Faceoff - WR Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills

Posted 6/12, exclusive to Footballguys.com

Upside - by Cecil Lammey

Don't worry about Trent Edwards taking over at QB for the Buffalo Bills. Lee Evans, when used properly, was able to put up numbers with J.P. Losman! It's a return to the quick strike offense for the Bills, and their #1 WR could be #1 on your fantasy roster once again. This new gameplan includes more 3 step drops, getting the ball into the hands of the playmakers like Evans quicker. Edwards is a very cerebral QB that knows how to do more than just lock on to a receiver (yes another Losman blast). However, Evans doesn't need that stalker-like lock to be extremely productive. He just needs to get the ball. Long passes, short passes, it doesn't matter. Get Evans the ball and watch him work.

Last season there were SEVEN games when Evans ended up with 2 or fewer receptions. That just can't happen again. The Bills were an offense in transition but now there is no QB controversy, and they may actually have more than one playmaking WR on the offense! If James Hardy can stop getting in trouble he is a very, very talented receiver. Rookie WRs rarely make a big impact, but with Hardy's size it makes the perfect compliment to Evans. Don't forget about 7th round pick Steve Johnson. He was Kentucky's clutch WR in 2007 and all he does is make big plays. Dwayne Bowe's current ADP is WR20 and he has Brodie Croyle throwing him the rock! Evans ADP at this time is WR21, but he could once again finish the season in the top 10 -- top 15 at least.

Downside - by Jeff Tefertiller

Lee Evans is an enigma for fantasy owners. He has enjoyed one good season in his four-year career. Evans has some huge games, but also many clunkers. Fantasy owners never know which weeks to start the former Wisconsin Badger. In 2007, Evans only had four games over 10 fantasy points, but he had eight games under five points. What a huge disappointment for owners that started Evans as a WR2 on their teams.

The Buffalo Bills quarterback position is not a position of strength. Trent Edwards came on to start in place of Losman. But, the rookie only threw a touchdown in three of his ten games. Lee Evans will continue to suffer due to inconsistent quarterback play. The drafting of James Hardy may cut into Evans' red zone targets. With the low number of the Bills' pass completions (262) in 2007, and Evans catching less than half of his pass targets, the upside is severely limited.

Through the four-year career of Evans, he has finished higher than QB24 only once. Lee Evans has eclipsed 55 receptions or 850 receiving yards only once. After finishing as WR32 in 2007, the athletic pass receiver is now being drafted as the 21st receiver off the board. At this ADP, Evans will disappoint fantasy owners for the second straight year. Once again, he finished that high only once in his four years.

The Buffalo Bills struggle as a team in the passing game and it affects Lee Evans. They go games without a passing touchdown. The conservative offense, bad weather, and inconsistent quarterback play will leave Evans fantasy owners dejected and frustrated once again.