Fantasy Insider Report: What to Expect From Josh Allen and the Bills

Will a renewed focus on the running game affect the quarterback’s elite fantasy status?

The Athlon Sports 2023 Fantasy Football Annual magazine reached out to team insiders at all 32 NFL clubs to ask them three key fantasy questions heading into the season. As we count down to training camp, Sports Illustrated will publish their answers here. Today’s team: Buffalo Bills

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Who will emerge as the No. 2 WR option behind Stefon Diggs?
Sounds funny to say, but last season’s No. 2, Gabe Davis, is most likely to “emerge’’ in this same role. It’s all up to Davis. He had 93 targets to Diggs’s 154 and responded with career highs in catches (48) and yards (836). Where Davis fell short of expectations was his career-worst 51.6 catch percentage. He has the size, skills and experience to be better. The Bills are high on second-year man Khalil Shakir, but he’s not ready for No. 2 status. Same for free agents Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harty, career role players.

• 2023 Season Outlook: Buffalo Bills

How do the Bills plan to use Damien Harris?
At 213 pounds, Harris is the bigger-bodied ballcarrier Buffalo has lacked. That offers a nice change-of-pace option to James Cook, who slides into the featured back role with the departure of Devin Singletary. Short-yardage and goal-line work from Harris will keep the wear off Cook. Harris scored 15 rushing TDs for New England in 2021.

If the Bills place a renewed emphasis on their running game, will Josh Allen be able to remain a top-three fantasy QB?
Reining in Allen’s competitive juices is easier said than done, so absolutely he’ll remain a fantasy darling. During his five seasons, he has averaged 109 carries, 617 yards, and 7.6 TDs rushing per year, contributing greatly to his fantasy value. Those numbers could trend down, but if so, not by much. Allen will still be Allen.

—Leo Roth, Freelance Writer

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