Ramses Barden: Projecting Stats, Fantasy Value for Next 5 Games

Ramses Barden entered Thursday night's game against the Carolina Panthers having totaled nine receptions in the 2011 season and matched that total in the New York Giants 36-7 rout of Cam Newton and Co. 

Anytime a player matches a seasonal reception total in one game, it's time to take a closer look from a fantasy perspective. 

With Barden it's interesting. Will his nine-grab, 138-yard performance lead to a more profound role in the Giants offense when Hakeem Nicks and Domenik Hixon return? 

Or will he be relegated to his typical reserve role?

Let's look ahead and predict stats for Barden and his overall fantasy value for the next five games. 

Before any specific stat line predictions are made, it may be obvious, but it's critical to point out that Barden's production or opportunity to produce will hinge on the health of Nicks and Hixon. Nicks is a go-to target for Eli Manning and won't lose his job when he returns next Sunday. Hixon is a veteran, but has dealt with a rash of injuries (this time a concussion) and is not immune to losing his spot in the receiving rotation. 

These projections will be based on what we should expect on the injury front for Nicks and Hixon and how that'll alter Barden's contribution.

Week 4 at Philadelphia Eagles 

Divisional games are difficult to predict. The teams are so familiar with each other, it's usually the club who enters the contest with the most unique game plan and gets a touch of luck, that wins. 

Last year, the Eagles split the season series with the Giants, and Manning threw for an average of 259 yards. 

This Philadelphia defense is different, however. It's stronger, swifter and more powerful at the point of attack. 

With 10 days off, Nicks should be back in the lineup, although he may not be 100 percent. But, don't be shocked if Hixon is held out again. 

Philadelphia's secondary is good, but they'll have their hands full with Victor Cruz, Nicks and the blossoming Martellus Bennett over the middle. 

Therefore, Barden should receive a handful of targets as most of the attention will be paid to the Cruz, Nicks, Bennett trio in a game that should feature its fair share of big plays. 

Five catches, 56 yards 

Week 5 vs. Cleveland Browns 

The Browns will be without star cornerback Joe Haden for this one, and the rest of their secondary is far from intimidating. 

It's hard to say if, by this time, the Giants will be more of a running team due to the emergence of Andre Brown, but with Manning under center, they'll never neglect the pass. 

This one could get out of hand by the second or third quarter, and expect Tom Coughlin to give Barden more opportunities to build on his career year against a weaker defensive backfield. 

Five catches, 75 yards, One TD

Week 6 at San Francisco 49ers

The Giants played the 49ers tough, in San Francisco in the regular season, and we all know what they did in the NFC Championship game in January. 

San Fran is extremely physical from its defensive front seven, to its free safety. 

It's bold, but this is the type of matchup in which the 6'6'', 225-pound Barden could flourish. 

If the Giants offensive line can withstand the 49ers' ferocious pass-rush, Barden could be the beneficiary of many Manning targets. 

San Fran's secondary doesn't allow much separation, but with Barden's immense size, he won't need it. 

Six catches, 80 yards

Week 7 vs Washington Redskins

Without Adam Carriker and Brian Orakpo, Manning should have a week to throw the ball on most occasions. 

Though the Giants may be a more methodical team with Brown running the football, they haven't forgotten the fact that the Redskins swept them in 2011 and will look to take shots early in this one. 

Huge days for Cruz and Nicks. Barden, not so much. 

Two catches, 25 yards

Week 8 at Dallas Cowboys 

Barden won't be totally phased out of the offense by this point, but New York will lean on its experienced playmakers for this duel in Dallas. 

Cruz, Nicks and even Bennett will be the major contributors in the passing game, one that should be high scoring and highly competitive. 

Because Nicks should be fully back from his foot injury, expect Barden to get a rare snap from the outside position and mainly be featured on four-receiver sets. 

Three catches, 38 yards 

Fantasy Value 

As mentioned before, Barden's fantasy value will likely fluctuate based on Nicks' availability in the future. Due to Barden's big game, however, the Giants may be slightly more cautious with the North Carolina alum. 

If Hixon doesn't play next Sunday against the Eagles, Barden will have his chance to surpass the veteran on the depth chart, and don't be shocked if offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride gives him ample opportunity to shine once again. 

Even so, we must see more from Barden before seriously considering adding him to the starting lineup. However, if you're already dealing with injuries at your WR position or your WR position simply isn't deep, Barden, at the very least, is worth a waiver wire pick up. 

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