Campbell could be an elite play tonight.
Every fantasy league across the globe is undoubtedly winding down, but as long as there are NFL games to be played, somewhere out there, there are still fantasy leagues still being operated.
That means there are still owners panicking over their starting line-ups and decision that are weeks in the making. That means that somewhere out there, someone needs our help.
Even though your starting line-up should be completely set by now, there is always a procrastinator or “forgetful” fantasy owner that needs an extra dose of information, and extra sway toward a player or players, or a boost of confidence in their pre-selected line-up.
Before we get to some of the lesser-knowns, here’s a quick look at the guys who should be in your line-up, and should not be worried about:
Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs, Steve Smith
That doesn’t necessarily mean that those three potential studs can’t or won’t lay an egg, and it also doesn’t mean that the other players in this column can’t have huge games. However, they’re the three guys in Monday night’s game that you can truly depend on right now, and the only players that we give a 100% vote of confidence this week.
For analysis on the other possible options for tonight’s game, read on:
Bradshaw isn’t a guaranteed solid play like Brandon Jacobs, but with a good role and a solid match-up this week, he might as well be. Bradshaw’s early season role is back, and his foot injury, while not completely behind him, seems to be less of a concern than it has been in recent weeks.
Bradshaw received just two less carries than Jacobs last week, and put up decent production against a solid Philadelphia Eagles defense, as he totaled 110+ yards and a score in Week 15.
The nice thing about Bradshaw is that (when healthy), he’s a lock for 10+ carries, and also has the potential to be involved in the passing game. He’s a safe bet to be an elite Flex play this week, and should not be an injury concern, despite missing Friday’s practice.
Prediction: 13 att, 59 yds, 1 TD, 4 rec, 39 yds, 0 TD
WR Hakeem Nicks
Nicks saw his first starting action of his career last Sunday night against Philadelphia, and exploded for 110 yards and a touchdown on just four catches.
Nicks is no lock to rack up the catches, but his explosiveness and ability to make the big play make him a potential stud, and his new starting role makes him a solid WR3. He’ll get more looks and playing time than former starter, Mario Manningham, making him a quality start going forward.
A nice match-up with a weakening Redskins pass defense only makes him a better play tonight.
Prediction: 6 rec, 88 yds, 1 TD
WR Mario Manningham
Manningham’s stock is quickly falling, as he’s been dealing with nagging injuries and inconsistent play, and finally lost his starting job to Hakeem Nicks last week.
To make matters worse, Manningham saw a dip in targets, and was even out-performed by fourth receiver, Domenik Hixon. He’s still the Giants third receiver and has some value, but he’s not a recommended play for anything other than a WR4 position in fantasy leagues.
Prediction: 3 rec, 34 yds, 0 TD
TE Kevin Boss
Boss returned to his inconsistent role of being a decent TE1, as he topped 70 yards receiving for the third time this season, and also hauled in his fifth touchdown catch last week against the Eagles.
We can never be sure when his production is here to stay, but with a good match-up against the Redskins this week, as well as a red-hot Eli Manning, it’s a fairly safe bet Boss stays involved.
Prediction: 5 rec, 75 yds, 1 TD
We’re not about to give Campbell the nod over Eli Manning (who is absolutely on fire), but we’re closer than you’d think.
Campbell has been directing a rising (and impressive) Washington Redskins attack, as he’s helped Washington put up 30 or more points in back-to-back weeks, and has thrown seven touchdowns in his past three games.
With at least 220+ yards passing in four straight games, as well, Campbell should make a fine play against a banged-up and ineffective Giants pass defense.
Prediction: 22-34, 314 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
RB Quinton Ganther
Ganther has given the Redskins something they hadn’t had in the 2-3 weeks prior to him earning the starting job: a force at the running back position.
He won’t make highlight reels, but Ganther simply moves the ball forward effectively, and is a beast near the goal-line.
In his only start this season, Ganther piled-up over 90 total yards and two rushing touchdowns, showing he has the ability to carry the load, but in the NFL, and on a fantasy level.
Don’t expect his production to cease against a weak Giants defense.
Prediction: 18 att, 78 yds, 0 TD, 4 rec, 33 yds, 0 TD
WR Santana Moss
Moss has suffered from inconsistency, poor supporting play, and tough match-ups for much of the season, but has finally been given a break.
His starting quarterback is playing at a very high level, the receiver opposite of him is drawing some attention, and more balls are coming his way.
Moss has recorded at least four catches in four straight games for the first time all season, and has a very beatable match-up this week. This could be the break-out game he (and we) have been waiting on.
Prediction: 4 rec, 109 yds, 1 TD
WR Devin Thomas
Thomas fell back to a more reasonable role after going off in Week 14, but could once again find himself in the spotlight, as the Giants secondary is dealing with injuries, and really hasn’t performed well, regardless.
Thomas is still a far cry away from being anything close to respectable or reliable, but tonight could be a good night to run with him over the likes of Mario Manningham. He has the better role, and arguably has the better match-up.
Prediction: 4 rec, 55 yds, 0 TD
TE Fred Davis
Davis isn’t Chris Cooley. We get that. But when Jason Campbell confides in him as much as he has been, and the results are positive, he doesn’t necessarily have to be.
All you need to know is that Davis gets enough targets to be on your fantasy radar, and he does enough with them to earn a spot on your roster. Add the lovely match-up with the weak Giants defense, and you’ve got yourself a potentially elite TE1 on Monday night.
Prediction: 6 rec, 69 yds, 1 TD
