Kyle Orton's Instant Fantasy Reaction After EJ Manuel's Benching

Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone shocked the NFL world on Monday when he revealed he would be benching second-year quarterback EJ Manuel in favor of veteran Kyle Orton.

The team's official Twitter account shared the news:

Mike Rodak of ESPN relayed a quote from the coach explaining his decision:

Regardless if you agree with the decision or not, it has severe fantasy implications. With Manuel reduced to holding the clipboard on the sidelines, Orton comes in with the responsibility of turning around the league's 29th-ranked passing offense.

That's no easy feat.

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The 31-year-old veteran out of Purdue has proved over the years he can efficiently run an offense, achieving passer ratings of 86.8 and 87.5 in 2009 and 2010—his last two seasons as a starter—with the Denver Broncos.   

Orton joined the Bills before the beginning of the 2014 regular season, giving him plenty of time to learn the offense. With talent like rookie Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller at his disposal, he isn't without solid options.

Although, Buffalo is also home to an offensive line that ranks 26th in the league in pass protection with a negative-10.8 rating, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Orton isn't exactly known for his ability to scramble, so that could pose an issue.

Orton doesn't have a tremendous upside, but he could be viable with a favorable matchup. Fantasy owners should consider the veteran signal-caller a bench player with the potential to be a spot starter in place of a quarterback on a bye week.