Can Losman break out as a fantasy QB?

By Adam Levy | Thursday, June 21, 2007 | ( 25 )

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Confidence, swagger, talent -- make no mistake, the Buffalo Bills' J.P. Losman possesses all the crucial intangibles that shape a big-time NFL quarterback. Harnessing those qualities into high-end performances has been a different story thus far, though.

A 2004 first-round pick of the Bills, the team has put the last two seasons in the ex-Tulane star's hands to mixed results. Losman has flashed sporadic glimpses of promise in a slew of mediocre performances. Perhaps the pressure on the young signal caller to avoid mistakes has hindered the overall ability he has to initiate scoring drives. That should not be the case in 2007, as the maturing Losman will be expected to win games as opposed to manage them -- the Bills' defense just isn't that strong.

Last season, he showed progress while leading the Bills to a 7-9 finish and passing for 3,052 yards, 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

Entering his fourth year (his second full season as a starter), Losman happens upon decent working conditions in the wake of the Bills' offseason personnel moves. He and his favorite receiver, speed burner Lee Evans, should build upon the big-play rapport they showed in 2006. And middling running back Willis McGahee was traded to Baltimore in the March, replaced by hotshot rookie Marshawn Lynch, in what may be a lateral move until the latter gets his feet wet.

The offensive line, which allowed the third-most sacks in the league last year (47), has been fortified with the additions of huge free agents Derrick Dockery and Langston Walker.

Fantasy analysis: Quarterback is a deep position and Losman has not shown he can execute consistently and rack up enough points with his arm -- or legs, for that matter. Even though mobility is one of his best attributes, he scored just once last year.

What the QB does have going for him is Evans. Based on that, he makes a shrewder selection than retread vets like Steve McNair, Jeff Garcia or Trent Green, but he still should be nothing more than a clipboard holder for your fantasy team. Take him as a backup in the later rounds and use him in case of injury or bye weeks.

Original fantasy football insights, courtesy of RealFootball365.com

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Comments: 25 | Sign Up View all comments


	No.1 miles long	08:21 AM 06/21/2007

	you're an idiot! Losman is clearly beginning to get it. everyone made such a big deal about Big Ben in Pitt, his numbers were...


	No.2 Marc	09:14 AM 06/21/2007

	the next brett favre you say? get off the message board with that stupidity and get your head checked...the next ken obrien or...


	No.3 Dave in the Burgh	09:47 AM 06/21/2007

	This guy is just like the rest of the NFL pundits and nay-sayers, always looking at last year and forgetting that there is still...