The Buffalo Bills have the chance to move above .500 this week on Thursday night after defeating the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, as they are playing the Cleveland Browns and the offense should get a boost, as running backs Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller are expected to start after being injured in the last game.
According to ESPN.com, both Spiller and Jackson were injured last week against the Ravens and Spiller was held out of practice on Tuesday, while Jackson was limited while wearing a knee brace. Both players are prime fantasy options for owners are they will be hoping that Thursday is a go, as each have been fairly productive so far this year while working with rookie quarterback EJ Manuel.
The ESPN.com report says that Jackson was only in individual drills after dealing with a knee issue, while Spiller was on the sidelines after dealing with an ankle injury. Adam Schefter has reported that Spiller will play against the Browns on Thursday and that is welcome news for the Bills and fantasy owners. Spiller will likely be a game-time decision, but the Bills need him on the field and after rushing for 77 yards last week he should be ready for more.
Spiller has been up and down to start the season and he dealt with a scary injury a couple weeks ago that turned out to not be serious. Spiller has rushed for 230 yards this season, nearly as much as the Ravens have total, while he has nine receptions for 29 yards to go along with that. Before rushing for just nine yards against the Jets, he had his best game of the season against the Panthers, rushing for 103 yards and adding three catches for 14 yards.
Spiller is a big part of the offense and Manuel will need all the help he can get against a Browns team that has played well since trading Trent Richardson, going 2-0 after the deal to the Colts. Jackson looks like he will be playing as well and all Spiller owners should snag him as a handcuff, as he has done a good job in relief so far this season, averaging over five yards per carry and he added 87 yards and a TD in the win over the Ravens.
Jackson has had at least 12 carries in three of four games this season and he has been more consistent than Spiller, rushing for at least 60 yards in three of four games while scoring two TDs. This season he has over 250 yards rushing and 13 catches for 113 yards and if Spiller is limited, he could get plenty of touches Thursday. The Browns have done a good job bottling up running backs, allowing just 2.9 yards per carry according to ESPN.com, meaning Jackson and Spiller will need to find their holes quickly.