Fantasy Football Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Debate: Mario Manningham

The Giants offensive machine took a hit this week as wide receiver Steve Smith strained his pectoral muscle.  While there is no exact timetable on when he will return he is definitely out this week, likely out next week and then questionable beyond that.

That leaves the team a little thin at wide receiver.  Duke Calhoun and Ramses Barden are expected to share time as the third receiver, but it is hard to imagine either of them getting enough looks to be viable options in fantasy formats.  While many have long thought Barden could emerge as a red zone target given his size, now just doesn’t seem like the time for the Giants to experiment with that too much.

Mario Manningham, on the other hand, is a big winner.  He was a borderline fantasy option as the Giants third receiver, as he showed the ability to make big plays.  However, he never got consistent enough targets to be trustworthy (as often happens with a big play receiver).  Just look at his performances during the Giants' five-game winning streak:

• Week 4 – 0 receptions for 0 yards and 0 TD (1 target)
• Week 5 – 0 receptions for 0 yards and 0 TD (2 targets)
• Week 6 – 4 receptions for 51 yards and 1 TD (6 targets)
• Week 7 – 3 receptions for 40 yards and 1 TD (4 targets)
• Week 9 – 4 receptions for 56 yards and 0 TD (4 targets)

Smith was second on the team in receptions (47), targets (72) and yards (517).  Those statistics have to go somewhere, and while Hakeem Nicks will get a few extra looks Manningham should be the biggest benefactor.  Yes, the team has a good running attack, but they are also built more to pass the ball then ever before.  I wouldn’t look for them to go into a ground and pound attack.

On the season Manningham has had half as many targets as Smith (36), but as the second receiver he should get significantly more looks.  This week he gets a Cowboys defense that is in a complete freefall.  Overall they rank 20th in the league in passing yards allowed (214.4), but they have allowed 18 TDs (second most), while picking up just five interceptions.

Over the past three weeks, opposing quarterbacks have feasted:

• Week 7 – Eli Manning – 25-35, 306 yards, 4 TD
• Week 8 – David Garrard – 17-21, 260 yards, 4 TD
• Week 9 – Aaron Rodgers – 27-34, 389 yards, 3 TD

There is a new regime at the helm in Dallas, but can we really expect them to make such a drastic change in just a week?  Smith would’ve been considered a must start option had he been healthy and there is little reason to think any differently of Manningham.  Given the matchup and opportunity, he should be active in all formats.

What are your thoughts of Manningham?  Is he someone you would start?  Why or why not?

Make sure to check out Rotoprofessor’s Week 10 Rankings:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends
• Top 15 Kickers
• Top 15 Defenses
• Waiver Worthy
• Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
• Sunday Sleepers

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