Daniel Racz @Danny___Dimes

Introduction

Joe Judge’s hire during the 2020 offseason shocked many fans. His emphasis on the basics of football, including proper preparation like sound tackling and lots of cardio, was the antithesis of the modern NFL. While coaches like Kliff Kingsbury run their teams more like colleges, Judge is staunchly an old-school football guy. During his first training camp, he tried out stars like Saquon Barkley as a punt returner and had any player that made a mistake (including Barkley) run laps as punishment. 

However, Judge eventually endeared himself to Giants’ fans through his participation in drills, like jumping in mud to recover a fumble to demonstrate the proper form. This year, there is still a lot to be discovered during Giants’ camp, but we know a few key focal points already.

Prioritization of conditioning 

Joe Judge, like most of his Patriots’ predecessors, wants his team to be in shape. During his interviews this week, Judge spoke about why conditioning can help win games. The Giants’ coach explained that anyone can play their best ball for the first few minutes of a game, but it becomes much more difficult during the fourth quarter. Judge preaches that the team will not practice anything that will not make them better during regular-season games. Veterans like Sterling Shepard have already come out in support of their rigorous conditioning program. Shepard felt that there were times last year late in games where he had an extra gear that was absent in prior seasons.

Zero tolerance for slacking

The Biggest story from training camp so far comes in the (large) form of Kelvin Benjamin. The Giants’ current general manager drafted Benjamin with the 28th selection of the 2014 NFL draft. During his rookie season, Benjamin won rookie of the year. Since then, Kelvin’s career has been a disappointment. 

The Giants brought in Benjamin as a tight end for camp. Benjamin came into minicamp a few weeks ago weighing 265 pounds. Judge and the Giants reportedly told me to cut his weight down to 251 pounds for training camp. Though Benjamin passed the conditioning tests today, he weighed a whopping 268 pounds. Benjamin claimed that the weight change came from added muscle. To Judge, the added muscle could not be more irrelevant. Coach Judge told Benjamin to hit a goal, and Benjamin completely failed. Judge confronted Benjamin during practice on the 28th and he was released that afternoon. After the practice, Kelvin spoke to certain media members and voiced his displeasure for Judge, though it came across more like a series of baseless complaints than an actual critique of Judge’s style. 

Rookies need to earn their spots

The Giants’ 2021 draft class could play a crucial role in their 2021 playoff quest, but it will not be easy for them to see the field. 1st round pick Kadarius Toney recently tested positive for COVID-19, meaning he may have even more trouble acclimating to the league. Toney tested out of the COVID-19 list, but Judge said he would be eased into practices. Toney will need to work tremendously hard to see starting work in three-wide receiver sets, as the Giants’ core of Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton remains strong. Toney will see schemed-up touches like screens and pitches, but anything more than that is wishful thinking early on.

The post Top Three Takeaways From Giants Training Camp appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Daniel Racz @Danny___Dimes 

Introduction

The New York Giants questionably drafted Penn State running back Saquon Barkley with the second draft pick of the 2018 NFL draft. The Giants’ front office, likely influenced by their ownership, chose to try and extend the career of Eli Manning instead of selecting a future quarterback (the options were Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, John Rosen, and Lamar Jackson). Selecting a running back in the first round does not typically yield great results for a team, but Barkley made a tremendous impact during his first season. Saquon was the focal point of the Giants’ offense and even claimed the offensive rookie of the year award over quarterback Baker Mayfield. Though Saquon Barkley has battled injuries during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, the sky’s the limit for Barkley this season.

Unique Athleticism 

When Saquon Barkley came into the pros during the 2018 draft cycle, he was a generational talent. When talking about his college tape, Giants’ general manager Dave Gettleman said “Saquon is a 9. I have never given out a perfect nine as a scout.” Simply put, Saquon was the greatest player to grace the gridiron in the eyes of the Giants’ staff. 

