Saints Fantasy 2015: The 5 Players Ready to Make an Impact
By Mike Delayo
Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley (54) tries to tackle Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
CJ Spiller:
ESPN: RB 28
Yahoo!: RB 25
NFL: RB 32
Spiller is probably the riskiest fantasy asset the Saints have on the roster for this coming season. After a huge breakout season in 2012, where he managed to rush for over 1200 yards with only 207 carries (over six yards per carry!), he has yet to return to that level of play.
During his last two seasons in Buffalo, Spiller had to fight through multiple injuries and the platoon style backfield of the since-departed head coach Doug Marrone. In 2013, he was not that bad. He ran 202 times for 933 yards (a solid and much more human 4.6 yards per carry), but still ceded a ton of carries to counterpart Fred Jackson. Last season was pretty much lost for Spiller, who only managed to total 78 carries for less than 400 yards.
While the drop off over the last couple years may raise a red flag, Spiller has a chance to become fantasy relevant again in his first season with the Saints. It is no secret that the Saints have thrived when their backfield participates in their passing game. Spiller will be able to do just that.
In 2012 he had 43 receptions for 459 yards from the backfield. He is stellar at catching dump offs in the flat and making a guy miss. His career yards per reception of 7.6 displays just how much of a weapon he can be. Oh, and Spiller did all of this with the likes of Thad Lewis, Ryan Fitzpatrick and EJ Manuel as his quarterbacks. Now that he has Brees as his QB, who knows what he will be able to do in the passing game?
Spiller is ranked between the high twenties and early thirties of running backs. Ingram will likely be the man on first and second down, leaving Spiller with only third down to work with. Even if Ingram gets hurt, it is likely that Khiry Robinson would step in and take most of Ingram’s. With that said, if Spiller can stay healthy and be effective in the passing game, he may be worth taking a flyer on.
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