New York Giants

Dynasty Dilemma: Daniel Jones 

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Dynasty Dilemma: Daniel Jones

 

The New York Giants, an organization that has received mixed opinions over the last few years while having their success questioned is now on the rise. Finishing 9-7-1 and reaching the postseason, the Giants have made incredible strides to become a top contender in the NFC East. However, if you know anything about Fantasy Football and pay any attention to the waiver wire, you have probably noticed a lot of Giants players that go undrafted or that are being overlooked. What if I told you, you could get away with the steal of the draft at Quarterback with the Giants very own, Daniel Jones. 

 

REASON TO BUY

 

Rushing Upside

Daniel Jones finished 2022 with his best stat line since his draft in 2019 with 3,205 passing yards, 708 rushing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and 7 rushing touchdowns finishing as QB9.. Daniel Jones had his longest run last year of 80 yards and puts him in the top 5 for longest rushes. However, he is being overlooked and many rankings have him placed at QB14 behind quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, Kyler Murray, and Deshaun Watson. One of Daniel Jones best attributes as a Fantasy Quarterback is his ability to run the ball. Daniel Jones finished 5th in rushing last year with an average of 5.9 YPC. Jalen Hurts is the only quarterback in this top 5 who has a less YPC than Daniel Jones with 4.6. Also, Jalen Hurts only accumulated 52 more rushing yards than Daniel Jones but also had 45 more attempts. Another quarterback who gets drafted before Daniel Jones is Dak Prescott who only ran for 182 yards and 1 rushing touchdown compared to Daniel Jones and his 700+ yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. 

 

Added Weapons

Daniel Jones finished with 3,205 passing yards and 15 touchdowns last year, finishing as QB15 when it came to passing. He was above quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson, Justin Fields, Dak Prescott, and Kyler Murray who have all been taken several rounds before. To add, the Giants have made some offseason acquisitions like Parris Campbell, Darren Waller, Cole Beasley, and rookie Jalin Hyatt to support Daniel Jones.The biggest of all these pickups is Darren Waller and rookie Jalen Hyatt. One of Darren Waller’s best years came in 2020 where he had 1,196 receiving yards, 9 touchdowns, 74% catch rate and finished second among tight ends. Jalin Hyatt also has a strong history with finishing 1st in the SEC with 1,267 receiving yards, 1st in the SEC with 15 receiving touchdowns, and 5th in the SEC with 18.9 receiving yards per reception. Now that Daniel Jones has these lethal weapons to throw to, it only adds to his value compared to other quarterbacks. One quarterback who is taken higher than Daniel Jones is Justin Fields. NFL.com had Justin Fields ranked as QB13 compared to Daniel Jones at QB18. Justin Fields finished with 1000 less passing yards, 6 more interceptions, 10 more fumbles, and a 60.4 percent completion compared to Daniel Jones’s 67.2. However, Justin Fields gets selected 3-4 rounds before.

 

Trusted Coaching Staff

Not only does Daniel Jones now have a strong receiving core and incredible running ability he is now under a new coaching staff who trusts in Daniel Jones’s ability to win games. Giving Daniel Jones a 4 year $160 million dollar contract illustrates the confidence that Brian Daboll and the Giants have in him to win. Now let's speak about Brian Daboll. Prior to accepting the job with the Giants, he was the Bill’s offensive coordinator from 2018-2021 and worked with Josh Allen. In 2018 Josh Allen finished ranked as QB 22, but through the coaching of Brian Daboll he finished as QB9 in 2019 to then QB1 in 2020. It is clear that Brian Daboll knows how to run an offense and utilize the quarterback. Through those 3 years, Josh Allen went from 2,074 yards in 2018 to then 4,544 yards in 2020. Not to mention, in 2018 Josh Allen was averaging 17.2 FPPG which was under Brian Daboll’s first year coaching. However, in 2020, as QB1 he averaged 24.2 FPPG. Similarly, in Daniel Jone’s first year with Brian Daboll he averaged 17.8 FPPG, and the pattern shows this will rise. 

