By: Jared Leonard|@JaredLeonard77
You’re probably thinking, is this guy serious? When you see the numbers that forecasters are predicting for the players in the Giants offense, you will understand where I’m coming from. Yes, Eli has had a lot of up and down seasons as a fantasy quarterback, mostly caused due to poor offensive line play and the lack of an effective run game.
This season is a different story for the Giants’ offense. In the off season the organization addressed both issues, improving the offensive line and drafting a generational type running back. Plus the Giants got rid of that hack, Ben McAdoo. Now, let’s look at the numbers that are projected for Odell Beckham, Sequon Barkley, Evan Engram, and Sterling Shepard.
O. Beckham: 100+ receptions, 1200+ receiving yards, and 8+ touchdowns
Sequon Barkley: 250+ attempts, 1000+ rushing yards, 8+ rushing touchdowns, 50+ receptions, 400+ receiving yards, and 3+ receiving touchdowns
Evan Engram: 70+ receptions, 700+ receiving yards, and 6+ touchdowns
Sterling Shepard: 70+ receptions, 800+ receiving yards, 5+ touchdowns
This is only the projections of the 4 major players in the Giants’ offense and they combine for 290+ receptions, 3100+ receiving yards, and 22+ touchdowns. I think that some of those projected numbers could be on the conservative side. Nevertheless, you now include the contribution of the role players in this offense and I think you could legitimately project Eli for 25+ touchdowns and 4000+ passing yards. Those numbers are good enough to be a top 10 quarterback in fantasy this year and he will cost a late round pick.
Now, I’m not saying I would draft Eli as my number one quarterback. But, if you wanted to take a chance on a QB like Pat Mahomes or Jimmy G, it would be wise to select Eli later in the draft as insurance. If you don’t end up needing Eli, he could be a great trade chip.