CJ Spiller: Complete Fantasy Profile and Draft Strategy

The Buffalo Bills used the ninth pick to select C.J. Spiller in 2010 with hopes that his explosive speed would provide a major boost to the team's offense. Fred Jackson's presence in the Buffalo backfield has limited Spiller's playing time and fantasy value, though.

When Jackson went down with an injury last season, Spiller proved he was capable of handling the load by scoring at least 15 fantasy points in four of the team's final five games. It was a performance that should earn him more touches in 2012.

Here's a look at all the key information you need to know about Spiller's fantasy value with Jackson back in the picture to begin the new season.

Average Draft Position

Spiller is currently getting drafted around 96th overall, according to ESPN. It's a number that has remained relatively constant over the past week and translates to the early-eighth round in standard 12-team leagues.

Latest News

One area that Spiller has struggled in is pass protection, which has frequently kept him off the field on passing downs even though he's a good receiver. However, Chris Brown of the team's official site reports that head coach Chan Gailey has been happy with his progress, and he should be used on third down more.

Season Projections

Buffalo running backs carried the ball 312 times last season. Since Tashard Choice doesn't figure to factor into the game plan, Spiller and Jackson should near that total as a tandem, with the Bills offense unlikely to change its approach.

Jackson is still the starter and should receive a majority of the carries, but Spiller should receive much more playing time than he did when Jackson was healthy last season. Knowing that, he does carry fantasy value.

160 touches for 845 yards and six total touchdowns

Bye-Week Info

The Bills will enjoy their bye during Week 8. The three other teams that won't play that week are the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans. So Spiller won't be a bye replacement for Ray Rice or Arian Foster, two of the game's best RBs.

Playing-Time Outlook

It's tough to get a good handle on what Gailey will do with his running backs. He will probably ride the hot hand more often than not since he knows both guys can dominate on any given afternoon. Jackson should still get more than half the playing time, though.

Look for Jackson to see between 60 and 65 percent of the offensive snaps, with Spiller getting the rest. He may also have a role on special teams like he did last season.

Same-Tier Players

Fantasy owners should take Spiller ahead of players such as Michael Bush, Roy Helu and Toby Gerhart. He presents more upside than those three running backs, despite getting picked in the same area, and will be a borderline No. 1 back if Jackson goes down with another injury.

On the flip side: Kevin Smith, Donald Brown and Peyton Hillis. Those backs all have more defined roles with their respective teams and should be more consistent point producers in the early weeks. Spiller is a risky play until the Bills settle into a groove offensively.

Fantasy Summary

Draft Spiller after building your foundation with players locked into starting jobs. Even if he starts slow, don't drop him. Patience is the key.