Fans of the New York Giants saw two new elements to their offense during Sunday's win. The first was an effective running game; the second was Orleans Darkwa.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 8: Orleans Darkwa
The New York Giants offense got a spark in Week 7 from Orleans Darkwa. We break down the fantasy implications.
Darkwa only managed eight carries amid a crowded Giants backfield, but made the most of them, tallying 48 yards and capping off a run-heavy drive with an impressive 12-yard touchdown run. It had been strongly felt that Darkwa should have earned the opportunity to have these carries, according to head coach Tom Coughlin, and with an encouraging performance, there’s no reason to believe Darkwa hasn’t earned another chance to shine.
Fantasy impact: The question is, even if Darkwa earned an expanded role, is it enough to warrant a start in fantasy leagues? An expanded role from eight carries isn't necessarily going to make Darkwa flex-worthy like he would have been in Week 7. But with Andre Williams, Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen nearly invisible, Darkwa should at least press for more time.
The main takeaway from Darkwa’s situation is that his trajectory is pointing upward. Fantasy owners would need to be completely desperate to justify starting him in Week 8, but because the possibility for him to take control of the backfield exists, Darkwa needs to be added in leagues of all formats.
