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Fantasy Football Update: Giants vs Bills

Adam Nardelli | Contributor

As the Giants head into an aggressive environment in Buffalo led by their stout defense, the number of projected Fantasy studs on the NY Giants roster reduces significantly.  Yes, the last time Buffalo was home they gave up 466 passing yards to Tom Brady, but that will show to be much more of an admiration as the season goes on.  

The 14 points Buffalo’s defense gave up to both the Colts and the Dolphins is more characteristic of how this defense will fare, to the dismay of the NY Giants offense.

To start things off, whatever you do don’t start Eli Manning if you have options.  Manning was the worst quarterback under pressure last year per Pro Football Focus and we all know Rex Ryan loves to bring pressure to the quarterback through various blitz packages.  I expect Eli’s numbers to be rather underwhelming as this is his toughest match up of the season thus far. 

Odell Beckham Jr. is of course a guy you want starting because of his big play ability, but look for Buffalo to try to take OBJ out of the game completely, particularly with Victor Cruz still out. 

Cornerbacks Ronald Darby, who was named one of the rookies of the month for September, and Stephon Gilmore, who is quietly one of the better corners in the league, will be responsible for stopping Beckham.  Gilmore has been on the right side of the field and Darby on the left through the first three games, so both could see action on Odell Beckham.  Again, Beckham is a start in any league and will rise to the occasion with impact plays.

Reuben Randle, coming off a great game against Washington will not have as much freedom and very well could disappear for much of this game.  While his confidence is up Randle is second tier starter only used if necessary.

With the possible struggles the Giants receivers will face, Shane Vereen is once again a very nice option to look at in your flex spot or second running back.  Vereen will not only get more favorable match ups from lining up in the backfield but will be Eli’s safety valve when the pocket starts to collapse.  Vereen’s knack to catch the ball, and find space is the reason why he should start on Sunday, especially if it’s a PPR league.

Regarding the two other running backs, having Rashad Jennings or Andre Williams in your lineup this week will probably hurt you more than help you.  Rashad Jennings is averaging just 32 yards a game, not to mention just 11 carries, both numbers that will make you cringe when you load your fantasy football app and see what Jennings has done for you. 

Andre Williams, the youngest member of the backfield, is still looking to break out, but has averaged just under 9 carries a game.  He is used at the goal line, but against this Bills defense who knows how many times the Giants will even get close to the goal line.

Eli Manning is only 1 of 3 quarterbacks that has not throw an interception.  He has taken care of the ball all season.  Unfortunately, the Bills defense is very stout and is more than worthy of being started on Sunday especially in daily fantasy football leagues (Fanduel, Draftkings). Mario & Kyle Williams as well as Jerry Hughes up front might be too much for the Giants offensive line to handle causing a handful of sacks.   

Buffalo is number one against the run this season, only giving up 74.1 yards per game.  For a team like the Giants who are 23rd in rushing yards thus far and only average 3.6 yards per attempt, the likelihood of them getting a rhythm going against this Buffalo defense is slim to none. 

Due to the probable struggles the Giants run game will face, Eli will be forced to throw the ball down the field.  Again to the dismay of the Giants, Buffalo is second in turnover differential this season with a +5, already having compiled five interceptions and three fumble recoveries.