 

 

REASON TO SELL

 

Saquon Barkley

Now let us be a bit more reasonable. In the past few weeks, the Giants have had major controversy with their star running back Saquon Barkley by not coming to terms on a contract. Saquon Barkley is the heart and soul of the New York offense and averaged 18 carries a game last season finishing with over 1300 yards and 10 touchdowns. There is no doubt that there is strong chemistry between this elite Running back and Daniel Jones. In a recent podcast, Saquon listed possible options for himself during this season which included the option of him not showing up and allowing the Giants to realize how much he means to that offense. If this were to come true it is no doubt Daniel Jones will struggle to facilitate this offense and not produce the numbers that he is projected to. Last year Saquon Received 76 targets which was more than Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Daniel Bellinger, and Wan’Dale Robinson who are the current Giants WR core. This reliance on Saquon Barkley targets could hurt Daniel Jones’ ability to keep up a similar level of production. 

 

Chemistry and Decision Making

Another reason to sell on Daniel Jones is the lack of chemistry between him and his skill players and his decision making. Many analysts have highlighted that Daniel Jones’ ability to make decisions at the moment has been slow. This is apparent whether it be to choose the right receiver, run into a wall of defenders, or even just hold the ball for too long. The Giants have acquired many weapons which gives Daniel Jones a wider variety of targets to throw to but until their connection is established on the field, it is uncertain whether or not he will produce consistent numbers. 

 

VERDICT

Daniel Jones is that late round sleeper everyone is looking for and is someone who I recommend you definitely buy. Given that he has a new receiving core and a strong coaching staff, he is on the path to definitely produce greater numbers.Trusting that he will work further

with his offensive squad, this offense is on the road to be one of the top NFC East contenders. Known for his excellent ability to run the ball, he will take charge of this offense and look to push another 3,200 passing yards with a 1000 yard rushing season. This could be the transformation year that leads to Daniel Jones to being a top 10 quarterback and not slept on.

 

BUY

Dynasty Dilemma: Wan’Dale Robinson

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Dynasty Dilemma: Wan’Dale Robinson

 

The forgotten wide receiver in most startups and dynasty right now is Wan”Dale Robinson with a lot of hype coming out of college with his massive year at Kentucky in 2021: 104 receptions, 1334 yards, and 7 touchdowns. He was the receiver people either bought into or hated with regard to his size and really only one year of solid production. His other 2 years in college were at Nebraska and his career totals in college were: 185 receptions, 2078 yards, and 10 touchdowns, the dislike had stats to back him up.

 

Going into the 2022 season, Robinson had a much easier path to make the team, and did. The patience with the coaching staff looked like it would pay off. With Sterling Shepard going down to injury and Kenny Golladay being what he was in New York they needed someone to step up and the first person to do so was Robinson. In his breakout game versus the Lions, he had 9 receptions for 100 yards when he tore his ACL and ended his rookie season. In the 6 games he played he finished with 23 receptions, 227 yards, and 1 touchdown.

 

 

REASON TO BUY

There are going to be a few reasons to buy that will be up for debate for some people, but not for me. The biggest reason to buy is still the roster. They still have Sterling Shepard and he is going to get a spot because the coaching staff and front office love the man. They went and signed Jamison Crowder and Parris Campbell, and then you have some of the holdovers in Isaiah Hodgins and Darius Slayton. They also have 2 relevant rookie receivers, Jalin Hyatt and Bryce Ford-Wheaton. Let's break it down.

 

The Giants resigned Isaiah Hodgins to a minimum 1-year deal, and Slayton got a 2-year 12 million base salary deal with incentives. Campbell and Crowder got 1 year “prove-it” deals. Slayton is the only former draft pick of the Giants but with the old regime. That leaves the rookies. Jalin Hyatt was a 3rd round pick (84th overall) and Ford-Wheaton was an UDFA (undrafted free agent). So what does this mean?

