David Wilson: New York Giants RB Is a Must-Own Despite Emergence of Andre Brown

Fantasy owners who have paid attention to the New York Giants in recent days are well aware of the name Andre Brown.

Brown surpassed the Giants’ first-round pick, running back David Wilson, on the team’s depth chart and got the start in Week 3 on the road facing the Carolina Panthers after incumbent starter Ahmad Bradshaw suffered a neck injury in Week 2.

As the Giants’ starter with a very favorable matchup, the journeyman exploded for career-highs in carries (20), rushing yards (113), rushing touchdowns (two) and receptions (three).

Brown’s performance has tempered expectations for Wilson and led to a mass exodus of Wilson’s name from fantasy rosters to fantasy league waiver wires.

But fantasy owners, especially those involved in keeper leagues, might want to hold onto Wilson despite his inability to get on the field.

Head coach Tom Coughlin has proven his impatience with players that don’t take care of the football. Wilson fumbled on his second career carry and didn’t get another touch in the Giants’ Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

He’s touched the ball five times on offense since.

Wilson flashed legitimate talent in the preseason and still has the opportunities to make plays for the Giants in the return game. His presence will push Brown (and Bradshaw) to keep ball security a priority because if they don’t, then Wilson may get a second crack at carrying the football for New York.

When Wilson gets his chance to shoulder some (or all) of the regular workload for the Giants, he can be expected to produce numbers similar to what Brown and Bradshaw have generated.

He’s a high-upside player at a position with scarce quality options. While Wilson doesn’t belong on a roster as a fantasy starter, he makes for a great bench player and an absolute must-handcuff for Andre Brown owners if Ahmad Bradshaw misses extended time for the G-Men.

The question of whether his time will come is not if, but when.

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