New York Giants - Fantasy News

Should I Start Eli Manning in Week 17?

by Derek Norton

12/28/17

NFL

New York Giants

Eli Manning

Eli Manning’s season went down around the same time Odell Beckham did.

The veteran from Ole Miss is having arguably his worst season of the decade with his 18-touchdown, 27-interception 2013 being the only competition. The Giants look completely dysfunctional after coach firings, suspensions and the worst record outside of Cleveland.

As such, there aren't too many reasons to get excited about Manning’s home matchup with Washington to close out the season.

Why Should I Start Eli Manning?

Manning has had a few big games this season. He scored over 20 Dober points in Weeks 3, 4 and 15. That last one is big since he finally managed to have a good performance without Beckham. He twice did it against Philadelphia, which allows the fourth-fewest yards per attempt. Considering his rock-bottom projection (12.5), not all hope is lost.

The Redskins allow the sixth-most points per game, but they’re especially bad on the road. They give up 29.8 points per game outside of Washington. The worst scoring defense in the league, the Texans, allow 27.6. The Redskins have given up at least 30 points in each of their last three road games and at least 29 points in five of seven road tilts.

Washington could be more than a little shorthanded on Sunday. Linebackers Ryan Kerrigan, Zach Brown, Ryan Anderson and Martrell Spaight all missed practice on Thursday. Nose tackle Ziggy Hood did as well. If they don’t play, Washington would be without two of its top three tacklers (Brown, Spaight), its sack leader (Kerrigan) and its leader in tackles for loss (Brown). The lack of defensive leaders could give Manning an edge.

Why Should I Bench Eli Manning?

Manning has been atrocious over the last five weeks. He exceeded 9.12 Dober points just once and averaged 10.9 Dober points per game. Remove the outlier performance against the Eagles and the average falls to 6.3. That includes his first game against the Redskins when he scored a season-low 2.42 Dober points. The veteran has been bad far too often to be trustworthy.

The Giants have their own injury problems, too. Wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Tavares King, along with tight end Evan Engram, didn’t practice on Thursday. Shepard and Engram are first and second on the team in receiving yards, respectively. Engram also leads the team in receptions and touchdowns. Manning isn’t likely to prosper if his top two receivers are Roger Lewis and Rhett Ellison.

Rookie quarterback Davis Webb is going to be active for the first time this season and will serve as Manning’s backup. If the longtime Giants starter struggles early on (which is likely), Webb could get a shot. Manning has been bad enough when given four quarters of snaps. It’d be nearly impossible for him to score more than 12.5 Dober points in one or two quarters.

Should I Make Eli Manning a Week 17 Fantasy Starter?

No. Manning already has more than enough red flags before factoring in receiver injuries and the Giants choosing this week to finally activate Webb. Manning likely won’t play the full game and he’s been terrible far too often. He is not worth using this week.

Week 17 Fantasy Prediction: Eli Manning Under 12.5 DFPs