Tashard Choice: Predictions for Buffalo Bills RB Against New England Patriots

The Buffalo Bills have a bit of a running back conundrum on their hands right now.

With C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson both saying they could possibly return to action, it leaves Tashard Choice somewhere between a sure-thing starter and a seldom-used third-string back.

Assuming Jackson isn’t able to go, or his leg brace makes him ineffective, and Spiller isn’t able to play through the pain of the shoulder injury he sustained last Sunday, Choice is a great fantasy play.

Buffalo is matching up against the New England Patriots in Week 4, a team that is giving up about 81 yards per game on the ground and allowed two scores through three games.

While those aren’t great numbers, Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens was able to expose their front seven. In the Pats' most recent game, the former Rutgers running back gashed them to the tune of 101 yards and a TD on 20 carries.

Last year, when the Bills played the Pats, they were able to garner 79 yards on 20 attempts in the first meeting and 106 yards on 20 carries in the second.

Choice actually scored his only touchdown of 2011 in that Week 17 matchup, punching it in on his lone carry.

Again, it’s extremely important to monitor the status of both Spiller and Jackson, but Choice could be a great sleeper play in Week 4 for your fantasy team.

If he’s the feature back in the Buffalo offense, you could certainly expect some production from him, especially after he racked up 91 yards on 20 carries against the Browns once Spiller went out.

We are projecting a solid 17 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown for the 27-year-old RB, who might help out PPR owners with a reception or two as well.

Remember to check the injury report and breaking news sources, such as B/R’s fantasy and NFL page, to monitor the status of the Bills’ backfield leading up to the contest against NE.