Barkley lit the combine on fire. His 4.40 forty at 233 pounds is in the 97th percentile in terms of raw score and 99th percentile when adjusted for weight. As an athlete, Saquon is one-of-one. Barkley’s athleticism is always on full display when he suits up, whether it be stiff-arming a defender onto the ground or running past an entire defense.

Unparalleled rookie production 

Saquon came into his rookie season with high expectations. After years of poorly executed running back by committee, the Giants were ready to utilize a bell cow. 

During his rookie year, Saquon broke fantasy football with his production. Though Barkley typically went in the first round of fantasy drafts, no one expected him to finish as the overall running back one. Saquon rushed for 1,307 yards and added 721 yards through the air during his 2018 campaign. Barkley totaled 15 touchdowns during his rookie season too. Adjusting to the NFL is not as easy as Saquon Barkley made it look. Recent first-round picks like Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Josh Jacobs did not post eye-popping numbers despite their massive volume. 

A weapon as a receiver

Over the past decade, the running back position has become devalued due to a plethora of studies that demonstrated the issues that come with paying top dollar (in draft capital or salary) to a running back. Most running backs deteriorate after their rookie contracts expire. However, capturing running backs that can stay productive into their second contracts is still valuable. 

The running backs that rely on breaking tackles and running between the tackles do not fare well in their late 20s. Even backs like Leonard Fournette are just backup caliber players in their fourth year in the league. However, backs like Giovanni Bernard can play meaningful snaps well into their 30s. Saquon had an almost unheard-of 20 percent target share as a rookie. Barkley can line up out of the backfield or in the slot and separate like a receiver. When Saquon Barkley is healthy, he is a menace whenever the ball is in his hands.

The post Why Saquon Barkley is a top five running back appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Introduction

The Green Bay Packers are a mess right now. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers may not play another snap for the franchise, and wide receiver Davante Adams will likely not re-sign with the Packers. During minicamp, Adams said that he would not hold out nor miss games to negotiate an extension, so barring a trade fans should expect Adams to be in Green Bay in 2021. 

If Adams hits the free-agent market after the 2021 season, he will be coveted throughout the league. However, after refusing to sign for anything less than a market-setting contract, the team that signs Adams will have to spend a large portion of their salary cap. Other factors, like pre-existing connections and quarterback play, will undoubtedly also play a part in Adams’ decision.  

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are the most likely destination for Adams, and rightfully so. The 2020 wide receiver draft picks Henry Ruggs, Bryan Edwards, and Lynn Bowden–who was traded before his rookie year–all look like busts. The Raiders have an alpha weapon in tight end, Darren Waller. Pairing Waller with Adams will give Derek Carr two top receivers to combine with Josh Jacobs at running back. 

Derek Carr has had a relationship with Adams since their time in college. Together, the two dominated at Fresno State University and both went on to be second-round picks in the 2014 NFL Draft. A reunion has publicly been discussed and it could propel the Las Vegas Raiders to the playoffs. 

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have a wide range of outcomes for the 2020 season. If the Bears stick with Andy Dalton and he does not play well, the franchise will be in a bad position. Additionally, if the Bears start Justin Fields and do not win games, the Bears will have a gloomy outlook. The Bears traded their 2022 first-round pick to the Giants when they traded up for Fields, so they can not add a playmaker in the first round.

Allen Robinson has stopped negotiating a long-term extension with Chicago, so the Bears will likely be without a playmaker on the roster for next year. If the Bears do not offer Robinson a massive extension after the season is over, they will look towards the free agent group of wide receivers. Players like DJ Chark and Michael Gallup are solid contributors, but Adams is the cream of the crop. The Bears adding Davante would give Justin Fields a premier wide receiver to work with for the rest of his rookie contract. With Davante, the Bears could be the favorites in the NFC North for the foreseeable future.  

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have yet to splurge on a big-name free-agent since Chris Ballard took on their general manager role. The Colts have been conservative with their offseason moves, making sure that they would have space for extensions for players like Darius Leonard, Quentin Nelson, and Braden Smith.

