The football gods must really not have appreciated that trip to Miami before last year's playoff game against the Packers, because nothing has gone right for the Giants since.
After season-ending leg injuries to Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall and Dwayne Harris _ and a less severe one for Sterling Shepard _ the Giants wide receiver group went from a who's who to a who's that?
Things are so bad that cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie walked out and is suspended indefinitely. Just left. Poof. What is this, little league?
Sigh. Back to the fantasy implications.
Usually, when one guy goes down in fantasy, it presents an opportunity for another. We saw it just last week when Green Bay's Aaron Jones stepped in for Ty Montgomery and ran for 125 yards against the Cowboys.
The Giants' situation is somewhat different, though there is still a chance for fantasy players to benefit.
Shepard did not practice again on Thursday and seems unlikely to play on Sunday night in Denver. This leaves Roger Lewis and his 30 career receptions as Eli Manning's new No. 1 wide receiver.
Behind him on the depth chart is ...
Travis Rudolph, who had a strong preseason and was called up from the practice squad.
Ed Eagan, who also was called up from the practice squad.
Tavarres King, who has been cut six times in his NFL career, including a few weeks ago by the Giants. He was signed off the street.
"They know what they're doing," Manning said of his new best friends. "(Some of them) were just here a few weeks ago, so they'll be ready."
Yeah, OK.
Even though he's hurt, Shepard holds the highest fantasy value, though none of these guys should be in active lineups against Denver's defense, ranked 11th against the pass. Buying low on Shepard now as a possible WR3 is an intriguing gamble for down the line.
After this week, the Giants host Seattle (7th in pass defense) and the Rams (10th), before a couple of favorable fantasy matchups at San Francisco (26th) and home with Kansas City (25th). Shane Vereen would be worth a look as a flex in PPR leagues, especially when there are bye-week crunches.
"We'll talk," Manning said. "There's always some things you've added in. There's some new plays or different things, but I don't see there being a problem with being on the same page."
Sure. It's the Giants. What could go wrong?
