New York Giants 2013 Fantasy Football Preview
Nov 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) celebrates a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers with running back Ahmad Bradshaw (left) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Fantasy Stud — Victor Cruz, WR
Armed with a new contract and a QB that loves throwing him the ball, Victor Cruz is one of the top wide receiver options in fantasy football, especially I think in PPR leagues.
Cruz had a huge season two years ago, and followed it up with a solid season statistically in 2012. Over the last two seasons, Cruz has racked up over 1,000 yards in each season, including 12 total 100+ yard games and 19 touchdowns receiving.
He has an ability to work the slot and work the outside, and he can make plays after the catch. Cruz is one of the top receivers in the NFL who is going to be one of the highest targeted players in the league this year in New York, and he should be a top 12 fantasy receiver in 2013.
The Giants paid Cruz huge money this offseason, in hopes that he can return permanently to his 2011 form where he had 82 catches for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns.
Fantasy Risk — Eli Manning, QB
Eli Manning, shockingly enough, is not a great fantasy football quarterback. As good of an NFL quarterback as Eli has been, winning two Super Bowls, the most TDs he’s ever thrown in a season is 31.
There are weeks during the season where Eli will absolutely go off, and throw for over 300 yards and maybe three or four touchdowns, but there are too many weeks where he will have zero or one touchdown pass.
Manning is a good backup fantasy QB to have in case you need an emergency starter, and perhaps this will be the year that he breaks out and throws 35 touchdown passes. Still, I wouldn’t bet on it. Despite having some of the best targets in the NFL, Manning is a huge fantasy risk.
Fantasy Breakout Candidate — David Wilson, RB
Wilson had just 358 rushing yards as a rookie with four touchdowns on the ground, but really made a mark with the Giants as a kick returner, racking up 1,533 yards and a touchdown, showing off his playmaking skills in that way.
I think Wilson can have a huge year in 2013 and become a thousand yard back for the Giants. With Ahmad Bradshaw now off to Indianapolis, the Giants are going to need someone to step up, and who better than their 2012 first round pick?
Wilson has good size and speed, and is a solid receiver out of the backfield. He is a big time playmaker with game-changing ability from the RB position, and he could absolutely burst onto the scene this year. I really like his fantasy potential.