After a report earlier this week saying Matt Cassel was the "clear front-runner" for the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback position. It appears the front-runner is losing some ground after the Bills' preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. Tyrod Taylor was the biggest star among the quarterbacks and is now receiving first-team reps in practice.
Against Carolina, Taylor completed five-of-eight passes for 49 yards, though he didn't throw a touchdown or interception. But he also brought something Cassel can't, a dual-threat quarterback who fits perfectly with LeSean McCoy and this offense. Taylor displayed that dual-threat ability against the Panthers, rushing for 67 yards on four carries, including a 20-yard run.
Taylor impressed head coach Rex Ryan enough that he announced Taylor would start on August 20 against the Cleveland Browns. Buffalo returned to practice on Sunday, where Taylor received more first-team reps and the reports from beat writers have been very positive regarding Taylor's throws. If he can continue to play well and outperform Cassel, he should be named the regular season starter in due time.
Fantasy Spin
If Cassel is officially made the Bills' starter to start the regular season, then he is off the fantasy radar both in season-long leagues and daily fantasy football. He doesn't have the dual-threat ability to give you points for rushing yards and he isn't a viable starting quarterback on his arm and accuracy alone.
Now if Taylor becomes the starter, which is becoming more likely with his increased first-team reps, then he becomes worth watching for fantasy owners. He'll be a cheap DFS option to plug into your lineups as a value play and because of his rushing ability, he is even worth a serious look in 2QB leagues and as a matchup play in 14 or 16-team leagues.