The sweat may be pooling up in all the wrong places, but, before you know it, changing leaves, cool temperatures and football will be in the air. To help fantasy managers and devoted bettors get through summer’s soaring heat, The Gaming Juice’s resident gridiron gambler, Brad Evans, is here to preview each NFL franchise — fantasy values, prop picks and team win totals. Channeling Richard Dent, Reggie White and J.J. Watt, the Three-Point Stance has eyes on sacking the sportsbooks and fantasy rivals.
Today’s featured squad: New York Giants.
Fantasy value — Devin Singletary, RB (ADP: 165.32, RB36)
As this inaccurate blabbermouth has shouted continuously for years, drafting for depth is arguably THE biggest key to logging long-term success in the virtual game. With the injury imp constantly on the prowl and the impact of bye weeks, it’s imperative to have backup horses in the stable.
If saddled up, Singletary is more than capable of being at least serviceable.
[ Gamer's Guide to the Gridiron: Fantasy football forecasts and NFL betting picks ]
Overtaking Dameon Pierce on the depth chart last year in Houston, the veteran rusher displayed attractive characteristics. His 36 missed tackles forced and 2.88 yards after contact per attempt finished top-30 among qualifying running backs. With 10 runs of 15-plus yards, Singletary also showcased impressive open-field abilities.
The Giants’ sketchy offensive line is a worry. ESPN’s Mike Clay projects it as the third-worst unit in the NFL. Also, the potential for negative game scripts raises doubt. Still, Singletary has the hands and experience to tally roughly 13-15 touches per game.
Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. will carve out a role, but Singletary should enter the regular season as the unquestioned starter. Invest on the cheap.
Prop pick — Malik Nabers OVER 5.5 touchdowns (+105, DraftKings)
As previously discussed, Nabers is destined to be a volume king in Year 1. New York’s predictable scoreboard deficits and his minimal competition for looks should net the rookie 125-plus targets straight away.
Throw in the youngster’s route versatility and downfield explosiveness — last year he ranked top-three among all FBS wide receivers in deep catches and deep yards — and Nabers could scurry to the end-zone multiple times on chunk plays alone. His short-area quickness also presents offensive coordinator Mike Kafka with creative ways to attack defenses inside the red zone.
With that in mind, 6-7 TDs are achievable out of the gate for the No. 6 overall pick.
Team lean — Giants UNDER 6.5 wins (-130, Caesars)
With the NFL’s 14th-toughest schedule and a generally subpar offense, the Giants will be lucky to win even five games this season. ESPN’s Clay gives them a 41% probability to emerge victorious in only two of 17 games. When your projected unit grades on offense and defense are No. 32 and No. 31, respectively, surliness will likely be a common feeling throughout the fan base.