The New York Giants (7-4) host the Washington Commanders (7-5) this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in an important December division battle that also has playoff implications.
But what value does this interesting matchup have for fantasy players?
Low-scoring game predicted
The over/under is currently around 40 points, which makes sense considering the recent performance of both teams.
Washington has upped their game offensively the past three weeks and are averaging 24.7 points per game. The Giants are averaging just 20.7 over that period.
The Washington defense has allowed a league-low average of 248 yards to opponents over the past three games. The Giants have been allowing 380.7 yards to opponents over that span.
The weather forecast is calling for a clear day with temps in the mid-40s and a slight wind of 10-15 MPH, so it shouldn’t be much of a factor.
Main targets
It’s difficult to hang your hat on any player in this matchup. Sure, you can put some chips on Saquon Barkley but he’s been flat as pancake in three of the past four games.
Washington has been excellent against running backs this season (allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points overall) and it will not be an easy day for the Giants on the ground.
The Giants might have a better shot through the air as the Commanders are 18th overall versus quarterbacks. Daniel Jones will not be heavily played this week and there’s a reason for that. But he has played well against Washington in the past.
The Giants are preparing for their first up-close look of rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr., who should be the lead back with Antonio Gibson (foot) questionable. The Giants have allowed over 160 yards rushing in each of their last two games.
The defenses will likely get plenty of play in this game with the total score expected to be so low.
Stacks
A stack that some DFS players could eye in this game comes from the Washington side: quarterback Taylor Heinicke, wide receiver Terry McLaurin and running back Brian Robinson Jr.
From the Giants’ side, there’s Jones, Barkley and wide receiver Darius Slayton.
I doubt we’ll see a lot of these combos out there but should this game lose its compass, those stacks could hit big.
Wild cards
There’s not a lot of mystery to these teams. There are a few wild cards in the deck, however.
The Giants have wide receiver Richie James, who has worked his way back into the teams’s good graces. He finds himself in a favorable matchup in this game. Now, can Daniel Jones find him?
The Giants have not been very good at defending tight ends but the Commanders may not be able to take advantage. Logan Thomas has been banged up all year and John Bates has been a TD-only option most games but did have four reception last week against Atlanta.
