Fred Jackson Injury: Fantasy Owners Must Sit Veteran in Thursday Night Matchup

The Buffalo Bills and fantasy football owners will likely have to try to win in Week 11 without veteran running back Fred Jackson.

According to Tim Graham of the Buffalo News, Jackson is not likely to play against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football while he continues to recover from a groin injury:

Jackson was limited in practice during the week after returning to the lineup last Sunday, but fantasy owners should stay far away from the Bills running back this week. With the uncertainty around his status and his health, owners should bench Jackson without question.

Buffalo will lean on the combination of Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown if Jackson can’t play, but owners must be aware of the inconsistency of the Bills rushing attack. Last week, Dixon had nine carries and Brown had seven, but in the previous game, Dixon had 22 carries to Brown’s seven.

Fantasy owners should be looking to other running backs on the bench as a possible flex start this week, but if there are no other viable options, Dixon would likely be the smarter flex play. With more trust from the coaching staff and the ability to run between the tackles, the possibility of scoring a touchdown is higher for Dixon than Brown.

Against Miami’s 10th-ranked run defense (allowing 99 yards per game), both Dixon and Brown will be dependent on a touchdown to save their fantasy value in Week 11. While Brown may be the more talented back, Dixon will get the opportunities in the red zone.

If you have to start a Bills running back in your fantasy league, ride with Dixon.

*Stats via NFL.com.