New York Giants: Fantasy Predictions for 2010

In my opinion, its never too early to start thinking about fantasy football. I'm going to take a look at some of the major players for the New York Giants and try and make prediction for their performance.

Remember, the NFL Draft has yet to take place, so some of these predictions may change.

Sit back, relax, and take in some info and suggestions on the New York Giants' major fantasy players in 2010.

QB - Eli Manning

Eli had the best statistical year of his career in 2009. He topped the 4,000 yard mark for the first time, completed 62 percent of his passes, and threw for 27 touchdowns. And remember, he did all of that while battling a foot injury for most of the year.

Eli doesn't miss games which is key when drafting a quality fantasy quarterback.

The Giants seem to be moving towards a more passer-friendly offense which should only benefit Manning.

Also, watch out for those young receivers. They should only improve on last year.

You can expect to see Manning going in the fifth or sixth round of most drafts. He may go earlier if quarterbacks start falling in the second or third round.

Prediction - 4,150 Passing Yards, 30 Touchdown Passes, 13 Interceptions

RB - Brandon Jacobs

Jacobs was one off the biggest disappointments in fantasy football in 2009. Big things were expected from the gargantuan back after a 15-touchdown campaign in 2008.

But Jacobs let his fantasy owners down with only five rushing touchdowns. He also failed to reach 1,000 yards rushing, despite receiving over 200 carries.

I expect to see more of a diminished role for Jacobs in 2010. He and Ahmad Bradshaw are recovering from offseason surgeries, and I would imagine the Giants would like to see what second-year back Andre Brown can do after missing his entire rookie campaign with an Achilles injury.

The Giants may add a back in the draft, too. Don't be surprised if Jacobs misses time again due to injury.

Jacobs value will be down this year. Not many people will have as much faith as they did in 2009. Expect Jacobs to be taken as a No. 2 or 3 back for most owners. He should be selected around the fourth round.

Prediction - 180 carries, 900 yards, 7 rushing touchdowns

15 receptions, 100 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown

RB - Ahmad Bradshaw

After Derrick Ward left for Tampa Bay, Bradshaw had some big shoes to fill. Bradshaw had his best year statistically, rushing for just under 800 yards and seven touchdowns. Keep in mind that he played most of the year with a broken bone in his foot.

I see Bradshaw having a similar role this year. As long as he heals from offseason surgery, he should have the No. 2 back spot locked up with a chance to get more touches.

The number of carries will solely depend on if Brandon Jacobs has the same type of year he had in 2009. If Jacobs goes down with an injury or isn't his normal self, Bradshaw will get more touches.

Depending on what goes on in training camp, Bradshaw will have a decently high value for a No. 2 back.

He can be a fantasy savior if someone gets him as their third back, but expect him to be taken around the fourth round.

Prediction - 180 carries, 1,000 yards, 8 rushing touchdowns

25 receptions, 220 yards, 2 receiving touchdowns

WR - Steve Smith

The most reliable target for Eli Manning, Steve Smith finally broke out in 2009. Smith caught 107 passes for 1,220 yards and seven touchdowns. Expect more of the same for the former USC wideout in 2010.

The only question mark on Smith is how many times he will reach the end zone.

Manning does go to Smith on third downs or whenever he is struggling, but with Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks showing glimpses of big play ability, Smith's role is simple: get first downs and keep the chains moving.
I'm not saying that is a bad thing. Just keep in mind he won't break many big plays off.

Smith is pure consistency. He is a mid-level No. 2 wide out at the worst. Expect to see him go somewhere in the third round depending on when wide receivers start to fall off the board.

Prediction - 110 receptions, 1,300 yards receiving, 8 receiving touchdowns

WR - Hakeem Nicks

This guy blew me out of the water in his rookie season. He missed two games early in the season due to a foot injury, but bounced back and quickly became the team's No. 3 wide receiver.

Nicks had five games where he caught two passes or less. In those games he still managed a touchdown twice, one of them being a 54-yard reception. He is a play maker.

I really feel this guy is going to make fans forget Plaxico Burress sooner rather than later. I expect Nicks to take over the No. 2 wide receiver spot and pair up with Steve Smith to make one of the best young receiver duos in the NFL. Expect more big plays from the former Tar Heel in 2010.

Nicks is still relatively unknown to people who don't watch the Giants. This could have his value drop a little and be a steal in a later round.

Expect to see him on the draft boards until the seventh or eighth round.

Prediction - 65 receptions, 950 yards receiving, 10 touchdowns

WR - Mario Manningham

A lot of people forgot about Manningham going into his sophomore year. He quickly reminded people why he was a second-round pick.

Manningham came out of nowhere and helped elevate the Giants young receiving corps with big play after big play.

He did miss some easy catches, which stay implanted in fans' heads, but this kid can ball.

Manningham is going to have to keep Hakeem Nicks from taking his starting spot, but I can't see him doing that for the entire year. I fully believe Nicks will be the number two wide out in 2010 at some point. This may take some opportunities away from Super Mario, but he will still put up some good numbers. Remember that Manningham is in his third year in the NFL, a year when many players begin to blossom.

Manningham was a golden waiver-wire find in 2009. He should be selected in the eighth or ninth rounds this year, depending on if a run of No. 3 receivers goes earlier or later.

Prediction - 65 receptions, 900 yards, 7 touchdowns

TE - Kevin Boss

Boss is a peculiar tight end to try and evaluate. He goes through stretches where he barely sees the ball.

Then he has monster game after monster game, in regards to a tight end. I'm still not sold on Boss being a true number one tight end in fantasy.

Boss will be the Giants' No. 1 tight end again this year. He can block so he is in on every down.

The Giants offensive attack seems to be leaning towards pass-happy as well, which should help his value. Expect to see similar numbers to last year.

Boss can be a solid tight end if you play him at the right time of the year. The only problem is its tough to tell when that will be.

Boss is a No. 2 tight end in fantasy with the potential to be a low-end No. 1. Expect to see him taken in the 11th or 12th round. He may go earlier if tight ends start to fall.

Prediction - 50 catches, 600 yards, 5 touchdowns

K - Sam Swank/ Lawrence Tynes

The kicker will have to be evaluated on closer to the start of the season. Swank was brought in to battle Tynes for the kicking duties.

I don't have a lot of information on Swank, but apparently the front office feels that he can do better than Tynes.

Whoever does earn the spot should have a good opportunity to put up some fantasy points, considering the Giants are one of the better offenses in the NFL.

Defense/Special Teams

This unit struggled mightily in 2009. After a fast start, the defense struggled for the rest of the year. Giving up a lot of points and forcing very few turnovers will do that to a team.

This defense should only get better this year. With the addition of Antrel Rolle, the secondary should be improved.

Also, a healthy Kenny Phillips, Aaron Ross, Justin Tuck, and others will be crucial. Don't expect much as the team will be adapting a new defensive scheme, but they can only get better.

The Giants defense/special teams may not be drafted at all. If they are, expect it to be in one of the last rounds of your draft.

Prediction - 15 interceptions, 10 fumbles recovered, 2 touchdowns