Thursday Night Audibles will be a season long weekly series that helps you fill (or unfill) those last-minute roster holes before the fantasy football week begins
If there were a “can’t miss” Thursday Night Football game this year this would probably rank among them.
I say that for two reasons; the first being that the Giants and Washington have an opportunity tonight to change perceptions about their teams in the NFC East to a national audience early.
The second reason is this game has the potential to become a shootout in a hurry. Mix in a number of fantasy regulars to the “shootout” potential and you’ve got the makings of a really entertaining night of football.
New York Giants
Eli Manning, QB
As a player I wholeheartedly defend Eli Manning against those who don’t recognize the full scope of what he’s accomplished as a New York Giant. In Fantasy Football his case isn’t as clear, but one thing that is clear are his numbers in the last two meetings against Washington: 51 completions in 73 passing attempts (69.8%), 550 yards, seven touchdowns and just one (Rueben Randle caused) interception. Is Eli a must start tonight? You tell me. I would consider him a much safer bet than Matt Stafford, Tyrod Taylor, Sam Bradford, and Alex Smith. (A hint to all you daily fantasy players)
Larry Donnell, TE
Donnell has flown quietly under the radar during the seasons first two weeks. The Redskins have given up 376 receiving yards on the season with 120 of those (32%) coming from Tight Ends. If you’ll recall Donnell’s best game came against the Redskins in week four of last year when he recorded 54 yards and three touchdowns. I’m not saying he’s doing that again, but the numbers sure are trending the way of him having a nice night.
Odell Beckham, Jr., WR
If you follow “OBJ” on Instagram (I recommend it if you don’t) then you will know that he and former LSU teammate/current Miami Dolphin, Jarvis Landry, have a friendly competition of sorts between them. After OBJ roasted Washington in their last meeting, Jarvis Landry did this in week one against them. Don’t think that went unnoticed, and don’t think Beckham, Jr. won’t want to put on a clinic against them again tonight.
Shane Vereen/Rashad Jennings, RB
Stop believing ESPN or any other network who says the Redskins have a good run defense. They don’t. It’s a lie based on them not facing a run game with depth. Trust me when I tell you this. They’re still, despite the low yardage total, allowing 4.5 yards per carry. Vereen and Jennings should have fun tonight.
Washington Redskins
Kirk Cousins, QB
In Kirk Cousins last 8 starts (including all six games played in 2014) he’s thrown 11 interceptions. Remember what I said last week about these audibles being just as much about who to avoid? Do not play him.
Jordan Reed, TE
This could be a big night for Tight Ends in New York. Jordan Reed has become Cousins’ favorite target. He’s always had the ability but health has been the number one concern dating back to his days at Florida. This is his first appearance on anything I’ve written since I gave up believing he could stay healthy so take that for what it’s worth. The Giants secondary has been awful against the position so if he plays he should produce.
Chris Thompson, RB
This is a bit of a wild card player for me tonight. I know a lot of you haven’t heard much about him but Alfred Morris and Matt Jones will be receiving a majority of the early down work. That means Thompson, against a bad Giants secondary, is the passing down back. PPR FLEX potential lies in this decision if you’re in a deeper league.
Matt Jones/Alfred Morris, RB
The Giants have done well against the run so far and will look to continue that trend. Matt Jones has become everyone’s fantasy darling but this is a split situation: meaning if you’re willing to take a chance on who gets the red zone touches you’re a braver man than I am.
Did I miss anyone? Let me know by following me @DACubbage on Twitter
Now here’s a .gif of Odell Beckham, Jr. doing the “Whip” dance because you’re welcome:
7 thoughts on “Fantasy Football 2015: Thursday Night Audibles For Redskins Vs. Giants”