Fred Jackson's Updated Fantasy Value After Week 8

Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson has been one of the most surprising revelations in fantasy football this season, and although he wasn't dominant against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, there is no question that he will remain a reliable option moving forward.

Most figured that Jackson would settle into a backup role with the Bills this season, especially after first-year offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett proclaimed prior to the year that they would hand C.J. Spiller the ball "until he throws up," according to Mike Rodak of ESPN.com.

The Bills have been unable to implement that game plan through eight weeks, though, as Spiller has been banged up with numerous injuries. He was held out of Sunday's game with an ankle ailment, which allowed Jackson to be the bell-cow back.

Jackson has been hobbled in his own right with a knee injury, but he has shown his toughness by continuing to tote the rock for Buffalo.   

While Jackson averaged just three yards per carry against New Orleans, he grinded out 45 yards and found his way into the end zone as well. Jackson also had two receptions for eight yards.

The Bills are certainly committed to running the ball and entered Week 8 with the fifth-most rushing yards per game. Spiller will naturally cut into Jackson's production when he returns, but there is room for two productive backs in the Buffalo offense.

Jackson will be a flex play at worst moving forward, and if injuries continue to hamper Spiller, he absolutely has RB2 upside, which is precisely what he has been through the first half of the season.

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