In The Blitz, RotoViz writers react to the latest news and help you place it within the context of our 2020 research and recommendations.
A team’s identity can ebb and flow depending on a variety of factors, including coaching preferences and tendencies, player personnel, and player performance. Last season, the Buffalo Bills were one of the most run-heavy teams in all of football. They are top 10 in both passing frequency and passing plays/game through five weeks of this season.
Quarterback Josh Allen has been playing at an MVP-level this year, and that has resulted in the Bills opening the year with a 4-1 record sitting atop the AFC East. They’ve scored at least 27 points in four of five games and have provided fantasy value for several offensive skill position players. One in particular, Gabriel Davis, continued his stretch of solid performances last night.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabriel Davis saw more action than normal against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. He saw more playing time because John Brown (calf) was unable to suit up for this one. Davis was targeted a season-high nine times with five receptions for 58 yards in the loss. He has put together some nice performances this season, but he won’t carry much fantasy value once Brown is healthy.
A Promising Day 3 Pick
In a wide receiver class as deep and talented as any in recent history, Day 3 draft picks hold more value than usual. Shawn Siegele highlighted Davis as a key flier to stash and watch following his fourth-round selection. Davis scored well in our WR Prospect Lab and brought a strong final season — his junior season — to the NFL Draft.
Through five weeks, Davis has carefully carved out a role for himself on this suddenly potent Bills squad. The offseason addition of Stefon Diggs has unlocked this offense, and the continued maturation of Allen has taken this team to even greater heights. Davis sees the field and appears in the box score each week, which is a start in the right direction. Despite his late breakout in college, he showed he could handle a larger workload when given the opportunity.
Future Offensive Potential
On the downside, Davis currently sits fifth in total team targets. Diggs continues to operate as the alpha, as shown by his double-digit target/game and 100-plus receiving yards/game pace. As noted, Brown was absent in Week 5, which allowed Davis to see a season-high nine targets. Even running back Devin Singletary has seen more passing game involvement than Davis.
Davis is an intriguing prospect who is tied to a young, maturing quarterback who is demonstrating elite upside. Brown and fellow wide receiver Cole Beasley are both on the wrong side of 30 years old. For his part, Davis is showing signs of growth and production in this offense when given a chance. He’s averaging 13.3 air yards per target, good for 27th among all wide receivers. If you are looking for added depth in your dynasty league and can afford to stash players with future upside, Davis is as good a target as any.
