NFL Football - Team Previews

New York Giants 2010 Fantasy Preview

QB – Eli Manning

Eli Manning set all sorts of career highs last season -- in completions, completion percentage, yards and touchdowns -- when he completed 317 passes for 4021 yards and 27 touchdown passes on 62.3 completion percentage. The Giants have 3 young receivers who all bring different things to the table and Manning has faith in all of them when he looks to throw the ball and there is no reason to believe he won't at least duplicate his numbers from last year. With the depth at receiver as well as help from tight end Kevin Boss, Manning should be considered a starting fantasy QB in 12 team or deeper leagues or a number 2 quarterback in shallow leagues.

RB – Brandon Jacobs

Jacobs was one of the biggest busts of 2009; after gaining over 1000 yards in the previous 2 seasons, Jacobs rushed for only 835 yards and 5 TDs. What was most puzzling was that Jacobs played in the most games since 2006. There is definitely reason to believe that Jacobs can bounce back, he is only 28 and the Giants still like to use the run to set up the pass. He should, right now, be seen as a number 3 running back. If he can bounce back to his 2007 or 2008 season he would go back to being a number 2 fantasy RB.

RB – Ahmad Bradshaw

Jacobs remains the starter and goal-line option based on his size, but Bradshaw could approach 1,000 rushing yards and a healthy amount of touchdowns in what amounts to a contract year for him. We consider Bradshaw a solid number 3 fantasy running back just like his counterpart in The Big Apple.

WR – Steve Smith

Smith set the franchise single-season record for catches in 2009 with 107, and his 1,220 receiving yards were the second-highest total in team history. He also added seven touchdowns. Smith has become Eli Manning's go-to receiver, and we like Smith as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy option, especially since this is a potential contract year for him. In leagues where receptions count, Smith should be considered a No. 1 option

WR – Hakeem Nicks

Hakeem Nicks was a surprise rookie in 2009 and could be a Fantasy superstar in 2010. He finished last season with 47 catches for 790 yards and six scores and showed plenty of big-play ability. He did have his fair share of drops as a rookie and will need to become more consistent, but that could come with age and experience. Because of his upside, we view Nicks as a top-end number 3 fantasy option.

Kevin Boss

Kevin Boss has the potential to be a No. 1 Fantasy TE, but ankle issues and inconsistent play keep him pinned down. He only scored in four games and had three games with double digits in Fantasy points. The Giants have plenty of weapons in the passing game, so Boss will never post overwhelming stats. He should be viewed as a low-end No. 1 TE. Pairing him with another low-end No. 1 TE option in 2 TE leagues is a good idea.