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Finally, we had a good fantasy matchup last week. And now, as punishment, we get this.
The Eagles against the Giants is a good rivalry game. But for fantasy? Not so much. Even key players Saquon Barkley and Carson Wentz have been severely disappointing in 2019.
The game is not going to be something to write home about and neither are the possible fantasy points for either team. With very few strong options in this game, let’s hope the few key figures can ball out. At least that would make it worth watching.
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New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles
Game Time: Monday, December 9, 2019 @8:15 pm
Game Line: Philadelphia Eagles -9.5 O/U 45.5
Team Records:
New York Giants 2-10
Philadelphia Eagles 5-7
New York Offensive Rankings: Pass 20th, Run 23rd
New York Defensive Rankings: Pass 25th, Run 21st
Philadelphia Offensive Rankings: Pass 18th, Run 13th
Philadelphia Defensive Rankings: Pass 18th, Run 4th
Must Starts
Top Performers That Have To Be In Your Lineups
Carson Wentz (QB, PHI) - Last week Carson Wentz had over 300 yards and three touchdowns in a surprising loss to Miami. This week, the numbers will be similar. But the result should be much different. It is shocking to say, but the Giants are worse than the Dolphins. Much worse to be honest. With Philadelphia knowing they need this game for their season and the fact it is the Giants, Wentz should have his best game of the season. A top-five fantasy finish could be in store. And when it does, you will want to have him in your starting lineup. So, don’t hesitate to play him this week.
Saquon Barkley (RB, NYG) - Yes it has been a disappointing season for the 1.01 in most fantasy drafts. Injury, a bad offense, and lackluster blocking has been a hindrance for Barkley. Him going against a top-four run defense also does not inspire confidence. Barkley is still one of the most talented running backs and players in the NFL. He is also still a top-10 running back. This is a player you cannot sit. If you are in the playoffs and he is on your team, you probably have a solid team surrounding him. With his talent, the chances of him breaking out and taking it to the next level are there at any given time. With Eli Manning behind center, this could just be the week it happens for him, and you.
Miles Sanders (RB, PHI) - He did not get a rushing touchdown last week but he did get a receiving touchdown. This counts just as much and even more if you play in a PPR league. Sanders has really picked it up with Jordan Howard out. Howard still has not been cleared for contact and the likelihood of him missing this game makes Sanders a must start. Even with Howard in the lineup, Sanders had flex appeal due to his receiving-game production. Now that he is getting all the work, he is solidly in the RB2 territory.
Alshon Jeffery (WR, PHI) - Jeffery saw 16 targets last week, showing how much Carson Wentz uses Jeffery when he's healthy. It looks like he is now. This is great news for an Eagles team that is looking to tie the Cowboys in the division before heading into the two teams' tilt in two weeks. Philadelphia has gone away from the run game of late. While not the best for the team, it is great for the pass catchers. Including Alshon. The Giants secondary is suspect to put it nicely. Alshon's size will dominate in this one as he and Wentz connect often.
Golden Tate (WR, NYG) - After missing a week due to a concussion, Golden Tate returns in this game against his former team. He is clearly the No. 1 receiver in New York and his ability to pick up yards after the catch allows him to be a threat from anywhere on the field. Besides last week, the Philadelphia secondary has been playing better in recent weeks. They will also be able to pressure Manning into making quick passes to Tate in this one. Tate should see a minimum of 10 targets in this game and with his ability to break one at any time, 100 yards and a touchdown could be in the cards in his return to Philly.
Zach Ertz (TE, PHI) - Ertz put up just 24 yards on three catches against the Dolphins. That stat line is extra disappointing considering that it came against Miami, but look for Ertz to bounce back on Monday night. The Giants Defense against the tight end position has been in the bottom five for many years now. This season is no different and Zach Ertz, one of the best tight ends in the NFL today, will exploit this weakness to the fullest. This is the playoffs. Don’t be cute. Start your stars. Zach Ertz is certainly a star.
Dallas Goedert (TE, PHI) - Even as the second option at the tight end position, Goedert is getting plenty of work for Philadelphia. He would be considered one of the top tight ends in the NFL if he were not playing with Zach Ertz. Even so, he is a top-10 play at the position. Although not getting a touchdown against Miami last week, he was still highly used and is only one week removed from scoring against the Seahawks. With the position being such a minefield, Goedert is one of those plays which will allow you to avoid those mines and get a double-digit fantasy point game.
Eagles Defense (D/ST, PHI) - The Philadelphia defense has been playing lights-out over the past month. The pass defense has been streaky, for sure, but it has shown improvement. The run defense has been superb, and they are getting pressure on the quarterback. With Daniel Jones being replaced by the statue that is Eli Manning, this fact will only be magnified. The Giants offensive line is also bad which could lead to multiple sacks for Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and company. With Manning looking to throw the ball quickly, this could result in bad throws and a few interceptions to go along with the sacks. If any defense is a must-start this week it is Philadelphia.
Consider Sitting
Players To Avoid Putting In Your Lineup If Possible
Eli Manning (QB, NYG) - He is back. Daniel Jones is injured, leading to the return of Mr. Manning. But this could still be a downgrade for a lot of the Giants players. While Jones was a turnover machine with weekly fumbles, Manning could throw almost as many interceptions. And with the offensive line still being in shambles, the front seven of the Eagles could get home a lot. That pressure will cause some bad decisions from the veteran. Daniel Jones would have been a bad start in this one. Eli Manning could be worse.
Nelson Agholor (WR, PHI) - He is bad. Not only that, but Carson Wentz will be looking more to his other weapons as well as Miles Sanders in this one. Wentz had 40 pass attempts last week. Of those attempts, 16 went to Alshon Jeffrey while most of the others went to the pair of tight ends. Not much was left for Nelson and with him only catching half of what is thrown to him, why risk it.
Potential Sleepers
Which Players Could Surprise?
Sterling Shepard (WR, NYG) - With Manning back in the fold, Shepard becomes a sneaky play. Not the total deep threat of Slayton and not the total slot guy in Golden Tate, Shepard could have a nice game as he has the most experience playing with Manning. The only issue here is the Giants offense struggling mightily. Do you really want to count on a player likely to be the third or fourth option? No outcome for him would be surprising. This is a risk you have to consider at this point in the fantasy season.
Darius Slayton (WR, NYG) - Slayton had a good rapport with Daniel Jones. But Eli Manning is not Daniel Jones. His arm is far weaker, and the speedy Slayton could find it difficult to find many targets in this one. He is not a full sit because it only takes one play to make him worth it. But this may be a play which does not come, thereby sinking any hopes of advancement into round two of the playoffs.
Evan Engram (TE, NYG) - Not only is this the return of Eli Manning, but it is also the return of Evan Engram. We know how quickly Manning likes to get rid of the ball. This could mean good things for Engram. But not knowing how limited he could be makes him a difficult start in this game. If you have better options, even Dallas Goedert, they are still a safer start. Especially in the playoffs. But if you are desperate? You could do worse.
