Eli Manning (QB, NYG) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE:  Week 7 Matchup Play

ANALYSIS: We’re going out on the limb recommending Eli, but his matchup against the 1-4 Vikings is a prime opportunity for him to breakout of his slump.  Eli had the Giants in the game until the final minutes last week, with much credit going to the revived running game that saw Brandon Jacobs rush for more than 100 yards.  If the Giants can continue to balance their offensive attack, Eli will benefit from more favorable passing situations and avoiding all the third-and-longs that have been the Giants' downfall all season.  Since being sacked seven times in Carolina and thrice against KC, the Giants have protected Eli well, permitting only two sacks in the past two games.  This is a cautious recommendation based more on the favorable matchup and the emergence of the Giants' running game than anything else, but it could pay dividends if you need a bye-week fill-in.