Fantasy Football: Giants vs. Redskins start ‘em, sit ‘em
By Henry Buggy
The G-Men have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL this season, but that surely doesn’t mean they’re irrelevant for fantasy football.
The New York Giants travel to D.C. in Week 12 to face the Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving night, and Thursday’s game is sure to feature plenty of fantasy football starters.
While both Big Blue and the Skins have been decimated by injuries this season, both teams have multiple players worth starting in both standard and point per reception fantasy football leagues.
G-Men Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em
Giants running back Orleans Darkwa leads the list of fantasy starters for Big Blue in Week 12. Darkwa has rushed for a minimum of 70 yards in three consecutive games and scored his second touchdown of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Giants have made a more concerted effort to get their ground game going, and Darkwa draws a favorable matchup against the Redskins on Thanksgiving night. Washington’s defense has surrendered the ninth most fantasy points to running backs this season, making Darkwa a solid RB2.
New York Giants
Big Blue’s rookie tight end Evan Engram was held to just one catch for nine yards against the Chiefs in Week 11. Fantasy owners shouldn’t hesitate to put the 6-foot-3, 234-pound tight end in the starting lineup. Engram has been the most consistent fantasy player for the G-Men in 2017 and faces a Redskins defense that has given up the third most fantasy points to the tight end position. Engram is a clear-cut TE1 for Week 12.
The Giants have listed Sterling Shepard (illness) as questionable for Thursday’s game at FedEx Field. If Shepard is cleared to play, he should be viewed as a WR2 against Washington’s defense. Big Blue’s second-year receiver has caught 16 passes for 212 yards in his last two games played. He is a must-start in most fantasy leagues when healthy.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning was unable to take advantage of a favorable fantasy football matchup against the Chiefs in Week 11. But he did lead the G-Men to victory with 205 yards passing and no turnovers. Manning should remain on the bench in standard fantasy leagues despite another favorable matchup against Washington’s defense. Manning’s fantasy value is also tied to Shepard’s status in Week 12.
Skins Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em
The Giants aren’t the only team with fantasy football starters for the Thanksgiving prime-time game. The Redskins also have plenty of players worth starting in fantasy leagues, starting with tight end Vernon Davis.
The Giants have been fantasy football gold for opposing tight ends this season. And with Jordan Reed ruled out, Davis becomes a must-start. The Redskins 12-year veteran has recorded a minimum of 65 yards receiving in three straight games.
Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins should also be considered a starter in Week 12. The Giants have given up the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Cousins has the fifth most fantasy points for quarterbacks through Week 11 and has thrown over 300 yards in back-to-back games.
Redskins running back Samaje Perine is one of the hottest pickups in fantasy football following Chris Thompson’s season-ending injury. Washington’s rookie tailback recorded a career-high 117 rushing yards against the New Orleans Saints in Week 11. And he is sure to see a heavy workload on Thursday night. Perine should be viewed as an RB2 in Week 12, as the Giants have surrendered the 15th most fantasy points to running backs in 2017.
While Redskins wide receivers Josh Doctson and Ryan Grant are too risky to play in fantasy leagues this week, Jamison Crowder should be viewed as a WR3/flex option against the G-Men. Washington’s 5-foot-8, 174-pound receiver has caught 20 passes for 271 yards in his last three games played.