New York Giants Tickets - A Solid Receiving Corps Anchors Giants Offense

August 23, 2010 by Stub_Hub

The Giants enter the season as one of the most unpredictable teams in the league. Despite their capricious nature, however, they still have plenty of players that might be able to help you win your fantasy league. Here's a breakdown of the top players suiting up for the G-Men this year.

Steve Smith, Wide Receiver:
Across the field Hakeem Nicks is developing as a big-play threat, but Smith is still the number one target for Eli Manning. Smith has increased his production in each of his three seasons in the league before finally breaking out in 2009; with 107 catches, 1,220 yards and seven touchdowns, Smith was one of the best fantasy wideouts in the league last year. Though Smith won't stretch the field like Nicks, he has a great set of hands and can make catches in traffic, which is why Manning will continue to feed him the ball in crucial situations.
Projection: 95 catches, 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns.

Eli Manning, Quarterback:
Eli may be one of the most underrated fantasy players in the league. True, he's not his big brother Peyton and he's far away from Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. But even with a struggling running game, Manning threw for more than 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns while tossing a respectable 14 interceptions. With a young set of receivers that should only get better, Manning is in position for another pretty big year in New York and I wouldn't be surprised at all if he threw for 30 touchdowns.
Projection: 4,200 yards, 29 touchdowns, 13 interceptions.

Hakeem Nicks, Wide Receiver:
In his rookie season, Nicks had a very solid overall campaign and even posted two 100-yard games. Nicks also had four catches of 54 yards or more, making him a deep threat that Manning will look to exploit all season long. A deep threat like Nicks also will help the team sell plenty of New York Giants tickets. It's unlikely that he'll become a possession receiver but he has more overall upside than Smith. Considering you can probably grab him fairly late, Nicks projects as a very good value for the 2010 season. Projection: 875 yards, nine touchdowns.

Brandon Jacobs, Running Back:
Jacobs didn't have a single 100-yard rushing game in 2009. After struggling early, Jacobs also saw his carries significantly diminish after week eight, the last week he had 20. Though his upright, bruising style of running took the league by storm earlier in his career, it seems that the physical punishment of that type of running could be taking its toll on Jacobs' body. Having said that, the Giants have to get back to running the football to have more consistent success, meaning that Jacobs will be leaned on heavily early and often in 2010. Though the Giants do have to be wary of his carries, the Giants offensive line is still a very good unit and a comeback year could be in the cards for Jacobs. Just don't expect an elite back.
Projection: 780 yards rushing, nine touchdowns.

Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back:
Brandon Jacobs might not have had a 100-yard game in 2009, but Bradshaw had two. Though Bradshaw doesn't get as many carries due to his smaller frame, he still has the potential to take every ball to the house, making him very dangerous. As the Giants look to re-establish the run in 2010, Bradshaw could emerge as the legitimate number one backfield option.
Projection: 880 yards, seven touchdowns.