Realistic Expectations for LeSean McCoy and Sammy Watkins in Likely Week 6 Returns

By Vincent Frank on Thursday, October 15th 2015
Realistic Expectations for LeSean McCoy and Sammy Watkins in Likely Week 6 Returns

With both Sammy Watkins and LeSean McCoy likely to return this week against the Cincinnati Bengals, it appears that the Buffalo Bills will need that much-needed shot in the arm after struggling on offense against the Tennessee Titans last week. 

Though, there has to be some concern over the impact both players can reasonably expect to make after missing multiple games with injuries. This will only be magnified against a Bengals defense that's among one of the best in the National Football League.

The other issue here is the availability of starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who suffered a sprained MCL against the Titans last week. 

For McCoy, it's simply about being 100 percent recovered from multiple hamstring injuries — one in the preseason and a setback Week 3. McCoy has been a participant in practice all week and was a full go on Thursday.

For a Bills rushing attack that has suffered setback after setback, this is a rather big deal. Karlos Williams suffered a concussion in Week 4 and missed last Sunday's game against the Titans. He was a no go in practice on Thursday, which means that the rookie running back has yet to pass through the NFL's concussion protocal.

With both Williams and McCoy out last week, Anthony Dixon and Dan Herron combined for 47 yards on 16 attempts. 

Knowing Rex Ryan the way we do, there's little doubt that McCoy would be active if the Bills head coach didn't think he was darn near 100 percent heading into the weekend. If the Pro Bowler is ready to go, there's no reason to believe he won't be able to make a solid impact. 

With Thomas Rawls gaining 169 yards on 23 attempts for the Seattle Seahawks against Cincinnati last week, McCoy should be able to put up a solid fantasy performance. Considering he's likely to see 20-plus touches, you can do the math here. 

Watkins situation is a little less clear cut. 

Even when Watkins was on the field earlier this year, he didn't necessarily find much of a connection with Taylor. The second-year receiver caught just seven passes for 99 yards in three games to start the year. Watkins has even been vocal about wanting to see more targets in the passing game. Though, that's only going to take hold if he proves he can actually play a full four quarters. 

Hampered by multiple injuries since entering the league as a top-five pick last year, Watkins is definitely a risky buy this week. We have no idea how his calf is going to respond during game action, and there isn't much of a successful sample size between him and Taylor. Watkins' ability to make an impact will take an even larger hit should EJ Manuel find himself under center. 

 

FanDuel

McCoy ($7,000): As the 12th-most expensive FanDuel running back this week, McCoy is an obvious risk. Though, it does seem he's well on his way to being 100 percent in time for Sunday's game. Without any real competition to handcuff him, especially if Williams is out, McCoy will likely see a bulk of Buffalo's rush attempts. That makes his floor much higher than one might expect. His ceiling, especially in comparison to those priced in his range, is nearly unmatched. 

Watkins ($6,300): Even at this price, I really wouldn't touch Watkins. We have no idea who is going to be under center in Buffalo, and Watkins past injury issues this season have to be of utmost concern. With the likes of Travis Benjamin and John Brown costing the same, Watkins simple isn't a great option this week. 

 

 

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