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Fred Jackson has long been one of the most underrated players in the NFL, even struggling to gain respect on his own team.

Maybe it’s because he played in the Arena League and NFL Europe before making it big. Maybe it’s because he went to Coe College. Or perhaps it’s because he plays in Buffalo and his name is Fred Jackson. (Ding, ding, ding).

Jackson shouldn’t be overlooked again after this season. The Buffalo News made the case for Jackson as an MVP candidate on Tuesday. Throw out Aaron Rodgers (who is easily the pick so far) and Jackson could be No. 2 on the list.

Only Matt Forte has more yards from scrimmage, by 17 yards. Jackson is a back that can do everything — block, catch passes, break big plays, and break tackles.

No other running back is within 150 yards of Jackson and Forte. It’s early, but Jackson’s pace isn’t far off Chris Johnson’s record setting 2009 season.

Going into the year, we weren’t sure that Jackson would start for the Bills. He struggled to get respect even inside his own house. His wife didn’t select him until the fifth round of her fantasy football draft. She chose Michael Turner over him.

“[I told her] I’m not going to continue to sit here if you’re skipping over me in these rounds. If you don’t take me, I’m going to call your brother and tell him to pick me up,” Jackson said.

She drafted him. Like all of Jackson’s fantasy owners, she’s doing very well this year.