The Bills have fired Rex Ryan (and Rob Ryan), an expected move that has little impact for fantasy teams with Week 17 games. But another move is a little more significant: Tyrod Taylor won't play in Week 17. EJ Manuel will instead draw the start.
That's the word from Adam Schefter. It's apparently a business decision on the part of the Bills, who don't want to risk getting Taylor hurt and having to pay out the contract of a quarterback they might release. And this decision makes it clear they probably will release him.
EJ Manuel is a free agent after the season, so he probably won't be back. The team has Cardale Jones, drafted in the fourth round last year -- hey, just four picks after Dak Prescott -- but apparently isn't going to take a look at him.
Good thing Buffalo doesn't need to win this game for any reason but to cost themselves draft position. The Jets, who will start Ryan Fitzpatrick (also leaving their own rookie quarterback, Christian Hackenberg, on the bench), don't necessarily want to win either. That will be an awesome game to tune in this Sunday. Or maybe I'll attend; they'll probably be giving tickets away outside.
Manuel's presence won't necessarily be a huge negative for Sammy Watkins or the team's other offensive players. But he doesn't have the rushing potential, and thus fantasy upside, of Taylor.
--Andy Richardson