The Colts’ wide receivers are some of the worst in the league. Michael Pittman Jr. flopped as a rookie, Parris Cambell has yet to stay healthy for a whole season, and T.Y. Hilton is no longer an above-average player. Davante Adams may command a 4-100 extension, but given his play the past few seasons he is worth it. The Colts need to give Carson Wentz a capable wide receiver if they want him to play well, and Davante is the best in the league right now. 

The post Top Free Agent Destinations For Davante Adams appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Daniel Racz @Danny___Dimes  

Introduction

A perfect storm was brewing for Cam Akers in 2021. A solid offensive line, an improved quarterback and an assumed three-down role. Sadly, Akers tore his Achilles during a pre-training camp practice. The Rams’ current backfield consists of Darrell Henderson Jr., Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais, Otis Anderson, and Jake Funt. Though the Rams’ front office and head coach Sean McVay have said that they do not plan to immediately bring in more competition, it is unlikely that the room remains the same throughout the offseason.

The current free agent options are serviceable at best, but the Rams will need to go bargain hunting to piece together a competent running back room. Though none of the available players are uber-athletic, there are experienced veterans and pass catchers that could be of use to the Rams.

Duke Johnson

Duke Johnson Jr. has no business sitting in free agency while running backs like Carlos Hyde and Devontae Booker have defined roles. Since entering the league, Johnson has totaled over 300 receptions and almost 3,000 receiving yards out of the backfield.

If the Rams were to sign Johnson, it would be as a complementary piece in their committee. Darrell Henderson has not been used as a pass-catcher with the Rams, so signing Johnson would give them an impact player in the passing game. Johnson’s 4.51 speed on his 210-pound frame is nothing more than average, but the Rams should be thrilled with league-average production right now.

Adrian Peterson

AP is quietly still a capable running back. In his past three seasons, he has totaled over 2,500 yards on the ground and 450 yards as a receiver. Peterson also has 20 total touchdowns since 2018. Peterson ranked 13th in yards created per touch and 31st in evaded tackles last year, per player profile. Though these metrics are not anything special, Peterson has proved that he still has enough juice left in the tank. 

The Rams can deploy Peterson on any down and trust him to be a willing pass protector. AP’s experience across over a decade in the league is invaluable, and he could benefit the franchise more than any other free agent. 

Todd Gurley

The divorce between the Los Angeles Rams and Todd Gurley was ugly. Gurley even claimed that some of his game checks were not delivered. All that said, the Rams bringing in Todd Gurley makes too much sense, if Gurley is open to a reunion. The Rams would love a running back that has a deep knowledge of their system, like Gurley. The comfort level that Gurley has with coach McVay’s system is an immediate bonus. 

Gurley is no longer an elite running back. However, it has been demonstrated that teams can win games without high-end backs. The Chiefs won a super bowl with Damien Williams as their lead back in 2019 and the Buccaneers won in 2020 with Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones. Gurley, Darrell Henderson, and Raymond Calais would be one of the worst running back rooms in the league, but it just might be enough to get by.

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Daniel Racz @Danny___Dimes 

Introduction

Despite the quarterback position making a minimal impact in most fantasy football leagues, taking a quarterback at any point does not have to be a fruitless endeavor. Navigating the position correctly can give you an edge that few other league-mates possess. Last year, targeting players in the middle rounds like Josh Allen (and fading players like Drew Brees) gave you a leg up on your competition. 

This year, there are a few tight ends that you should not be drafting at their current average draft positions, including some familiar faces from prior years. If you can properly fade the quarterbacks that will disappoint, you are in a good place.

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes stands the best chance to finish as the top quarterback in fantasy football in 2021. However, he is currently drafted over one round ahead of any other quarterback. Drafting Mahomes is a significant, and unnecessary investment. When you draft anyone as the top player at their position, the only way they can meet expectations is by finishing as such. Taking a gamble on Mahomes as the QB1 instead of a better wide receiver or running back will likely set your team(s) back. 

