Peyton Hillis' Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 7

The New York Giants are trying their hardest to revive the fantasy careers of big, veteran running backs. Peyton Hillis is now the next man up, but don't expect him to save your season.

Brandon Jacobs shined in Week 6 with 106 yards against the Chicago Bears, but the 31-year-old was derailed by a hamstring injury that prevented him from attempting an encore.

The injury led the Giants to sign Hillis off the streets in an act of desperation. He won many fantasy leagues along with the Madden NFL 12 cover vote by rushing for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2010, but he fell back to earth with 3.6 yards per carry in the next two seasons.

It hasn't been pretty for the 250-pound back, but he vultured a one-yard touchdown along with his unimpressive 36 rushing yards on 18 carries against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. More impressively, he caught five passes for 45 yards, serving as a reliable check-down option for the pressured Eli Manning.

After getting burned by costly turnovers on a weekly basis, Tom Coughlin is mainly looking for someone who won't mess up in the backfield.

Hillis does not display the breakaway speed to reel off a big run, but he can hold the ball tightly and block for Eli Manning.

However, that's not what his fantasy owners want to hear.

Hillis will only justify a start in fantasy formats when he scoops up a close touchdown. He's in position to do that for now, but Jacobs could complicate the situation if he returns. Either way, that's not the type of player owners can trust.

As of now, Hillis is at best worth a pickup out of curiosity for fantasy owners in need of anyone useful out of the backfield. If the job remains his in New York, Hillis is a flex option at best. In point-per-reception formats, he warrants a longer look.