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NY Giants Rush: Fantasy Update – Giants vs Redskins

Adam Nardelli | Fantasy Football Contributor

The Week of Kirk Cousins

Welcome to the NFC East, where first place is up for grabs between 5-5 and 4-6 teams.  The Giants season has been a series of ups and downs, but no matter how many heart-wrenching losses they’ve had they’re still in perfect position to win the division as we head into the last month of the season.

This Sunday in Washington is as big of a game the Giants have had all season, and for many fantasy footballers out there week 12 could determine whether they stay in contention for the playoffs or if their season comes to a disappointing end before the post-season begins.

Unfortunately, perhaps the most attractive player in this match-up in terms of fantasy is not a Giant, although you could argue Odell Beckham Jr. is always the smartest option in any game he is playing.  With that being said, Redskins QB Kirk Cousins has been lights out at home this season. 

In his five games at home this season, Cousins has thrown 10 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions, with seven of those 10 TD’s coming in his last two games at FedEx Field.  Cousins has clearly gotten hot at home at the right time, and to the dismay of Giants fans, his success throwing through the air could easily continue this Sunday.  

The Giants are 32nd (last) in the NFL in passing defense, meaning Cousins could have a fantasy bonanza against this putrid Big Blue passing D.  The fact that his two interceptions at home came all the way back in week 1 also bodes well for fantasy owners, indicating Cousins is likely to protect the ball well at FedEx Field at this point in the season.  The return of Prince Amukamara at the cornerback position should give the passing defense a boost, but he’s missed six straight games and will have to shed off some rust.    

If QB has been a weak spot for your team or if your regular starting QB has a tough matchup this week, Cousins is a guy you should without question strongly consider.  But maybe where Cousins is more likely to make an impact in fantasy football this weekend is in a Draft kings or Fanduel contest, where fantasy players can pick new teams each week.  If you’re into daily fantasy Cousins is a direction you should go as he is a guy that will cost you significantly less to draft to your team than guys like Matt Ryan, Phillip Rivers, Andy Dalton, and of course Tom Brady

Having a player like Cousins who has tremendous potential to fill up the stat sheet this week but who won’t take a big chunk out of your drafting budget will allow you to snag some big name players at the skill positions that can put your team over the top. 

With all of the discussion about Kirk Cousins, we can’t forget one of his favorite targets, Tight End, Jordan Reed.  Reed has 14 catches and 4 touchdowns the last two times Washington has played at home, and nothing should suggest this Giants defense is going to slow him up. 

Considering Rob Gronkowski’s matchup against the Denver Broncos, Reed has arguably the best match-up among all Tight Ends this week.  He is absolutely a must-start in all leagues. 

Obviously this is a Giants website, so it’s hard not to bring up some discussion on who are some Giants players that are viable in fantasy options, even though I believe the Redskins present better choices. 

Overall Eli Manning is a quality option this week against the 21st ranked Redskins passing defense.  Odell Beckham Jr. had a nice showing last game against Washington, compiling 7 catches for 79 yards and a TD, and even was impressive with his 116 yards and 1 TD.  The emergence of Dwyane Harris as a solid option in the slot over the last few weeks gives Eli just another target. 

Washington did play well defensively two weeks ago at home against Drew Brees, holding him to just 209 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.  The latter is why I have some hesitation to say Eli is primed for a big day, but by no means should you alter your lineup if Eli is already in there.  His 10 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions in his last three games is clearly enough to confirm he is a must-start in many leagues.