Seven New York Giants the list of the Top 200 NFL Fantasy Players for 2020 as compiled by Michael Fabiano of the NFL Network.
It’s difficult to predict who or what these Giants are after a 2019 season that saw them endure a spate of injuries, a quarterback change, lackluster coaching and uneven results.
Here’s a breakdown of the seven players cited by Fabiano.
2. RB Saquon Barkley (RB20)
Barkley missed three games with a high ankle sprain but the injury affected him for about eight. He still gained 1,003 yards rushing with six touchdowns and caught 52 of 73 targets for 438 more yards with two touchdowns. The Giants were hoping he would be the crutch for Daniel Jones, their rookie quarterback, but the ankle injury got in the way of those plans. If healthy, as Fabiano illustrates by ranking him second overall, Barkley is one the league’s most reliable and productive players. He will be the top player taken in many fantasy drafts this season.
80. Evan Engram, Giants (TE9)
Engram was poised to have a monster season in 2019 but injuries again curtailed those plans. Engram was only able to start 10 games and his season ended with him having surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury. He is said to be ready for the spring but I find it a curious choice given his injury history and the inconsistency when healthy. The Giants have to find a role for him, also. With Jason Garrett as the OC, a healthy Engram could finally reach his potential.
88. Sterling Shepard, Giants (WR38)
Shepard led the Giants in receptions last year (57) in 10 games. His season was shortened by not one, but two bouts with concussion syndrome. He is a top-tier slot man and an emerging force as a wideout, which the Giants realized by giving Shepard a four-year extension before last season. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be a fine fantasy second or third option for season-long leagues and and excellent spot play against teams with weak coverage schemes.
94. Golden Tate, Giants (WR40)
Always the consummate pro, Tate surprised everyone by getting suspended for a PED violation which cost him the first four games of the season. Still, he was a veteran presence for Daniel Jones and put together a 49/676/6 line in 10 starts. In a 16-game setting, he should get closer to his normal career average numbers of 89 catches for 1,003 yards.
99. Darius Slayton, Giants (WR43)
The fifth-rounder out of Auburn was brought in to stretch the field and he did that and more as a rookie. Slayton led the Giants in receiving yards (740) and TDs (8) in just nine starts. With 16 starts, he should put up some impressive numbers. His synergy with Jones was almost immediate and Giant fans have something to look forward to.
121. Daniel Jones, Giants (QB16)
After getting thrown to the wolves in Week 3 last year, Jones showed some promise in his 12 starts by completing 61.9 percent of his passes for 3,027 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also ran for 279 yards and two more scores. His turnovers put a huge blemish on things, however. He tossed 12 INTs and lost 11 fumbles. If Jones cuts downs on those miscues, he could become a top level fantasy QB.
166. Wayne Gallman, Giants (RB58)
Not sure why Gallman is on this list other than the new coaching staff values him more than Pat Shurmur’s did. Gallman ended the season as a healthy scratch losing the job as Barkley’s primmer backup to Javorius Allen. We’ll see what his role is early on in OTAs.
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