Description: New York wideout Hakeem Nicks, who had a knee scope earlier this offseason, told Ralph Vacchiano he's "feeling as good as I've felt in awhile."
Insight: That's great news for Nicks' fantasy owners and Eli Manning owners too. A healthy Nicks is a top-10 fantasy receiver. Now if the Giants can just get the Victor Cruz situation under control they can have one of the league's best passing offenses.
Description: Once thought to be a first-round pick, Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib wasn't taken until the fourth round of this weekend's NFL Draft. The Giants drafted him 110th overall.
Insight: In a stunning move, Nassib's college coach Doug Marrone (now the head coach of the Bills) passed on Nassib and took Florida State's E.J. Manuel with the 16th pick of the first round. Nassib was the fifth quarterback selected. He'll back up Eli Manning and shouldn't have any fantasy value unless the two-time Super Bowl MVP gets injured.
Description: New York Giants restricted free agent receiver Victor Cruz was reportedly given a new offer from the team which according to a New York Daily News report is for around $7 million a year.
Insight: Cruz wants to be paid like a No. 1 receiver and looking at what Dwayne Bowe received in the offseason, Cruz hasn't gotten that level of offer. Although we expect that the two sides will eventually work out an agreement it might take Cruz sitting for a while. Don't let that change your value of Cruz, who has caught 168 balls for 2,628 yards and 19 TDs over the past two seasons.
Description: Former Raiders tight end Brandon Myers will take Martellus Bennett's place as the Giants' starting tight end in 2013.
Insight: The two sides worked out a one-year agreement on Saturday. Myers quietly had a very productive season in 2012, collecting career-highs in both receiving yards (806 yards) and catches (79). Of course a lot of those numbers came in garbage time but we wouldn't expect too big of a dropoff considering New York's penchant for airing the ball out. Meanwhile, Bennett (55 receptions, 626 yards, five touchdowns in 2012) inked a deal with Chicago earlier in the week.
Description: Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Louis Murphy has signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants.
Insight: Murphy won't have much fantasy value in New York unless the team suffers multiple injuries with stars Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks taking up most of the targets.
Description: According to the Newark Star-Ledger, New York wideout Hakeem Nicks had a knee scope earlier this offseason.
Insight: The bum knee could be an explanation for why Nicks struggled so mightily during the 2012 season (career lows in touchdowns and receiving yards). Nicks will need a strong 2013 campaign to restore his place among fantasy's elite wide receivers.
Description: The Giants have released running back Ahmad Bradshaw. SOURCE: ProFootballTalk
Insight: Bradshaw would have earned $4.25 million next season. The running back was featured on both of New York's Super Bowl winning teams but also dealt with injuries throughout his tenure. The move opens the door for David Wilson to step into the starting role.
Description: According to ESPN, the Giants' top priority this offseason will be to sign wideout Hakeem Nicks to a long-term contract.
Insight: New York is putting Hicks' new contract at the top of its to-do list, which is surprising considering that Victor Cruz (who had a much better year than Nicks) is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. Nicks, who was held without a catch in his last two games, finished the 2012 campaign with a career-low 692 yards and three touchdowns.
Description: Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger reports that Giants halfback Ahmad Bradshaw recently had surgery on his right foot.
Insight: He's in a walking boot now and will probably need about 10 weeks to recover. Bradshaw isn't in any danger of missing training camp, though it's uncertain if he'll be playing for New York again in 2013.
Description: Dan Graziano of ESPN doesn't expect the Giants to bring back defensive end Osi Umenyiora next season.
Insight: With Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck ahead of him on the depth chart, there's really no room for Umenyiora in East Rutherford anymore. The 31-year-old has 15 sacks in his last 25 games and probably won't have any difficulty finding a new team.
Description: According to ESPN New York, Giants GM Jerry Reese has suggested that David Wilson could be the team's starting running back next season.
Insight: Wilson began the season in the dog house because of fumbling problems but came on strong late in the year with 247 yards rushing in his last four games. Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2012 but he's struggled to stay healthy and doesn't offer the same explosiveness that Wilson has. This is a situation that will need to be monitored throughout the offseason.
