Sleeper Watch

The Bills are on a roll. After opening the season with four straight losses, the team has bounced back and is now fighting for a playoff berth with an 8-6 record. Buffalo has won its last five games, scoring an average of 39.4 points in those victories. Compare that with the 12.8 points the Bills averaged in their first four defeats, and it’s easy to see that this squad has made impressive strides.

One of the main reasons for Buffalo’s resurgence is Willis McGahee. Many doubted the wisdom of his selection in the first round of the 2003 draft, but his superlative performance over the last two months has silenced those critics. Unfortunately, the Bills might have to go without their star running back just when they need him most. McGahee suffered a knee injury in last Sunday’s 33-17 victory in Cincinnati, and might be forced to miss this week’s tilt with San Francisco. If McGahee is unable to play, and with Travis Henry also hurt, expect undrafted rookie Shaud Williams to step in.

Williams only has 24 carries so far this season, rushing for a total of 72 yards and a score in the last two weeks. Slightly undersized at 5′7″, 193 lbs., Williams never really received the credit he deserved at Alabama, gaining considerably more attention for his appearance on Da Ali G Show than for his play on the field. But make no mistake, Williams has considerable talent, combining quickness with a knack for eluding tacklers. He may not be Willis McGahee, and he certainly still lacks experience, but if the Bills’ star is unable to go this week, Williams might make an intriguing fantasy fill-in start against a defense that trails only the Browns in most rushing TDs allowed this year.