Changes are coming to Buffalo, and I am not just talking about the weather.

While the first cold blast of the fall moves into western New York, a familiar face moves back onto the sideline this weekend for the Bills.

Marshawn Lynch, the Bills first-round draft pick in 2007, comes off a three-game suspension to rejoin the Buffalo backfield. And in the last three weeks, it has gotten pretty crowded.

Not by shear numbers like in New Orleans, but by the performance of one Fred Jackson in Lynch’s stead.

Jackson has played like a RB1 for fantasy owners in points-per-reception leagues and a solid RB2 or flex option in standard leagues. He has been patient as a runner and versatile as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

He also has generated nearly half of Buffalo’s offense through the first three weeks of the season. His numbers, below.

Fred Jackson through three weeks
@ Patriots: 15 carries, 57 yards; 5 receptions, 83 yards, 1 touchdown
v. Buccaneers: 28 carries, 163 yards; 6 receptions, 25 yards
v. Saints: 18 carries, 71 yards; 4 receptions, 26 yards

Taking a deeper look at the numbers, Jackson is averaging 4.8 yards per carry on the ground and 8.9 yards per catch. He lost one fumble against Tampa Bay. And his one touchdown came through the air.

Those are some lofty numbers for a player considered No. 2 on the depth chart when Lynch is active. Lynch certainly has his work cut out for him starting this weekend.

That Jackson could not punch in a rushing touchdown during the first three weeks of the season opens the door for Lynch’s immediate role upon his return. Lynch has scored 15 rushing touchdowns over the course of his two-year career and is generally considered a better goal line running back than Jackson.

Jackson’s versatility keeps him in play. So, too, does the fact that he has performed well in Lynch’s stead through the first three weeks of the season.

Most experts expect Lynch to gradually work his way back into the feature role with Jackson playing more of a supporting cast, ala Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward last year. That still leaves plenty of fantasy relevancy for Jackson and Lynch alike.

But for fantasy owners, it is just another frustrating running-back-by-committee.

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