With less than a week approaching the start of the regular season, many NFL fans are busy. I’m not talking about their everyday, 9-5 jobs they may work. I’m talking about their fantasy football drafts. Every single day, many people are drafting their guys who will help them win a championship this year. Some look to repeat, while others are seeking their first. Believe it or not, there are five players from the New York Giants that you should look to for your team.
Daniel Jones, QB
Did you know that the former Duke product was a top-10 fantasy quarterback last season? I know, I couldn’t believe it either!
His arm wasn’t the main reason behind this accomplishment. Rather, his rushing statistics (120 carries, 708 yards, seven touchdowns) carried him to success. He only had 15 touchdowns through the air, but it’s explainable considering who his weapons were. You try succeeding with Richie James and Marcus Johnson as part of your repertoire.
This off-season, the front office reloaded Jones’s weapons around him. Parris Campbell and Darren Waller join Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins to form a solid corps for Jones to throw to. Throw in the return of Saquon Barkley, and there’s no reason why Jones can’t replicate or improve his fantasy position from last year.
Prediction: QB8
Saquon Barkley, RB
There was no way Barkley wouldn’t be mentioned on this list.
This is the year for a breakout season. It has to be. After agreeing to a one-year deal to return to Big Blue, there’s no doubt the star has a chip on his shoulder. Barkley wants to stay with the Giants on a long-term deal. With that being unattainable this offseason, he looks to show why he deserves to be paid.
2022 was a good season for him and fantasy managers. He finished as a top-five player at the position, finishing with double-digit weeks in 13 of the 17 games played.
Barkley is someone going in the first round of fantasy drafts. His ability to make big plays with his legs and hands are a big reason why. There were a few games down the stretch where Barkley didn’t produce much from a fantasy aspect. But, you draft him because of his volume.
When healthy, Barkley has never finished no worse than tenth in fantasy rankings (first in 2018, 10th in 2019, and fifth in 2022). The Giants rely on him as a big part of the offense. He will finish as a top-five running back again, mark my words.
Prediction: RB4
Darren Waller, TE
If the connection between Waller and Daniel Jones wasn’t clear enough, take a look at the first drive against the Carolina Panthers this preseason.
In that one possession, Jones had nine pass attempts. Four of those were towards Waller’s direction, who hauled in three passes for 30 yards. Oh, it’s going to be fun watching these two work their magic this season.
His past has demonstrated he is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Despite batting injuries in 2021 and 2022, let’s not forget what happens when he’s healthy. He had the third-most fantasy points by a tight end in 2019, and had the second-most in 2020. Playing all 16 games in both season, former teammate Derek Carr knew he could depend on him.
The same can be said this season for Daniel Jones. Even with the attention he will bring over the course of this season, Waller will manage to get open for his quarterback. If the 263 targets from 2021-22 have something to say, it’s that.
We all know Travis Kelce will go in the first round of fantasy drafts. Guys like Mark Andrews and T.J. Hockenson exist too. But, don’t sleep on Mr. Waller.
Prediction: TE3
Dark Horse: Parris Campbell
Campbell comes from Indianapolis to serve as the primary slot receiver for the Giants. Even with Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins working on the outside, I believe Campbell is a candidate to finish behind Waller for the most targets this season.
Now, past isn’t on Campbell’s side. His best finish on the fantasy rankings was 48th, which occurred last season. Before that, he’s finished outside the top 100 of wide receivers consistently. Playing on a subpar Colts team didn’t help his cause.
However, he joins a reloaded offense with proven options around him. Slayton (46/724/2) has built a solid rapport with Jones, while Hodgins (37/392/4) broke out after joining the team midseason.
If the speedy slot receiver can build chemistry with Jones early this season, then I can see him finishing in the top-30 of the fantasy rankings. Even with a healthy Wan’Dale Robinson and Sterling Shepard breathing down his neck, he’s my favorite to have a secure spot as the main slot guy. Last year, Richie James (57/569/4) was the primary guy in the slot. There were many instances where Jones would target him.
Dark Horse: Darius Slayton
Another guy we should look at is Darius Slayton. I would mention Jalin Hyatt, but he doesn’t have a clear starting spot yet. As for the former Auburn product, he has worked his way into the lineup every single year. 2022 was a great example, as he began as a healthy scratch in week one. But, he finally appeared in week four against Chicago.
Weeks 7-11 was Slayton’s best from a fantasy perspective. He recorded 14.8, 11.6, 18.5, and 13.6 points in that four-week span, becoming Jones’s favorite target. In the end, he led the team in receiving for the third time in four seasons.
It’s not promised he will do that again. But, if there’s anyone who can surprise me and fantasy owners, it’s Slayton. Finishing in the top-30 is not a stretch.
Thank you for reading! Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter! The Case and Nate Show is live on YouTube and Spotify, so check me out there too.
Featured Image: Rich Schultz/Getty Images