Description: New York receiver Hakeem Nicks was active Sunday but he might as well have stayed home. For the second straight game, Nicks failed to catch a pass.
Insight: It was a fitting end to a miserable season for Nicks, who broke his foot in May and then hurt his knee in Week 2. He missed three games and wasn't healthy the rest of the season en route to 692 yards and three touchdowns on 53 receptions.
Description: Giants receiver Victor Cruz set a new career high with his 10th touchdown of the season Sunday against the Eagles.
Insight: Cruz had four catches for 52 yards Sunday, giving him 1,092 yards on 87 catches for the year. It was a decline from 2011 when Cruz had 1,536 yards and averaged 18.7 yards per catch. He clearly missed having a healthy Hakeem Nicks on the other side of the field all season.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw brought an injury-plagued season to a close on a positive note with 107 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries Sunday against the Eagles.
Insight: Despite missing two games and playing through knee and foot injuries all season, Bradshaw still crossed the 1,000-yard barrier (1,015) for the first time since 2010.
Description: New York QB Eli Manning completed just 13 passes Sunday against the Eagles, but five went for touchdowns. He added 208 yards in a 42-7 win.
Insight: This qualifies as "too little, too late" -- both with fantasy owners and Giants fans -- after Manning threw for one touchdown with two picks over the last two games.
Description: As expected, Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw will play Sunday against the Eagles. Bradshaw was limited in practice this week because of a knee injury.
Insight: Philadelphia's run defense has been brutal all year (22nd in yards allowed) and New York has an awful lot to play for this week with a playoff berth on the line. Those factors should lead to another big week for the Giants' franchise running back.
Description: New York receiver Hakeem Nicks is active for Sunday's tilt against Philadelphia. Nicks has been dealing with knee injuries on and off all season.
Insight: With the G-Men desperately needing a win, they'll look to Nicks to provide a lift on offense. Nicks is averaging 64.2 ypg against the Eagles for his career.
Description: New York tailback Ahmad Bradshaw is officially listed as probable after a second straight limited practice. Normally, Bradshaw takes off Wednesday and Thursday, but he was out on the field yesterday and today.
Insight: Bradshaw should have a solid game against Baltimore's 26th-ranked run defense and the Giants' offense really needs it having been outscored 67-14 over the past two games. Bradshaw missed the game with Atlanta in Week 15 and attempted just nine rushes versus Baltimore last weekend.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee) missed Wednesday's practice, but he's been missing them regularly and still playing on the weekend.
Insight: This time it might be different. The Giants need a lot to go their way to make it into the playoff and Nicks may just say he's had enough of this injury-plagued season.
Description: Giants running back David Wilson saw very little time against Baltimore - four offensive plays to be exact, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
Insight: Wilson has shown he can be explosive, but apparently the coach still doesn't trust him in passing situations to block for Eli Manning. The result makes it tough for fantasy owners to start Wilson for fear that he'll be watch games from the sidelines if the Giants fall behind on the scoreboard.
Description: New York halfback Ahmad Bradshaw is officially active for Sunday's game against Baltimore. Bradshaw had been questionable because of a knee injury.
Insight: Bradshaw should have a solid game against Baltimore's 26th-ranked run defense.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (sprained knee) "plans to play" Sunday. He was satisfied with how he cut Friday. SOURCE: Rachel Nichols, ESPN
Insight: Bradshaw missed the 34-0 debacle in Atlanta. He's a risky option Sunday with David Wilson looming, especially while he's less than 100 percent.
Description: New York defensive end Justin Tuck sat out Friday's practice because of a shoulder injury.
Insight: He's questionable for Sunday's tilt against Baltimore. Adrian Tracy would probably get the start at left end for the Giants if Tuck is unavailable.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (sprained knee) finally got back on the practice field Friday, which is a good indicator that he'll play Sunday against Baltimore.
