Analysis
7/26/23
5 min read
New York Giants 2023 Fantasy Football Team Preview
As we inch closer to opening day of the NFL season, we want to get you prepared for your fantasy football drafts. That process begins with our team previews, where we’ll break down each team’s offense while providing players we’re targeting and, in some cases, avoiding.
>> READ: Giants Team Preview from Eric Mangini
New York Giants Fantasy Football Team Preview
Head Coach: Brian Daboll (second season as Giants HC)
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Kafka (second season as Giants OC)
Key Offensive Additions
- WR Parris Campbell
- WR Jamison Crowder
- TE Darren Waller
Key Offensive Departures
- WR Richie James
- C Nick Gates
- C Jon Feliciano
Key Offensive Rookies
- C John Michael Schmitz
- WR Jalin Hyatt
- RB Eric Gray
Points Per Game: 21.5 (15th)
Passing Yards: 185.7 (26th)
Rushing Yards: 148.2 (fourth)
Vacated Targets: 118 (T 20th)
Pass: 60 percent Run: 40 percent
Pace: Sixth
OL Rank: 27th
Quarterbacks
Daniel Jones’ 18.5 fantasy points per game was tied for eighth-best among all qualifying quarterbacks last season. Jones accomplished that behind a below-average offensive line in a new offensive system with one of the most limited wide receiver groups in the league.
The Giants were among the most conservative offenses in football last year. Jones averaged just 200 yards passing per game and finished the season with only 15 passing touchdowns. However, Jones' rushing ability drove fantasy production, as he was fifth among quarterbacks in yards rushing per game.
Jones enters his second year in Daboll and Kafka’s system. Not only will Jones be more comfortable in the offense, but he’ll benefit from an improved supporting cast. If Jones can match his rushing numbers from last season, there is a clear path to him being a more productive passer in 2023. Consider Jones a strong value at current ADP with fringe top-five upside in fantasy.
Running Backs
Saquon Barkley is one of the last true bell cows in football, as he totaled 295 carries and 76 targets last season. He again projects as a high-end RB1, where his competition for touches is minimal.
Matt Breida weighs less than 200 pounds, and the 28-year-old hasn’t reached 75 total touches in any of the previous three seasons. Gary Brightwell is a non-factor for fantasy, as he’s a sub-par athlete without pass-catching chops.
The most intriguing option in this running back room is Eric Gray, their 2023 fifth-round pick. Gray tested poorly, but he has adequate size and ran for more than 1,300 yards at Oklahoma last season. More importantly for fantasy, he caught at least 23 passes in each of his final three college seasons. He’s an interesting last-round dart throw because he possesses the all-purpose skillset we covet when evaluating handcuff options. Still, there’s a reasonable chance the Giants sign a veteran back because there’s not much reliability behind Barkley.
Wide Receivers, Tight Ends
Daboll and Kafka optimized each pass catcher’s potential in 2022. GM Joe Schoen bolstered the offense through the draft, free agency and trades. The wide receiver room will be very competitive with rotations, so paying attention to camp battles will be crucial. Waller is also key in the passing attack; he’s a mismatch for most opponents and, when healthy, is amongst the best tight ends when lined up as a wide receiver.
Campbell may shine as the main slot receiver initially due to Sterling Shepard and Wan’Dale Robinson's injuries. Rookie WR Hyatt will develop gradually and have to compete for playing time with Darius Slayton or Isaiah Hodgins, who likely keep their roles due to strong performances to end last year.
This is a situation where we will learn more as we go through training camp and cut weeks to see what veteran players earn a role. Jordan Vanek thinks it's likely Slayton, Hodgins and Campbell begin the season as the starters in three-receiver sets. New York may potentially go with more two-WR sets to utilize two tight ends, with Waller splitting out wide and Daniel Bellinger seeing reps as an inline tight end. Vanek believes Hodgins would come off the field in those scenarios.
Overall, Vanek views Waller as the main Giants pass catcher to target in fantasy. If you miss out on Waller, Campbell, Slayton or Hodgins are worth a late-round flier in your drafts.
Dynasty Buy
Ian Miller: Waller (TE12)
Waller may be a lighter buy, but there aren’t many tight ends around his price range in Dynasty that offer the upside he does. We’re only a couple of seasons removed from Waller posting more than 20 points per game on a 26.3 percent target share. He now finds himself on a rather empty receiving depth chart.
Giants We’re Targeting in Fantasy Football
Josh Larky: Waller
Ryan Reynolds: Jones
Jordan Vanek: Waller, Campbell
Other Fantasy Previews
NFC North: GB | CHI | MIN | DET
NFC South: NO | ATL | CAR | TB
NFC West: SF | LAR | SEA | ARI
AFC East: BUF | NE | MIA | NYJ
AFC North: CIN | CLE | BAL | PIT
AFC South: HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
Follow our team on Twitter
Josh Larky: @JLarkyTweets
Ryan Reynolds: @RyanReynoldsNFL
Jordan Vanek: @JordanVanekDFS
Ian Miller: @Dynasty_IM
Our data is provided by Sports Info Solutions and our vacated targets figure is provided by Tru Media.
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