Here is this week's look at which New York Giants should be in or out of your Fantasy Football Starting lineup for Week 9 of the 2011 NFL season.
START
Eli Manning (QB)
numberFire Projection: 20.43 completions, 239.30 yards, 1.70 TDs, 1.07 INTs, 17.67 Fantasy Points
Analysis: You have Eli on your roster? You are thinking about NOT playing him? You must like to lose.
Ahmad Bradshaw (RB)
numberFire Projection: 16.47 carries, 70.29 yards, 0.52 TDs, 3.68 receptions, 29.91 yards, 0.08 TDs, 13.64 Fantasy Points
Analysis: The Giants have not run the ball well this season, and Bradshaw's rushing numbers are way down from a season ago. Still, he is a playmaker and a guy the Giants throw the ball to. Unless you have two other big-time backs, Bradshaw is always worth playing.
Hakeem Nicks (WR)
numberFire Projection: 5.56 receptions, 84.73 yards, 0.72 TDs, 12.86 Fantasy Points
Analysis: numberFire has Nicks rated as the projected top fantasy receiver in the NFL this week. So, you would think playing him is a no-brainer. It might not be, however. Nicks is dealing with a hamstring injury, so watch the injury reports for his status before you commit to having him in your lineup on Sunday.
Mario Manningham (WR)
numberFire Projection: 3.61 receptions, 42.32 yards, 0.28 TDs, 5.97 Fantasy Points
Analysis: Manningham has been playing well, Manning has been playing well and there is a possibility that Nicks won't play. Manningham should be in your lineup.
Victor Cruz (WR)
numberFire Projection: 2.79 receptions, 43.07 yards, 0.21 TDs, 5.56 Fantasy Points
Analysis: See what I said about Manningham.
Jake Ballard (TE)
numberFire Projection: 3.14 receptions, 36.61 yards, 0.31 TDs, 5.51 Fantasy Points
Analysis: Ballard's pass-catching can no longer be a surprise. He has 19 receptions in seven games.
Lawrence Tynes (PK)
numberFire Projection: 1.50 FGs, 2.99 XPs, 8.07 Fantasy Points
Analysis: Tynes has not had trouble making kicks this season -- the Giants simply have not given him many opportunities.
SIT
Brandon Jacobs (RB)
numberFire Projection: 3.45 carries, 13.49 yards, 0.10 TDs, 0.66 receptions, 4.10 yards, 0.02 TDs, 2.52 Fantasy Points
Analysis: Jacobs vowed to change this week and play better, but you have to see it before you believe it. He is the second back on a team that is becoming more and more pass-oriented, since they can't run the ball. He just doesn't figure to get the opportunities.
Giants' Defense
numberFire Projection: 8.13 Fantasy Points
Analysis: The Giants are inconsistent, and they are playing Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Avoid this defense.