The Chiefs rebuilt their offensive line, which should help the overall dynamism of the offense. Mahomes will have more time to throw to his elite weapons Tyreek Hill and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. However, the better offensive line could shift red-zone play-calling to favor giving goal-line carries to running backs as opposed to opportunities for Mahomes.

Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow is the easiest fade at the quarterback position right now. Burrow is drafted ahead of Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, and Ryan Tannehill. The addition of college teammate Ja’Marr Chase is keeping Burrow’s ADP high. Burrow has perhaps the best wide receiver trio in the national football league, but he also plays behind a poor offensive line and is coming off a torn ACL injury.

As a rookie, Joe Burrow met expectations. He did not do anything extraordinary like Justin Herbert, but he proved that he was fit to lead Cincinnati for the next decade. Then, all of the sudden, Burrow lost the second half of the year to a torn ACL. Burrow’s injury will likely make him less mobile. The consequences of Burrow’s reduced movement will be fewer rushing yards, a major disappointment to fantasy owners. Though Burrow offers a tad more rushing upside than Stafford and Brady, he is on an inferior offense and should be faded at his current cost.  

Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield is not going as a top 16 QB, but an average draft position of QB19 still feels rich. Given the rushing upside that Carson Wentz and Daniel Jones offer, it seems foolish to take Baker ahead of those two dual threats. If Baker Mayfield plays the entire season, he will almost certainly finish as a QB2 in terms of total points and likely points per game. That said, the QB19 is not winning you any titles.

Baker is still on a run-first team due to the Browns’ elite offensive line and stud running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, hurting his upside. If Baker does end up slightly outproducing his ADP, will you be happy with him as your backup quarterback? Unless the answer is a resounding yes, stay away from Mayfield.

The post Fantasy Football: 3 Quarterbacks to avoid in 2021 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Daniel Racz

Introduction

The New York Giants’ offense fell short of all expectations in 2020. After losing star running back Saquon Barkley, the Giants had to adapt. The front office signed Devonta Freeman and Alfred Morris to pair with Wayne Gallman. To the surprise of many, the Giants’ running game was more successful than their air attack. However, there are many reasons to expect the Giants passing game to take a step forward. A healthy Daniel Jones will be the key, but there are a few other pieces that will be crucial if the Giants want a top-ten passing offense. Ensuring that the Giants use weapons besides Kenny Golladay and Saquon Barkley may be the determining factor for Big Blue in 2021.

Schemed Up Touches For Kadarius Toney

The Giants’ questionably spent a first-round pick on Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney. Despite remaining at Florida for four years, Toney is a raw route runner. If the Giants want to add a new element to their offense, they will have to play to Toney’s strengths. Toney is a menace in the open field. His ability to break tackles and evade defenders in college was reminiscent of Alvin Kamara. If that skill translates to the NFL, the Giants can utilize Toney like the dynamic weapon that he is.

The best way to maximize the skill of open field specialists like Toney is through touches at or behind the line of scrimmage. Giving Toney touches like screens, drag routes and even pitches could give the Giants a weapon that few other teams in the league possess. 

A Stable Offensive Line

The least talked about aspect of an offense when discussing their passing attack is their offensive line. The New York Giants’ were unable to run lots of successful deep passing plays in large part due to their inability to give Daniel Jones time to throw. Their offensive line ranked in the bottom five in almost every statistic. Jones did not have time to throw, and he got frazzled under pressure.

If the Giants can piece together a top twenty offensive line, it will open up new avenues for their passing attack. Deep targets to Kenny Golladay and Darius Slayton can only be consistently successful if they are attempted from a clean pocket. The Giants hired Rob Sale to be their new offensive line coach, and he may be an X-Factor for the team in 2021. 

A Healthy, Dynamic Evan Engram 

Did Evan Engram make the pro bowl last year? Yes. Did that endear him to Giants fans? Not at all. 