Insight: Bradshaw missed the 34-0 debacle in Atlanta but had said he expected to play Sunday. It appears that David Wilson owners will have to look elsewhere as the best they can hope for is a shared backfield situation.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (sprained knee) didn't practice Thursday for the second straight day. SOURCE: Jenny Vrentas, Newark Star-Ledger
Insight: Bradshaw missed the 34-0 debacle in Atlanta but said he expects to play Sunday. He could be a game-time decision so both Bradshaw and David Wilson owners should have other options.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (sprained knee) missed Wednesday's practice but has already said he expects to play in Week 16.
Insight: Bradshaw missed the 34-0 debacle in Atlanta. His replacement, rookie David Wilson, rushed 12 times for 55 yards. If bradshaw returns expect him to split time with Wilson fairly evenly.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee) missed Wednesday's practice, but he's been missing them regularly and still playing on the weekend.
Insight: Nicks caught just three passes for 40 yards last Sunday against the Falcons in what turned out to be an ugly 34-0 loss. He's certainly not operating at 100 percent but should be able to play against Baltimore this week.
Description: New York QB Eli Manning couldn't get anything going Sunday against the Falcons. He finished the day with just 161 yards through the air to go along with a pair of turnovers.
Insight: Manning has been picked off four times the past two weeks and now has 15 interceptions for the year. Fantasy owners hoping for a big week from Manning are probably wishing they started someone else right about now.
Description: New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (hamstring) will not play Sunday against Atlanta. He'll be joined on the sidelines by safeties Kenny Phillips and Tyler Sash.
Insight: The Giants better get a big pash rush this week otherwise their secondary could be in for a long day facing Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez.
Description: Giants running back David Wilson should start Sunday against Atlanta with Ahmad Bradshaw not listed as out for the game due to a knee injury.
Insight: Wilson burst onto the scene in Week 14 with 327 all-purpose yards (100 rushing, 227 kick return) and three touchdowns. He could be a difference-maker in the final two rounds of the fantasy playoffs so pick him up if available.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (sprained knee) hasn't practiced this week and will not play Sunday versus Atlanta. Rookie David Wilson will start.
Insight: Wilson burst onto the scene in Week 14 with 327 all-purpose yards (100 rushing, 227 kick return) and three touchdowns. He could be a difference-maker in the final two rounds of the fantasy playoffs so pick him up if available.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (sprained knee) hasn't practiced this week. Rookie David Wilson is expected to get the start. SOURCE: New York Daily News.
Insight: Wilson burst onto the scene in Week 14 with 327 all-purpose yards (100 rushing, 227 kick return) and three touchdowns. He could be a difference-maker in the final two rounds of the fantasy playoffs, even if Bradshaw suits up.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee) returned to practice Thursday. SOURCE: Jenny Vrentas, Newark Star-Ledger
Insight: Nicks caught four passes for 67 yards and a score Sunday against the Saints. He's certainly not at 100 percent but should be able to play against Atlanta this week.
Description: Giants' receiver Hakeem Nicks is not going to practice much this week as the team takes every precaution to prevent his knee from getting any worse.
Insight: Nicks (knee) caught four passes for 67 yards and a score Sunday against the Saints. He's certainly not at 100 percent, but just having him on the field makes Eli Manning, Victor Cruz and Martellus Bennett better players.
Description: Giants running back David Wilson could see a lot of the workload on Sunday against Atlanta if Ahmad Bradshaw's knee acts up. Bradshaw was diagnosed with a sprained knee.
Insight: Wilson had a coming out party of sorts Sunday against the Saints. He ran for 100 yards and two scores on 13 carries and also returned four kickoffs for 227 yards and a touchdown.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who left Sunday's game with New Orleans due to a left knee injury, has been diagnosed with a sprained knee and is questionable for Sunday's game in Atlanta.
Insight: Bradshaw can play even without practicing during the week, but backup David Wilson proved last Sunday against New Orleans that he can carry the load if called upon. Expect Wilson to see 10-12 touches even if Bradshaw starts.
