Posted on 8/9/2007 8:14:53 PM

NFL Betting - It Should Be Lynch In Buffalo

By Charles Jay

When the Buffalo Bills traded former University of Miami running back Willis McGahee to the Baltimore Ravens in the off season, that left a void in the Bills' running game, and pressure for someone to produce. With quarterback J.P. Losman experiencing his first full year under center, the Bills showed signs of life in the second half of the season and finished with a 7-9 record. But developing a dependable running attack, especially as the September and October turn into November and December in the icy temperatures in Buffalo, looms as a big priority.

Toward that end, Marv Levy, the former Buffalo coach who is now the director of football operations, chose Marshawn Lynch of the University of California with the 12th pick in the draft. At the outset of the 2006 college football season, Lynch was considered to be a possible contender for the Heisman Trophy. His statistics from the season were enough to keep him in the Heisman race for a time (1356 yards on a robust 6.1 yards a carry), and there is no doubting that Lynch is a great talent. He is well-rounded, with the ability to catch the football, as one might expect from someone who comes out of coach Jeff Telford's Cal offense.

Lynch is not necessarily expected to produce along the lines of Joseph Addai, Maurice Jones-Drew or Reggie Bush did in their rookie seasons last year, but he will have every opportunity to make his presence known in Buffalo. One difficulty that looms is a disc problem in his lower back, something that gave some scouts pause.

The Bills also have veteran Anthony Thomas on hand, who is going to get a chance to make a comeback of sorts. Thomas came out of Michigan in 2001 to anchor the Chicago Bears' rushing game, and gained 1183 yards on his way to capturing the Rookie of the Year award. But since then he's had a hard time elevating himself above backup status, and of late he's just been trying to get his game back together. After stops in Dallas and New Orleans, he wound up in Buffalo last season and gained 378 yards on 3.8 yards a carry. Bills coach Dick Jauron is familiar with him from his "glory" days in Chicago and feels comfortable with him around.

While Thomas may provide a good insurance policy, there is no question as to who is the back with the most upside in this mix. Lynch may have a chance to be a star, and that is not going to happen in a situational role. In an atmosphere where someone has to pick up the slack for the talented McGahee, Lynch is the guy who has the best shot.

THE CHARLES JAY LINE

Who will be Buffalo's starting running back in Game 1?

* Marshawn Lynch -450

* Anthony Thomas +350

Will Marshawn Lynch rush for at least 1000 yards in 2007?

* Yes -150

* No +110

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Charles Jay of TotalAction.com is a freelance writer and oddsmaker who contributes with gusto to the BetUS.com Locker Room