In 2020, Engram’s drop issues cost the Giants turnovers and an early-season matchup against the Eagles. It is worth noting that Evan Engram played the 2020 season with a lisfranc injury. Engram’s injury is similar to the injury that Marquise “Hollywood” Brown of the Ravens played through during his rookie year in 2019. In 2020, Brown returned more explosive. If Engram can come into the 2021 season and play as he did earlier in his career, the Giants will have another weapon on their hands. When at his best, Engram is a premier tight end with elite athleticism. If the Giants use Engram properly, they can have an above-average passing attack. 

The post Why the Giants could have a Top 10 passing offense appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Daniel Racz @Danny___Dimes  

Introduction

Running backs can win you your leagues, but they can also sink the ship. When drafting running backs, you want to target good football players that are likely to receive volume on the ground and through the air. Early in drafts, your targets should not have too much projection. That is to say, if the only reason they are selected in the top twenty picks is that they are supposed to receive an increase in volume, they are not a good pick in your redraft league. Playing for the floor is not the goal, there can only be one champion. Do not buy fools’ gold with these three running backs.

Jonathan Taylor

The first player on this list is likely the most controversial. Jonathan Taylor is a good football player, but so is all purpose RB Nyheim Hines. There are many fantasy addicts in the football community (myself included) that believe Hines is the most skilled receiving back in the entire league.

The Colts have an affinity for Hines, feeding him designed targets and even lining him up as a wide receiver. Last year, Hines totaled 64 receptions, and that number could increase. 

Jonathan Taylor can not reach his fantasy football ceiling if Nyheim remains relevant. Taylor is going in the top eight picks on most sites, suggesting you have to spend a first-round pick on him to roster him. Though Taylor is a great runner behind a premier offensive line, the lack of receiving work should worry managers.

Cam Akers

Another first-round fade comes in the form of Los Angeles Rams’ Cam Akers. The 2020 second-round pick is due for a larger role with Malcolm Brown’s departure. Akers’ 2020 season was a disappointment to everyone, but he was not a first-round pick last year.

His average draft position this year is as a top ten pick, meaning there is a lot of projection. Last year, Akers was a fine football player. As a former high school quarterback, Akers is rather new to the position (though college Wide Receiver Antonio Gibson had no issue acclimating to the NFL). 

Akers’ 2021 season will be defined by his passing upside. His 14 targets made him borderline unusable for most of the season. If the addition of Matthew Stafford means Akers gets more targets, he is worthy of a late first-round draft selection. However, he is already priced as if he will get those targets, making him a firm fade.

Zack Moss

A lower-level fade for me is Zack Moss. After watching his 2020 season, he was the least impressive sophomore running back by a wide margin. Moss combines a remarkable lack of athleticism, inability to break tackles, and concerning injury history. He is the full package. 

Though Moss is going in the ninth round of drafts, he is still the second-best running back on his team. Devin Singletary is a superior talent and should be drafted within a round of Moss. Zack Moss is already battling an injury, so that should set off red flags. Josh Allen is still the goal-line back in Buffalo, so banking on Moss to score double-digit touchdowns is a bad bet.

Stay away from Zack Moss, and take shots on upside wide receivers instead. 

The post 3 Running Backs to avoid appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Daniel Racz @Danny___Dimes 

Introduction

The New York Giants released tickets to FanFest, their one day of training camp that fans are permitted to partake in earlier today, so let’s dive into what fans should care about this pre-season. The New York Giants are one of the most confusing teams in the National Football League, as they have a wide range of outcomes. The New York Giants spared no expense this offseason when it came to adding weapons. Their additions of Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, and Kyle Rudolph will undoubtedly make the offense more dynamic. In the backfield, the Giants will be hoping they get the 2019 version of Saquon Barkley. And, even if Barkley is back to his all-pro ways, he will still have to navigate one of the worst offensive lines in the league. The NFC East is ripe for the taking, but are the Giants up for the task?

Battle for WR3

The Giants’ wide receiver room will be a top ten unit in the league if they are comfortable in three-wide receiver sets. Kenny Golladay is a big-bodied, alpha wide receiver that can win in the red zone. Sterling Shepard offers inside-outside versatility and is a phenomenal blocker. Shepard’s role will likely depend on whether Darius Slayton or Kadarius Toney wins the third spot on the depth chart. Toney and Slayton could not be more different stylistically. While Slayton is a more nuanced route runner and deep threat, Kadarius Toney excels with the ball in his hand. Early reports of Toney missing practices point to Slayton having the inside track on the job, but it is worth monitoring throughout the offseason.