 

It means Robinson is still the highest-drafted player from this coaching staff and GM. With a lot of ”prove-it” and rookie deals, the Giants are making sure they have enough guys when injuries happen, and they signed veterans to help mento the younger receivers on how to be a pro. At the end of the day, the Giants still don't have a true #1 and Wan’Dale can be that. 

With the injury behind him and what looks like a good recovery:

https://gmenhq.com/posts/wandale-robinson-injury-update-training-camp-ny-giants-01gyfq9ak1x6 

Wan’Dale Robinson still produced in an albeit small sample size. 23 receptions on 31 targets is a 74.2% catch percentage. With his 4.4 speed, 1.49 10-yard, and 2.54 20-yard split, Robinson uses his elite speed to his advantage. Albeit, not a route-running technician, he is shifty and creates space in different ways. Mike Kafka (the Giant's offensive coordinator) will use him all over the field. Robinson will be one of the wide receivers in the offense where you ask: “Why is he always open?"

 

 

REASON TO SELL

Injury is always a reason to sell. While the most significant injury has been this torn ACL, he is on his way to recovery. However, will he return from his ACL repair as the player he was before? In addition to the ACL tear, he has had multiple sprains; including his knee at the beginning of the 2022 season. In college, the only thing reported was in 2019, when he had ankle and hamstring strains. Robinson only missed one game for those injuries. While being 5 foot 8 inches and 185 pounds, one can argue that you can get away with it as a wide receiver, but every injury starts to make everyone wonder if his size is leading to all these ailments. 

 

Additional competition is the other sell. I gave you reasons why to buy because of the competition, Here are the reasons to sell. While I don’t believe Isaiah Hodgins is going to be a significant threat to a potential WR2 position over Robinson, the way he came in and won over the team with his play is something you can’t ignore. While only playing in 8 games due to injuries to multiple players, Hodgins came in and became a consistent target for Daniel Jones. With 33 receptions, 351 yards, and 4 touchdowns, Hodgins made himself relevant to fantasy managers for a few weeks. I praised Robinson earlier for his catch rate. It is important to note that Hodgins also had a percentage of 78.6%. Hodgins was reliable, which can be a differentiator on who makes the team, and who helps lead the team. 

 

Robinson is shifty and creates space but some of his routes are left to be desired. He has success on routes like the dig, corner, and comeback routes, and still needs improvement on post and curl routes. Although he still needs to work on route running, if his offensive coordinator knows what kind of player he has he will build up his strengths and use Robinson in the open field where he excels and use his abilities at his highest success rates. So what is the outcome?

 

VERDICT

Wan’Dale Robinson is an easy decision for me. In dynasty if you don't already have him, and want him, throw out some feeler offers to the manager that has him. Use your knowledge of your league to leverage a trade with the other owner. In redraft formats, his ADP (average draft position) is 154.3. For a 22-year-old in his second year and with high draft capital, I would put my eggs in that basket. 

 

Daniel Jones had a resurgence last year and is not as hated as he was last season. Whether you buy into him or not, he is fantasy relevant and his receiving corps will be too. After Darren Waller and Saquon Barkley, there are fantasy points for the taking and if you can get the potential WR1 for the Giants in the 13th round in redraft formats he is an instant buy for me rather than getting Parris Campbell 3 rounds later that may not even make the team.

 

 Go out and get your shares of Robinson while they are still cheap! 

 

BUY

NFC East Predictions for 2022

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NFC East Predictions for 2022

By Tim Lazenby

In 2020, we saw for only the third time in NFL history where a team with a losing record won the division.  The Washington Football Team represented the NFC then, sporting a 7-9 record.  Moving into 2022, spoiler alert, I see the NFC struggling compared to the rest of the league and promoting a losing team to the playoffs.  Without further ado, here we go.

Dallas Cowboys

Record in 2021: 12-5-0  

Predicted Record in 2022: 8-9-0

Strengths and Weaknesses

It seems like forever since the Dallas Cowboys haven’t had the best offensive line in football.  Zack Martin and crew give Dak Prescott his best shot each and every game.  The defense is also among the best in the league.  The biggest problem I see is Mike McCarthy’s late gate decision making.  Boasting the best of both worlds, he has to be wiser when the game matters the most.

