Hakeem Nicks Injury: What Fantasy Owners Can Expect out of Nicks vs. Rams

Technically speaking, New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is questionable for tonight's tilt against the St. Louis Rams. It is definitely conceivable that he won't be able to play.

But the general consensus is that Nicks will be able to play. He said on Saturday (per the New York Daily News) that he planned on being "out there" on Monday night. In addition, the thinking among the football punditry is that Nicks will be good to go. Just ask The Star Ledger's Mike Garafolo.

So after all the fuss concerning Nicks' banged-up left knee, it sounds like it's going to be like nothing ever happened. If Nicks stays true to form, this means the Giants can expect Nicks to be Eli Manning's go-to guy once again.

Fantasy owners are hoping for the same thing, of course. And before Nicks got hurt, they got to reap the benefits of Nicks' seven-catch, 122-yard performance against the Washington Redskins in Week 1.

But hold your horses, fantasy owners. Despite the fact indications are that Nicks is going to be able to play, the last thing you want to do is take it for granted that he is going to be as productive as he was against Washington.

One reason for this is that Nicks' knee won't let him. This early in the season, the Giants have no reason whatsoever to push their luck with Nicks. You have to think they'll be careful with him.

The other reason for this is that the Rams present a perfect opportunity for the Giants to get their running game going. The Rams are coming off a Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in which they gave up a league-high 236 yards rushing. The Giants would be wise to follow Philly's lead, especially given the exploitable matchups they're going to have at their disposal.

As Garafolo pointed out in his game preview, the Rams have a trio of linebackers that tend to over-pursue, which is something that Ahmad Bradshaw can take advantage of. He'll get the bulk of the carries, and Brandon Jacobs will come in to leave a few bruises every now and again.

So if all goes well, we're likely looking at a lighter workload for Manning, and that in turn will mean a lighter workload for Nicks. Manning will still look his way as much as he can, but the odds of a 100-yard game are not as good as they were last week.

So if you can make a last-minute adjustment, I would. If not, all you can do is hope for the best.

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LIFE HURTS. THIS INJURY UPDATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY DICKIES.