Everything On The Offensive Line

On almost any offensive line metric last year the Giants ranked in the bottom five. Whether it be inexperience, a lack of continuity, or poor coaching; the Giants had it. Rookies Andrew Thomas and Shane Lemieux had their struggles throughout the year, though Thomas improved as the year progressed. Will Hernandez battled covid during the year and his play suffered. During the season, Joe Judge fired line coach Marc Columbo. This season, the Giants are bringing in former Louisiana Lafayette line coach Robert Sale to develop their hog mollies. The Giants will also have a battle at right tackle between 2020 third-round pick Matt Peart and veteran Nate Solder. The offensive line will make or break the offense, so making sure the Giants get the best five players starting as many games as possible is imperative. 

Saquon Barkley’s Recovery

The highest selection Dave Gettleman has ever made was running back Saquon Barkley in the 2018 NFL draft. The former Nittany Lion put the league on notice during his rookie season by totaling over 2,000 yards from scrimmage. Unfortunately, Barkley suffered a high-ankle sprain that derailed most of his 2019 campaign. Saquon returned to full health by the end of the 2019 season, but it did not make an impact. In 2020, Saquon Barkley tore his ACL and MCL early in Week two against the Chicago Bears. After allowing the MCL to heal, Barkley received surgery in late October. His timeline puts his status for week one in jeopardy. Though Saquon is expected to be healthy for Week one. If the Giants have a healthy Saquon Barkley running behind a league-average offensive line this season, they will be a force to be reckoned with. 

The post 3 biggest training camp questions for Giants offense appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Daniel Racz @Danny___Dimes 

Introduction

The 2019 draft brings up confusing memories for most Giants fans. The expectation was that the Giants were going to put together one final attempt to win with Eli Manning. The perceived weak QB class made pass rushers like Josh Allen and Brian Burns the top targets in most mock drafts. However, the Giants’ front office shocked the world when they took Duke quarterback Daniel Jones with the sixth pick in the draft. 

Jones’ first two years in the NFL have been a series of ups and downs. His rookie year featured extreme volatility. Though he posted 26 total touchdowns, he also gave the ball away 27 times (not good!). With a depleted weapons group in Jones’ sophomore year, he cut back on the turnovers at the expense of the big plays. That said, there are numerous reasons to expect Jones to cement himself as the face of the New York Football Giants.

Tireless Work Ethic

Daniel Jones may be the subject of memes and mockery on the internet, but he does not let that phase me. Between the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Jones loaded up on muscle intending to eliminate his fumbling issues. While he coughed up the ball eight times in 2020, that is much better than the fifteen lost fumbles from 2019. 

Multiple Giants have preached about Jones’ commitment to the game. The phrase “First guy in, last guy out” is frequently repeated when those in the know within the Giants’ organization are asked about Jones. Does this work ethic mean that Jones will take a leap and assert himself as a premier quarterback? Of course not. Nonetheless, it is a positive sign for a young quarterback like Daniel Jones.

Year Over Year Improvement

Fumbling is not the only area where Jones has progressed. While Daniel Jones posted better counting statistics during his rookie season, he had a better handle of the position his sophomore year. In the pocket, Jones was less susceptible to pressure, leading to fewer turnovers. This comfort also aided Jones as a passer. Despite a putrid offensive line, Jones managed to rank as NextGenStats’ number one graded deep passer in 2020. 

Daniel Jones also established himself as a force on the ground during his sophomore season. Jones went from 279 rushing yards his rookie year to 423 in 2020 despite playing the final few games on a bum leg. Jones should be expected to take another jump in 2021 with the return of Saquon Barkley too. 