Situation to Watch

Personally I’m watching to see the continued growth of CeeDee Lamb.  With Amari Cooper now calling Cleveland home, I can only imagine what CeeDee is truly capable of.  There are only seven receivers in the great history of the Cowboys who bested Lamb’s 79 receptions last season.  It’s not out of the question to think he can top the century mark for receptions; which only one Dallas wide receiver has accomplished.

Conclusion

A big part of the Cowboys not doing as well in 2022 as they did last season is the improvement of another team in this division.  I also see the Cowboys losing two key games to bottom feeders will sink their chances at a winning record.  Although they will be under 500, it doesn’t mean they’re done after 17 games though.

New York Giants

Record in 2021: 4-13-0  

Predicted Record in 2022: 6-11-0

Strengths and Weaknesses

I’m sure everyone is aware of how well the Giants did in this year’s draft.  It helps, mind you, when you have two picks in the top ten.  And it’s even more helpful when, at one point, both Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal were in contention to be drafted first overall.  That being said, so many question marks surround the team’s future.  The biggest two are Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.

Situation to Watch

Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley may be the two biggest question marks moving forward, but there are many more.  All in all, the Giants had 16 players miss half the games or more last season and many were starters.  It’s hard to evaluate what kind of team you have if so many are missing in action.  If the Giants are to make some noise this season, they’ve got to stay on the field.

Conclusion

I see positive strides coming the way of new coach Brian Daboll as he should instill a work ethic that has been missing for quite some time.  I also think that Daniel Jones proves management right with his play this year.  Though they won’t make the playoffs, it won’t be a laughing stock situation like it has been for so long.

Philadelphia Eagles

Record in 2021: 9-8-0  

Predicted Record in 2022: 8-9-0

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Philadelphia Eagles shocked the world during the draft when they traded for superstar wide receiver, AJ Brown.  In Brown the Eagles finally have an alpha, but we can’t forget the makeup of this team.  They roster a quarterback who loves to run and the best ground game in the league.  A new identity has to be coming, but I wonder how long that will take to arrive fully.

Situation to Watch

With the addition of AJ Brown, changes are coming.  I worry for the long term security of Miles Sanders.  Last year he scored zero touchdowns and players like Kenneth Gainwell cannot be held off forever.  I don’t think the Eagles can justify another poor season of play from Miles Sanders now that they’re all in with their receiving game.

Conclusion

It’s easy to get excited about AJ Brown, but AJ Brown will not instantly make this team a contender.  If I were looking at the keys to success, I remember that they drafted living bulldozer Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean; maybe the best value in the draft.  The defense was good before, but now they can contend with the big boys.  That being said, I can’t see the offense magically changing overnight.  I’m certain it’s a year of growing pains before the Eagles really fly.

Washington Commanders

Record in 2021: 7-10-0  

Predicted Record in 2022: 4-12-1

Strengths and Weaknesses

The biggest strength of this team is their schedule.  Ranking at sixth best, the cards are in their favor, but I’ll be real with you when I say that this team worries me.  Since they improbably limped into their division win two years ago, not much has gone right for this team.  A once rock solid defense has become a sieve and Carson Wentz is not the solution at quarterback.

Situation to Watch

For me, I’m watching to see how first round pick Jahan Dotson does out of the gate.  In my humble opinion, there were other areas they should have addressed in the draft instead of taking a receiver.  In fact, from my estimations, there was a better option even at the position available.  I’m hoping Jahan Dotson proves me wrong though.

Conclusion

There aren’t many teams that I think will finish lower than the Commanders in 2022.  While on paper, the defense should be way better and they are more improved than last year, it won’t be enough.  I predict a six game losing streak out of the gate and it’s a hurdle that wouldn’t likely be overcome by a favorite, let alone the lowly Commanders.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

NFC East Best Values

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NFC East Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

Each and every season, dynasty football managers have tough decisions to make.  Whether it be who to draft, when to trade a player or what time to make a move to acquire a talent, the life of a fantasy manager is rich with many choices.  In the off season, as some of us are drafting and others are making moves on our established teams, there are choices to make nonetheless.  Your dynasty season, and future frankly, relies on smart decisions and some of these are finding the best values possible in drafts or trades.  There are better players to choose from than the list I’m going to give, but none are better at their value on their respective team.

