The sweat may be pooling up in all the wrong places, but, before you know it, changing leaves, cool temperatures and football will be in the air. To help fantasy managers and devoted bettors get through summer’s soaring heat, The Gaming Juice’s resident gridiron gambler, Brad Evans, is here to preview each NFL franchise -- fantasy values, prop picks and team win totals. Channeling Richard Dent, Reggie White and J.J. Watt, the Three-Point Stance has eyes on sacking the sportsbooks and fantasy rivals.
Today’s featured squad: New York Giants
Fantasy value - Tyrone Tracy, RB (ADP: 95.31, RB31) - As the old school Erykha Badu jam implores, “You better call Tyrone.”
Admittedly, he isn’t league-winning material, but the overlooked running back is terribly undervalued. Available well into the middle rounds of most drafts, potential buyers are purposely circumventing him, convinced shiny new toy Cam Skattebo will inevitably become the Giants featured back.
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However, with the rookie already hampered by a leg injury during critical developmental snaps in training camp, Tracy has a distinct leg up on the RB1 gig -- and his depth-chart separation is widening.
Tracy showed promise down the homestretch in 2024. He registered at least 12 fantasy points in four of his last seven contests in half-point PPR formats. Most encouraging, he ranked overall a respectable RB29 in total missed tackles forced (34) and RB24 in yards created per touch (3.59). His 2.84 yards after contact per attempt wasn’t anything to write home about, but his 10 sprints of 15+ yards and 38 receptions should grab researchers’ attention.
Once healthy, Skattebo will eat into the opportunity share, possibly siphoning some 30-35% of the backfield touches per game. New York’s likely suboptimal offensive line and league worst fantasy RB strength of schedule are also noticeable obstructions.
He hasn’t received much buzz in East Rutherford so far this summer. Still, it’s becoming increasingly clear Tracy starts the season as Brian Daboll’s RB1.
When the dust settles on the season, expect him to finish in the vicinity of 1200 combined yards with 5-7 scores. Again, resourceful.
Prop pick - Malik Nabers 1250+ receiving yards (+125, BetMGM) - Go ahead and retire, Jake from State Farm. When it comes to betting, this Nabers will most certainly be there. Those who place their confidence in New York's No. 1 shouldn't need an insurance policy.
A minor dinged shoulder kept him off the field only temporarily in training camp. Late last week, he returned to action, making a spectacular downfield grab that left onlooker mouths agape. It was just another day at the office for the uber talented second-year wideout.
The Giants' pedestrian QB play a season ago somewhat lowered Nabers' ceiling. Despite tallying only a 93.8 QB rating when targeted (WR58), he still managed to post steady eye-popping numbers on the surface and beyond. Impressively, he finished top 20 in total route wins, total air yards and total yards after catch. What was most frustrating is what could have been. No WR ranked higher in expected fantasy points per game. In other words, the shoddy passer play of Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and journeyman junkman Tim Boyle prevented him to maximizing his potential.
Russell Wilson's well-documented corniness may be grating, but his moon ball meshes perfectly with Malik. Similar to his connections last year with George Pickens in Pittsburgh or previously with DK Metcalf in Seattle, Mr. Unlimited might deliver consistent on-point passes to Nabers for chunk gains. Suffice it to say, the veteran slinger is a measurable upgrade.
Yes, the youngster's projected fantasy WR strength of schedule isn't the greatest (WR26), but his explosiveness, high-point abilities and pumped volume -- his 170 targets in 2024 ranked No. 2 among wide receivers -- drive investor libidos. Forecasted by many respected number crunchers to land in the 1300-1500 yards range, he's a tremendous investment on the plus money prop above.
Bottom line: Take stock in Nabers. He could yield an Amazon-like return.
Team lean - Giants OVER 5.5 regular season wins (+115, BetMGM) - Daboll’s tackle footballers aren’t exactly a sold out Broadway production. Recent reviews haven’t been great.
Still, a trimmed down Wilson has a chance to turn back the clock. As discussed above, Nabers is phenomenal. Dependable short-field WR Wan’Dale Robinson and his supporting convoy of backs are also respectable.
ESPN’s Mike Clay predicts 6.7 wins for the NYG this season, giving them a 40% or greater win probability in eight games. Yes, the schedule stinks like your un-showered grandpa -- the Giants have the fourth-hardest slate in the league -- but with a likely top-15 defense and its unsung group of chain movers, they should be occasionally competitive.
Mark this gullible buffoon down for 6-7 wins.