Halfway through the season, the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are only a half-game apart in record -- the Giants are 4-4, the Buccaneers 3-4. Of course, by virtue of their divisions, their fortunes are wildly disparate. The Giants are in first place in the NFC East, while the Buccaneers are in last in the NFC South and four games out of first. Sunday, they play one another.
Fantasy football advice, Week 9: Who to start/sit for Giants vs. Buccaneers
One team is in first and the other is in last, despite being only half a game apart in record.
The Giants will be without tight end Larry Donnell Sunday with a neck injury. Running back Orleans Darkwa is expected to play despite some back problems, as is wide receiver Rueben Randle, though his hamstring issues do make him slightly more questionable. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, will be without wide receiver Vincent Jackson again, and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins will head into Sunday as a question mark.
The Giants head south for Sunday’s game, with kickoff scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
GIANTS
Start ‘em: Even without last week’s huge performance, Eli Manning would have been a strong fantasy play. Having shown his upside, though, he’s even more locked in. ... Odell Beckham Jr. hasn’t been as consistent this year as he was last year, but oh, the highs.
Start ‘em?: After some great numbers to start the season, Josh Brown has leveled off. He’s a good-not-great option. ... The Giants’ defense has put up some decent numbers on the back of good special-teams performances. It has some upside.
Sit ‘em: The questions surrounding the New York running game make it hard to use Rashad Jennings, Orleans Darkwa, Shane Vereen or Andre Williams. ... Rueben Randle hasn’t done much of late. His injury is enough to make him a full no-go in fantasy. ... With Larry Donnell out, Will Tye will be the team’s primary tight end, but don’t go there.
BUCCANEERS
Start ‘em: We’re finally seeing the Doug Martin of his rookie year again. He’s a No. 1 running back. ... With Jackson out, Mike Evans is the team’s only viable wide receiver. His numbers haven’t been great, but he’s still a starter. ... In three games back with Tampa Bay, Connor Barth has kicked for 38 fantasy points. That’s a great stretch, and against New York, the offense should do well again.
Start ‘em?: With his numbers getting gradually better, and against a generous Giants defense, Jameis Winston makes for a mid-range QB2 with upside. ... Charles Sims has been catching enough passes to make for a usable mid-range flex option.
Sit ‘em: Here’s the problem with Austin Seferian-Jenkins: He’s only probably coming back Sunday, and with the Buccaneers not playing until the afternoon slate, it’s risky to wait and see. Considering he doesn’t carry elite upside at the position, best just to look elsewhere and wait until we know he’s back. ... The Buccaneers’ defense hasn’t offered much of late, and the Giants have a strong offense.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., Doug Martin, Mike Evans, Connor Barth
Start if you’re desperate: Josh Brown, New York defense, Jameis Winston, Charles Sims
Bench: Rashad Jennings, Orleans Darkwa, Shane Vereen, Andre Williams, Rueben Randle, Will Tye, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tampa Bay defense
