NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the New York Giants.
Must Own
Victor Cruz, WR: Victor Cruz was among the many big disappointments from Big Blue last season. His receptions plummeted from 86 in 2012 to 73 last year, while he caught just four touchdowns all year. Making matters worse, three came in Week 1, and the fourth came in Week 4.
The Giants have a new system in place though, that features quick passing and a quick pace. That sounds glorious for a player like Cruz, for whom quickness is his calling card. The 10 TDs in 2012 may be gone forever-it's rare for slot players to score that much-but he's going to be very productive this season and should have at least six scores.
Rashad Jennings, RB: His role was shaky in the early going, but once David Wilson was sadly forced to retire from football because of neck injuries, Jennings became the clear-cut guy. He was one of the NFL's top rushers down the stretch last year, and Tom Coughlin has a history of employing run-first offenses. Jennings may lose touches at the goal line to rookie Andre Williams, but expect him to get the bulk of the work along with his share of scores.
Andre Williams, RB: The rookie rusher is somewhat one-dimensional. He's a bruiser that projects to be all-business in the red zone. He hasn't shown top end speed, or much elusiveness, so his ceiling could be the hammer portion of a platoon. That said, he's a sledgehammer. All Jennings owners should back up their investment with Williams.
Ruben Randle, WR: Randle's in for an increased role this season with Hakeem Nicks gone, and after two somewhat underwhelming years with the G-Men, this is his opportunity to make his mark. The WR corps with Big Blue is pretty deep and talented though so Randle may not have a ton of time if he struggles early.
Sleepers (Best format)
Eli Manning, QB (Two-QB): Eli is a two-time Super Bowl MVP, but the potential for copious interceptions out of him is too great to trust as a QB1. In two-QB formats though, Manning has as much upside as anyone, especially with the Giants switching to a quicker, more pass-happy offense. If he can make the quick decisions, and limit turnovers, he's a fine option.
Jerrel Jernigan, WR (PPR): While Cruz is probably best used in the slot, he's versatile enough to play outside. IF the Giants are interested in making the best use of all their weapons as a whole, then Jernigan fits into the slot. He saw limited action aside from special teams in 2013 and made the most of his chance, scoring two touchdowns.
Deep Finds (Best format)
Odell Beckham Jr., WR (PPR): The main threat to Jernigan is Beckham Jr., the Giants' first round pick. He missed almost all of camp with hamstring issues, so he'd buried on the depth chart for now, but he may be the most talented receiver on the entire roster.
Peyton Hillis, RB (Standard): Hillis is ahead of Williams on the depth chart right now, and if Jennings goes down for extended time Hillis may get the nod as the workhorse. He's a bit more versatile than Williams, and definitely more experienced, so if he's getting 20 carries a game at some point he'll definitely have value.
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