Running back CJ Spiller easily had his most impressive fantasy year back in 2012 when he totaled 1,700 yards on a 6.0 yards per carry average. Since then, Spiller has struggled to find the same success. The fifth-year back has seen his combined yards totals and YPC average fall the last two years under coach Doug Marrone.
Spiller is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry so far this season, and absolutely crushed the hearts of his owners on Sunday when he managed eight yards on 10 carries against the Detroit Lions.
The Buffalo News' Jerry Sullivan could see a reduction in Spiller's workload in the near future given his poor start to the season.
"Nowadays, the question is whether they should use Spiller less," Sullivan wrote. "In his fifth season, he has been a shadow of the runner he was two years ago. His inability to gain significant yardage on early downs is hampering the offense, which has to be testing the patience of his coaches. In his fifth NFL season, Spiller still has a tendency to break runs outside, rather than pound them inside for small, respectable gains. He has nine negative runs this year."
Spiller is definitely performing well below expectations. But the ways in which offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is using Spiller could be contributing to the problem as well.
"The Bills' goal ... should be to put Spiller more in space," ESPN's Mike Rodak wrote. "Flare passes, screens and using Spiller as an outside receiver give him an opportunity to beat defenders that he wouldn't normally elude in the tight confines of the tackle box."
The Bills will face a New England Patriots defense that is 17th in the NFL in rushing defense. If Buffalo can't get Spiller going this week, it could be time for fantasy owners to begin exploring trade options.
Spiller's struggles have resulted in an increase for Fred Jackson's value. Jackson is averaging 4.8 yards per carry and nearly 14 touches a game.
