C.J.

Spiller

He added 56 yards on returns. An afterthought in the league’s highest-scoring offense, Spiller saw just two touches compared to 17 for Fred Jackson, who continues to outshine the 2010 first-rounder. Unless his role increases, Spiller isn’t even a flex option going forward.

“I know I can play in this league,” Spiller said. “I know what I’m capable of doing, what type of player I am. I’m not for one second thinking that I can’t play running back in the NFL, so whenever I get my opportunity I’m going to take advantage of it.” Spiller has touched the ball just six times in his past two games, and has only 107 yards from scrimmage at the season’s quarter pole. Spiller may still have confidence in himself, but owners in standard leagues should not.

The 2010 first-round pick played zero first quarter snaps before getting two touches a piece in the second and third. He showed typically good burst around the edges, making people miss with his lethal acceleration, but still didn’t show enough to force his way into a larger role going forward. He remains little more than a bench option in deeper PPR leagues.

According to the Buffalo News, Spiller is expected to “get that many or more snaps” as he fills in at receiver the next few weeks. Spiller says he is comfortable at wideout. “Things were very simple to get down pat in a short amount of time.” Spiller will be an intriguing play in PPR leagues when the Bills come off their bye in Week 8.

“He could be an every down back. I don’t see any reason he couldn’t carry 20- 25 if he needed to,” Gailey said. “But he’s a valuable, versatile player. He can play wideout. We’re fortunate to have two very good backs. I’m going to try to make sure we keep them fresh and wear ‘em out at the same time.” Spiller isn’t going to ascend to the No. 1 role with Fred Jackson returning, likely with an extension in tow.

Nix said the Bills are still working on signing Jackson to a multi-year extension, but tacitly acknowledged Spiller’s strong finish last season has earned him another shot at the team’s staring job. Now 31 years old and coming off a broken leg, the smart money may not be on Jackson.

He didn’t carry the ball. Spiller saw action in the slot, but saw just three targets. He won’t be a fantasy option against the Jets in Week 9.

Spiller got going on some draw plays in garbage time, but was held in check most of the day. He excels at running straight ahead in open space, but his short-area quickness between the tackles is lacking. Tashard Choice got a series to himself today. Still, Spiller is a threat to break a big one at any time. He’ll be on the RB2/flex radar against the Dolphins next week as he remains a good bet for 15-18 touches weekly.

Spiller was the player of the game on Buffalo’s side, busting off carries of 38 and 18 yards and also catching a 16-yard pass. His early scoring run came out of a spread formation at the Broncos’ four-yard line. Spiller is at his best in space, and we suspect he’d be quite a bit more effective if the Bills continued to give him the rock in spread-out looks. He’ll have another opportunity to shine against New England’s porous defense in Week 17.

“Everyone’s been surprised, I guess, about C.J. except us,” said Nix. “We always knew what we had. ... I’m one of the few who thinks C.J. can run inside and be a workhorse kind of back. I think he can run inside the tackles. He’s stronger than you think.” Spiller made an outstanding case for a significantly increased 2012 role with a 5.24 YPC average and career-high 146 touches in 2011.