Fantasy Football Thursday Edition: Buffalo Bills Vs Cleveland Browns

Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

BUFFALO BILLS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS

WHEN: 7:25 p.m. CDT

WHERE: NFL Network

With Fantasy Football roster decisions due today in regards to the players taking the field tonight, let’s take a look at some of the pertinent information about the Bills and the Browns.

INJURIES

BUFFALO BILLS

As far as fantasy football is concerned, the biggest injury question mark for this Thursday night tilt is C.J. Spiller. The Bills’ running back, listed as Questionable, has an ankle injury and did not practice on Tuesday. He did see some limited practice time on Wednesday. It will probably come down to a game time decision whether Spiller plays or not. His back up, Fred Jackson, is now listed as Probable with a knee injury, and will most likely play.

Wide receiver Steve Johnson is recovering from a hamstring injury and is also listed as Probably for Thursday. He practiced some on Tuesday and Wednesday, but not full out.

On the defensive side of the ball, defensive end Mario Williams is listed as Probable as well with an ankle injury. He practiced on a limited basis on Tuesday and Wednesday. Look for the big fella to get into the game.

Most of the these players should see action, but their effectiveness is in some doubt.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Browns come into Thursday night relatively healthy and on a 2-game wining streak. The should banging on all cylinders.

START ‘EM OR SIT ‘EM

Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Bills’ Fred Jackson is going to play so he is a pretty safe bet to pencil in your line up tonight, especially since it is doubtful Spiller is going to play. Unless you are more my opponent this week (and you know who you are), you should bench Spiller, and take no chances there.

He hasn’t been horrible, but EJ Manuel has done nothing to earn a starting spot on your fantasy team. He is an intriguing bench player, especially if you are in a keeper league, but he has been inconsistent. Don’t rely on him if you don’t have to.

It looks like Steve Johnson is going to play, so go ahead and get him active. Keep an ear out for news before the game, just in case his situation changes.

Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer has played well his first two weeks but I’m not ready to recommend him just yet to start. If your number one signal caller is hurt or on a bye week, you could consider adding Hoyer to your roster, but I’m not convinced yet.

Willis McGahee was rusty in his first week in the line up, gaining only 2.4 yards a carry over 23 chances.

An interesting option to keep an eye on in future weeks is Chris Ogbannaya. He has gained 50 yards in just 7 rushes, but he might end up being carrying more of the load once he fully recovers from a bothersome thigh. He has also caught 12 balls for 85 yards. See how he does this week; he might be an intriguing waiver wire option for you.

The only Brown anyone should seriously consider starting is tight end Jordan Cameron. He has caught 30 passes in 4 games for 360 yards and 5 touchdowns. He has been targeted 43 times. He has been a fantasy star thus far in 2013.

Wide receivers Josh Gordon and Davone Bess could also be used as a flex starter or if your top receivers are on a bye.

This game seems kind of like a dud but there are some players I don’t get to see very often that I would like to watch. I want to get a first hand look at both Hoyer and Manuel to see if either is a viable option down the road.

Ogbannaya also interests me a lot. I am curious to see if he can pass McGahee on the depth chart.

This shouldn’t be a high scoring affair, but who knows. That’s why we watch the games!