Fantasy Football: No C.J. Spiller good for Fred Jackson and Tashard Choice
By Jason Marcum
Fantasy football owners of C.J. Spiller don’t want to hear their top RB is not going to play this week, but what’s best might be a week off for the injured back who’s been limited to just 24 carries over the past three games. His ankle injury is affecting his play in the worst way, and rather than have him risk injuring it further, the Bills will rest him in hopes he can become the Spiller that totaled 1,800 yards from scrimmage last year.
In the meantime, his absence makes Fred Jackson an elite option this week, and anyone who owns him has to start him s the New Orleans Saints that ranks dead-last in the NFL in rushing yards per attempt allowed at a ridiculous 5.1 yards per carry.
But Jackson is battling knee injury that won’t prevent him from playing, but could lead to more touches for third-stringer Tashard Choice. His season-high in yards was in Week 6 vs the Cincinnati Bengals when he rushed four times for 24 yards, and he’ll see more snaps in Week 8 thanks to Spiller’s absence and Jackson’s knees.
Choice has an uninspiring 20 carries for 72 yards (3.6 YPC) and three catches for 10 yards. But an increased role on a run-heavy team makes him a promising fantasy play this week. He;s likely available in every league you’re in, and adding him could get you an easy 7-10 points, something that’s extremely hard to come by on the waiver wire at this point in the season.