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

Over the past few weeks—with Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith sidelined with injuries—Mario Manningham has stepped up to take over lead wide receiver duties for the New York Giants.  The results have been mixed, to say the least:

• Week 11—three receptions for 24 yards and zero TD (three targets)—Nicks did play in this game
• Week 12—three receptions for 61 yards and one TD (four targets)
• Week 13—two receptions for 36 yards and zero TD (five targets)

Granted, one can argue that the Giants went to a more run-oriented offense with their top two wide receivers on the shelf. 

That really should do little to quell any concerns.  On the year he’s only posted two games with more than four receptions.

Since Week 3, he has just one game with more than 61 yards.  As a “lead” receiver, he wasn’t even the most targeted receiver.

Yes, he has been able to find the end zone in four of his last seven games, but it’s hard to count on him maintaining that type of rate, especially with the top two receivers back in the fold. 

Long-term, the cold weather of New York could also play a factor, though not in Week 14, since they will be playing in the comfy confines of a dome in Minnesota.

What you can worry about is a Vikings’ defense that has allowed just 210.2 passing yards per game.  Manningham is the Giants' big-play receiver when all the weapons are healthy, yet the Vikings are tied with the Giants for the fourth fewest passing plays of at least 20 yards with 30 (San Diego and Tampa Bay lead the way with 28).

Obviously, we do not know exactly how much Nicks and Smith are going to play.  They have been limited in practice all week and the Giants could limit their snap counts.  Still, their presence alone downgrades Manningham a few spots.

Manningham was a mid-range WR2 prior to the news of Nicks' and Smith’s return (click here for my initial WR rankings), but he now falls at least a dozen spots and is a borderline WR3/FLEX play. 

He’s a huge risk and, depending on your other options, is probably better off on your bench.  Yes, he has the potential for a big day, but he also could be a complete bust.  At this point in the year, is it really worth taking that gamble?

What are your thoughts?  Is Manningham someone you would play?  Where would you rank him?

Make sure to check out Rotoprofessor’s Week 14 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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