Respectable Supporting Cast

For the first time in Daniel Jones’ short career, he has a dynamic group of weapons around him. Jones’ partner in crime in the backfield, all-pro running back Saquon Barkley, returns from his ACL injury. For better or for worse, most of the 2020 offensive line is coming back. At the wide receiver position, the Giants are as stacked as they have been in nearly a decade. Possession wide receiver Kenny Golladay signed with the Giants in free agency. The Giants also added tight end Kyle Rudolph and gadget wide receiver Kadarius Toney. The Giants now have big-bodied red-zone threats in Golladay and Rudolph. Though Toney is raw as a route runner, he is a solid athlete and phenomenal in the open field. Daniel Jones played with a 1990 Toyota for his first few years, and he has just been handed a Ferrari. 

The Giants also improved their defense via the additions of pass rusher Azeez Ojulari and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson. Jones will have the chance to lead a top offense, and Big Blue’s defense will ensure that the team will be competitive in every game. 

The post Daniel Jones is the Giants long term QB appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Daniel Racz @Danny___Dimes

Introduction

The recent infatuation with stacking in best ball has emphasized identifying good offenses. While stacks from teams like the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Dallas Cowboys will undoubtedly be productive this year, they require significant draft capital. There are a few offenses that have the potential to wildly outperform their ADPs and come in clutch down the stretch. 

San Francisco 49ers

There is a lot of uncertainty in San Francisco, and with uncertainty comes opportunity. George Kittle (TE3, ADP of 26) and Brandon Aiyuk (WR27, ADP of 60) are priced as if the 49ers will not be a high-volume passing offense. However, Trey Sermon (RB27, ADP of 72) and Raheem Mostert (RB29, ADP of 83) are priced as if the team will not run the ball often. 

If the 49ers pass the ball often, Aiyuk and Kittle (and to some extent, Deebo Samuel) can outperform their ADPs in a meaningful way. If the offense runs the ball a lot, Mostert and Sermon are criminally undervalued. If the 49ers’ offense is dynamic, perhaps every piece of the offense can have an above-average win rate. The 49ers also have an easy playoff schedule, including matchups against the Falcons, Titans, and Texans, allowing them to smash in tournaments. 

New York Giants

Am I a homer for including the Giants? Undoubtedly. Do I sincerely believe that the Giants offense is drafted much closer to its floor in comparison to its ceiling? Confidently. The hesitancy around Saquon Barkley is warranted, but he offers unparalleled upside. Going routinely in the middle of the first round (ADP of 5.4 currently) is a crime. Later in drafts, wide receivers like Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton are undervalued. Shepard, though injury prone, routinely gives you usable weeks year after year. Darius Slayton is likely to play on the outside in most three-wide receiver sets and is excellent injury insurance in the likely event that either Shepard or Kenny Golladay misses games this season.  

The last important piece of the offense is Daniel Jones. After his less-than-stellar 12 total touchdown season in 2020, Jones can not do much worse. However, he does not need to at his current price. With an ADP of 167 at QB23, Jones offers legitimate upside. While his floor is certainly lower than later quarterbacks like Derek Carr, his rushing upside and dynamic weapons give him a chance to be a top 12 quarterback.  

Washington Football Team

The team without a name is not a team without meaningful fantasy contributors. The revamped offense is perhaps the league’s most slept on. Running back Antonio Gibson (RB13, ADP of 16.7) is primed for a breakout. Coach Ron Rivera has stressed that the team wants to unleash him in the passing game, a la Christian McCaffrey in Carolina. Gibson’s upside should not be underestimated, he has overall RB1 firmly within his range of outcomes. The addition of Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB21, ADP of 154.8) can keep the team’s weapons relevant. Fitz has supported multiple top wide receivers, including Devante Parker’s miraculous 2019 season. Fitzmagic should easily keep both Terry Mclaurin (WR11, ADP of 30.7) and Curtis Samuel (WR41, ADP of 85.2) fantasy relevant. Given Fitz’s gunslinger play style, rookie deep threat Dyami Brown (WR78, ADP of 176.9) is also worth a flier.

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