With opening day just around the corner, expectations are very high in the Bills training camp for an improvement over last year’s performance. Halfway through the preseason, Head coach Dick Jauron has been allowed a good look at what his team can do well, and what it needs to work on before the first game of the regular season. As far as fantasy leagues go, there are some obvious choices of players that could have some value for you.

The maturation of QB Trent Edwards is a beautiful thing to behold. His grasp of the offensive system, and physical growth have shown to be a boon for the Buffalo faithful, who have been waiting for someone to take charge of the team since Jim Kelly retired. Everyone knows the running game would be stellar, with sophomore sensation RB Marshawn Lynch running behind a huge offensive line, but the big question was could they throw the ball consistently. Last year the receivers were dismal at best, but the addition of rookie WR James Hardy has added a whole new dimension to the offense that opposing defenses are trying to figure out still. Despite a minor hamstring injury, Hardy has become in immediate target inside the red zone, and because of his 6’5" frame, defenses are having to double team him, which allows the other receivers one on one mach-ups. WR Josh Reed returned to practice after missing 10 days with a back injury, and he could benefit greatly from Hardy’s presence, as well as potential all-pro WR Lee Evans, who has been the teams best receiver the past couple of years. Despite the absence of OL Jason Peters, who is still holding out, the front line had opened up nice holes for Lynch to march through so far.

I would rate Edwards to be a strong second tier QB for fantasy, as the offense is geared for running the ball, so he won’t be slinging the ball all over the place ala Brett Favre, but he will manage the game well, and be very efficient in his play. I expect him to throw for over 200 yards a game up to 250, with a high completion percentage, and low interception rate.

Marshawn Lynch is poised to have a huge year, and the only thing that might derail that would be an injury, as he is running behind one of the biggest offensive lines in the league, which is showing nice cohesion in the preseason so far.

Evans and Hardy will be get solid numbers, with Evans probably getting the better of the two, but look for WR Josh Reed to sneak in and have a 50 plus reception year with close to 700 yards. The key player in the passing game so far though has been the emergence of TE Robert Royal, who was used primarily as a blocker last year, but has shown nice hands and run good routes so far, catching 2 touchdown passes from Edwards against the Steelers in the first half. TE Derek Shoueman will spell Royal quite a bit as the second year man is more of a receiver type that Royal, but he went down with a knee injury and the Bills are looking for him to supplant Royal at some point due to his athleticism and speed.

The team had their full first team defense on the field vs the Steelers, and Jauron had to be pleased with what he is seeing from the group. Even though statistically, they were one of the worst in the league last season, look for a drastic improvement this season, if they can stay healthy. Look for DE Aaron Schobel the have a big year in the sack department as the addition of DL Marcus Stroud has eased some of the double teams he saw last year, and the growth of LB Paul Puzluzny is showing in his leadership and play calling abilities. With LB Kawicka Mitchell in the fold, and veteran LB Digiorgio alongside, the trio should all rack up decent tackle numbers this year. As a whole, if you are picking team defenses, don’t overlook this squad, as the bend but don’t break attitude from last year has changed to attack mode and should improve tremendously on the numbers of yards allowed, and points allowed, plus a jump in sacks and quarterback pressures. Well, that’s all for now, but check back in a couple of weeks for an update right before the first game!