Fred Jackson

Week Fourteen Analysis: Fred Jackson was supposed to fade quietly into the sunset. However, last week against Jacksonville, driving rain replaced the sunset, and Jackson replaced C.J. Spiller. Jackson's 25 carries were nine more than his previous season-high, and he cracked the century mark for the first time this year as well. We can probably expect something closer to a 50-50 split going forward, with Spiller being the much more efficient producer. Surprisingly, the Rams rank sixth in rushing yards, but they've given up eight rushing scores in their last five games, with the longest coming from 12 yards out. That's Jackson's area of the field, so he's a sneaky play this week.

Week Twelve Analysis: As of now, we think that Fred Jackson will return from his concussion and resume his role in Buffalo's split backfield this week in Indianapolis. While C.J. Spiller is clearly the preferred fantasy option at this point, Jackson has averaged 88 combo yards and a touchdown per game in his last four outings, so he's no fantasy slouch. While the Colts have tightened up in recent weeks, they're still a middling run defense whose 12 touchdowns allowed to opposing backs trail only Buffalo's 16. Keep tabs on Jackson's progress this week, and feel free to use him if you usually would.

Week Ten Analysis: Fred Jackson is splitting touches evenly with C.J. Spiller, but Spiller is pulling away from the 31-year old veteran. Jackson's averaging a career-low 3.7 yards per carry, and his high water mark this season is 71 rushing yards. His saving grace, particularly in PPR leagues, has been his receiving ability—he's totaled 18 catches for 93 yards and a score in his last three games. That should help him this week. The Patriots are giving up just 3.6 yards per carry, but they're much more beatable through the air, as opposing backs average six catches for 47 yards. Still, cut that in half and you're left with a desperation No. 2 fantasy back.

Week Nine Analysis: In the two games prior to Buffalo's bye, Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller had settled back into a 50-50 timeshare—Jackson averaged 19 touches for 102 combo yards, while Spiller averaged 17 for 106. Jackson outscored Spiller two-to-one in the two games, and he remains better suited for short-yardage opportunities as the superior between-the-tackles runner. Unfortunately, Houston's top-tier run defense remains the only unit that's yet to give up a rushing score to opposing backs, and no back has reached even 20 receiving yards in Houston's last six games, either. All things considered, it's a very tricky matchup for both Buffalo backs.

Week Seven Analysis: Fred Jackson seems to be turning the corner on his nagging knee injury. Last week his 16 carries and five catches were both season highs, and he also reached the end zone for the first time this year. While C.J. Spiller is getting about half the work, Jackson shouldn't need a full slate to produce against a dismal Titans run defense. Tennessee is giving up over 173 combo yards per game to opposing backfields, and only one team has surrendered more than their seven rushing scores. The key here is that all seven scores have come from inside the five yard line, where Jackson remains Buffalo's first option.

Week One: In his nine full games last season, Fred Jackson's standard points-per-game average was just a hair behind Arian Foster, and on par with Ray Rice and LeSean McCoy. That's elite company. In those nine games, Jackson's low-water mark was 98 combo yards, and all indications are that age, injury, and C.J. Spiller's involvement are non-issues coming into the season. The Jets are a middle-of-the-road run defense that Jackson torched for 120 combo yards in his one meeting last season, so expect him to return to his highly productive ways from the get-go.