due to his suspension.

- Week One : September 14th @ New England

- Week Two:  September 20th vs. Tampa Bay

- Week Three:  September 27th vs. New Orleans

New England and Tampa Bay should have pretty solid Defenses so Lynch may not be missed much those weeks.  Fred Jackson shouldn’t shine to brightly either, which is good for Lynch’s fantasy value after he serves the suspensions.  In Week 3 though, Lynch is likely missing a golden opportunity.  Unless New Orleans improves dramatically on D, he’s missing out on a cream puff matchup.  If Lynch is able to have his suspension reduced to two games, Lynch could make his way into the second round of fantasy drafts as he would face New Orleans, Cleveland, Houston, and Kansas City.  His final fantasy playoff matchups against New England and Atlanta leave plenty to be desired though.

Stay tuned to see how the appeal plays out.

Image courtesy of Icon SMI

This time Marshawn Lynch has to pay the Piper for his misdeeds.  If you recall last year Marshawn Lynch was involved in a hit-and-run incident that did not net him a suspension.  In February Lynch was ridin’ dirty with a gun and some weed.  Roger Goodell did not turn a blind eye this time around.  According to ESPN’s Michael Smith, Lynch will be slapped with a three game suspension as early as today.  Lynch will appeal the suspension in hopes to get it reduced to one game like Brandon Marshall did last year.  Trouble is, Brandon Marshall had another incident recently that could not only get Marshall suspended, but it could deter Goodell from making a deal with Lynch.

The NFL has yet to release it’s full schedule, but Lynch will not be in action when the Bills take on the New England Patriots on  September 14th.  Fred Jackson will start in Lynch’s absence.  Xavier Omon could get a few carries as well.

The suspension does have an impact on where Marshawn Lynch goes in fantasy drafts.  If the appeal is denied and Lynch has to sit out the first three games it would be hard to draft Lynch in the first two rounds.  It would be like having to deal with bye weeks at RB right out of the gate.  He is going to be a good value pick for someone though, because in fantasy it’s not how you start, but how you finish.  In theory he should be fresher than most backs at the end of the year.  If the suspension gets knocked down to a game or two then you can think about taking him early- to mid-second round.  The addition of Terrell Owens should open the running lanes, especially at the stripe.  It makes an interesting dilemma for his owners in keeper leagues.  He is a #1 RB that can catch the ball out of the backfield and gets the nod on the fantasy favorite one-yard plunge.  Plus, he’ll turn 23 this month so he has plenty of mileage to rack up if he can keep his nose clean.  Honestly, I think Keeper owners simply have to bite the bullet on this one and hold on to him unless you have solid RBs in place.

There is also the threat of further suspension if Lynch has another incident.  He seemed to be sincere in his apology, but we’ve all heard that song and dance before.  Proof is in the pudding, and until Lynch shows he can walk the straight and narrow I am not giving him the benefit of the doubt.