Here are the best values for each team in the NFC East in dynasty.

Dallas Cowboys: Tight End - Dalton Schultz

There are two common themes for Dalton Schultz heading into next season.  While some say that he is just hitting his stride, others say he is heading for regression.  Before the departure of Amari Cooper, although I disagreed, I could see the merit behind this thought.  After the trade, however, I simply cannot see a regression coming.  Aside from the fact that he’s only 25 in a barren wasteland of a position in fantasy football, there will be more of a need than ever to employ his talents.  

While all the accolades in the receiving game go to CeeDee Lamb, Dalton Schultz quietly put up TE1 numbers, even with Amari Cooper still employed.  Michael Gallup should gain more targets, but make no mistake that the tight end is the second best option for Dak Prescott.  I already wrote a dynasty dilemma article on his merits, so it’s no surprise that I’d see things this way.  Check it out for more detailed information if you’re curious.

New York Giants: Wide Receiver - Kenny Golladay

It wasn’t too long ago that Kenny Golladay was a bonafide top ten in dynasty among wide receivers.  Catching balls from Matthew Stafford while in Detroit was a better situation than the one he’s in now, but talent is talent.  The 6’4” speedster still has plenty left in the tank and after such injury ridden years last season and the one before, many managers will have written him off.  Let’s not forget that he’s only two years removed from a near-1200 yard, 11 touchdown season.  

Daniel Jones has to throw the ball to someone, and the other options are much less appealing.  Sterling Sheppard has been serviceable at best, and Kadarius Toney is unproven and often injured, Golladay is a much more feasible option on your fantasy team.  When looking for a top option at wide receiver, there aren’t too many cheaper than Kenny Golladay.  And while it’s possible that he’s not quite what he used to be, he’s still the top dog in New York.  You should cash in now.

Philadelphia Eagles: Running Back - Kenneth Gainwell

This is a secret to no one who knows me or has read anything I’ve written when I say that I love this kid.  One of two guys that I just have to have everywhere, the name Kenneth Gainwell isn’t grabbing at managers as he should.  Sure, the situation isn’t perfect and he’s yet to show what he could do as a starter, but if you look at what he’s done with the little opportunity he’s had, you have to give him credit.  It doesn’t hurt that he is only 23, with lots of years left to give to you on your fantasy team. 

The Philadelphia Eagles are the top rushing team in the NFL, and although they had quite a logjam of running backs last season, it all comes down to Kenneth Gainwell and Miles Sanders moving forward.  And while he hasn’t been terrible, last season Miles Sanders didn’t do himself any favors; paving the way for Gainwell to creep his way into more and more play time.  In fact, I wrote a dynasty dilemma about him too.  Check it out if you want more in depth facts.

Washington Commanders: Quarterback - Carson Wentz

This last choice in the NFC East won’t be the cheapest if you play in a two quarterback or superflex league, but it’s the right one.  With Antonio Gibson and Terry Mclaurin being all that people want to talk about in fantasy in Washington, don’t forget about the former Colt.  While he’s certainly had his negative moments, Carson Wentz was one of the quieter success stories in fantasy before the last few games of the season and he’s certainly an improvement over Taylor Heinicke.

Let’s not forget that at one point Carson Wentz was in discussions as a bonafide keeper early on in his career.  Lately, he hasn’t looked like a second overall pick, but he certainly hasn’t been a bust either.  I believe there is still plenty left in the tank and a sizable chip on his shoulder.  I am sure that Carson Wentz is looking to prove Philadelphia, Indianapolis and everyone else that doesn’t believe in him wrong.  And it’s also important to know that, like in real life, if you don’t have a starting quarterback, you’re dead in the water.  And among starters, his price point right now is quite appealing.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby