Fantasy Takes on Malik Nabers, Tommy DeVito, Giants amid Daniel Jones Benching Rumors

The New York Giants benched quarterback Daniel Jones on Monday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that backup Tommy DeVito, who started six games for New York in 2023, will take over under center moving forward.

DeVito's presence could result in a larger role for rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. The 21-year-old has emerged as an instant fantasy football contributor, but his involvement in the offense slightly declined with Jones.

Nabers was targeted 52 times in the first four games of his career compared to just 42 targets in his next four appearances.

DeVito is worth a look on waivers for fantasy managers in need of a quarterback after he exceeded expectations as a rookie, especially since he's available in 100 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues (via FantasyPros).

The Giants could also lean heavily on the run game as DeVito steps into a first-string role, which means rookie Tyrone Tracy should remain in starting lineups after recording 314 rushing yards and two touchdowns in his past three appearances.

While Nabers isn't a candidate to get benched in fantasy lineups, managers should prepare for a gradual transition following the quarterback change. In six starts last season, DeVito averaged just 152.2 passing yards per game.

It's worth noting that the Giants didn't have a No. 1 wideout as productive as Nabers in 2023, though.

As DeVito gets comfortable under center once again, he could lean on the former LSU standout and give him more targets in the red zone. It would be a welcome sign for managers, as Nabers hasn't recorded a touchdown since Week 3 after scoring three times in the first three appearances of his career.

DeVito is also an intriguing candidate on waivers, especially given his brief history of limiting turnovers and making an impact with his legs. He threw for eight touchdowns compared to three interceptions last season while rushing for 196 yards and a score.

Managers should proceed forward with cautious optimism regarding DeVito and Nabers, but there shouldn't be any questions surrounding Tracy's usage throughout the rest of the regular season.

The fifth-round pick has excelled since he was inserted into New York's starting lineup in Week 5 and hasn't looked back. Tracy has rushed for 545 yards and three touchdowns this season, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

He could also see an increased role in the short passing game with DeVito, as he's already recorded 18 catches for 117 yards.