Thursday September 25, 2014
New York Giants @ Washington Redskins

This Thursday we will have an NFC East rivalry game. Kirk Cousins and the new look Redskins offense, host the anemic New York Giants, who will be looking to build off their first win of the season. The Redskins, coming off a tough loss to the Eagles, have been more impressive than New York, however their records show they are equal. If one of these teams intend on challenging Philly for their divisional crown, this game will be a major factor. The loser will fall in to a deep 1-3 hole.

New York Giants: Key Players

QB Eli Manning
Manning had his first decent game of the season in Week 3. He threw for 234 yards and two TDs, more importantly he did not throw a pick. This was the first time the Giants showed any sign of life this season, and it was against a tough Texans’ defense.
Verdict: Sit Manning. The issue is, he’s just not that good anymore and turns the ball over too often to be trusted.

RB Rashad Jennings
Jennings has been the only bright point of the Giants’ offense this season. He is running well and catching passes out of the backfield. He’s coming off a 176 yard performance in Week 3. He has done a great job of holding off rookie Andre Williams to this point.
Verdict: Start Jennings. Until further notice Jennings should be started every week. He is most likely your RB2 and is a great one at that. His duel-threat capabilities makes him viable in all formats.

WR Victor Cruz
Last week, Cruz caught his first TD pass since Week 4 of last season. Prior to last week’s game, Cruz had only had 84 yards through two games. Despite a solid game, Cruz and Manning have not been on the same page in a long time.
Verdict: Sit Cruz. Yes, he had a good week. We just aren’t ready to trust him yet. Even with another good game, he would still remain a risky play.

WR Rueben Randle
Randle has only 67 yards and a TD on the season. He appears to have a limited role in a limited passing game. Randle was many people’s sleeper WR this year, but unfortunately he has yet to wake up.
Verdict: Sit Randle. At this point he isn’t even worth a roster spot unless you’re in a very deep league.

TE Larry Donnell
When you watch Donnell live, he is far from spectacular. Nonetheless, fantasy is about the numbers and Donnell sees a ton of targets. Through three games he has already been targeted 23 times and has tallied 18 receptions, 182 yards and one TD.
Verdict: Start Donnell. With six teams on byes this week, he is a borderline TE1 and should be in most lineups.

Washington Redskins: Key Players

QB Kirk Cousins
In his first start of the season, Cousins threw for 427 yards and three TDs. While he will not be putting up numbers like this every week, he will be a very productive starter.
Verdict: Start Cousins. We’re rolling with him this week. In a Jay Gruden offense that turned Andy Dalton in to a star, there is no reason Cousins can’t thrive.

RB Alfred Morris
Morris is averaging almost 20 carries a game and his lowest rushing total was 77 yards. He has yet to catch a pass this season. Morris pretty much is what he is. The Redskins are going to hand him the ball 20 times and see what happens.
Verdict: Start Morris. This only applies in standard scoring leagues. Morris isn’t as valuable in PPR leagues. We are going to give him the benefit of the doubt, however we would like to see him start punching in a few more TDs.

WR Pierre Garcon
After a near no show in Week 2, Garcon had a monster game this past week. He caught 11 of his 16 targets for 138 yards and a TD. Many were worried Cousins wouldn’t target him…worries extinguished.
Verdict: Start Garcon. Garcon is a PPR monster and should be started every week. He should be viewed as an underrated WR1.

WR DeSean Jackson
Jackson is a big play threat who tends to make more big plays than most receivers. While playing a boom-or-bust WR is nerve-racking, D-Jax is the best in the business at what he does.
Verdict: Start Jackson. Giants’ safety Stevie Brown does not appear to be capable of covering anybody this season. He will have a tall task of having to help out with Jackson this week.

TE Niles Paul
With Jordan Reed out with a bad hammy, Paul has filled in admirably. As a starter he’s averaging 10 targets and seven receptions a game. He has been a very pleasant surprise for anyone that has picked him up off the waiver wire.
Verdict: Start Paul. He’s like Donnell but more talented.

Predictions

Final Score
New York: 23
Washington: 31

Best Play
Giants: Rashad Jennings
Redskins: Pierre Garcon

Sleeper
Larry Donnell