Description: Giants receiver Victor Cruz had his second straight 100-yard game (121) on eight receptions and found the end zone once Sunday against the Saints.
Insight: Cruz averaged 38 yards per game from Week 8-12 but he's returned to prominence over the last two games. The salsa specialist crossed the 1,000-yard barrier Sunday for the second straight season. While Cruz is averaging 19 fewer yards per game, 5.5 fewer yards per catch and 3.6 fewer yards after catch, he's already matched last season's nine touchdowns with three games remaining.
Description: Giants quarterback Eli Manning has an 8-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio since the team's Week 11 bye. He tossed four touchdown passes Sunday in a 52-27 victory over New Orleans, the first time since 1986 the Giants have scored 50 points.
Insight: Manning experienced fatigue in his throwing arm and threw just two touchdowns against six picks in five games prior to the bye. Manning should be able to handle Atlanta's defense in Week 15, though the task will be tougher in the Georgia Dome.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who left Sunday's game with New Orleans due to a left knee injury, will have tests done on Monday, including an MRI, according to Giants writer Ohm Youngmisuk.
Insight: Bradshaw can play even without practicing during the week, making predictions difficult. Backup David Wilson proved last Sunday against New Orleans that he can carry the load if called upon.
Description: Giants running back David Wilson had a coming out party of sorts Sunday against the Saints. He ran for 100 yards and two scores on 13 carries and also returned four kickoffs for 227 yards and a touchdown.
Insight: That's 327 all-purpose yards for the speedster. While the presence of Ahmad Bradshaw (11-33) clouds Wilson's value, the rookie's big-play potential might be too tempting for New York to pass up in the upcoming weeks.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee) caught four passes for 67 yards and a score Sunday against the Saints but needed X-rays after the game. SOURCE: Mike Garafolo, USA Today
Insight: Garafolo noted that it doesn't mean much yet, as the Giants might just be checking how Nicks' knee held up after playing a full game Sunday. We should have more information Monday.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw left Sunday's game with New orleans due to a left knee injury. His return is questionable
Insight: David Wilson will get the majority of the work if Bradshaw can't come back. He's having a great return day with a 97-yard kickoff return and more than 200 yards in returns in the first half.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee) is officially active for Week 14 versus New Orleans.
Insight: As is the case with any injured receiver, Nicks is a risky play Sunday. However, he has even more upside than usual against the Saints pass defense, so he should be started.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Saints. SOURCE: Jason La Canfora, CBSSports.com
Insight: Nicks has been dealing with a sore knee since Week 2 but it had been improving until Thursday, when the problem popped up again. Fortunately, Nicks is questionable but doesn't appear to be a true game-time decision, meaning owners can confidently start him even though he's playing in the later slate of games Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET).
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) returned to practice on Friday as expected. The Giants' starting tailback should be used to missing practice time but playing in games.
Insight: Bradshaw will face a New Orleans run defense which is yielding a league-worst 153.8 ypg rushing and is a must start.
Description: New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks (knee) practiced Friday after missing Thursday due to knee soreness.
Insight: Nicks has been dealing with a sore knee since Week 2 but it had been improving until Thursday, when the problem popped up again. Be prepared with another option in case Nicks can't go Sunday, but right now The Bergen Record suggests the Giants now have "guarded optimism."
Description: New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks (knee) didn't practice Thursday due to knee soreness. SOURCE: Jenny Vrentas, Newark Star-Ledger
Insight: Nicks has been dealing with a sore knee since Week 2 but it had been improving until Thursday, when the problem popped up again. "Hopefully it will subside, and he'll be ready to go," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. Be prepared with another option in case Nicks can't go Sunday.
Description: Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul (back) and S Kenny Phillips (knee) will play Monday against the Redskins, New York coach Tom Coughlin said. SOURCE: Kimberly Jones, NFL Network
Insight: Pierre-Paul has drawn extra attention from opponents this season and has recorded just 6.5 sacks through 11 games. Both he and Phillips will give New York a better chance of stopping rookie sensation Robert Griffin III.
Description: Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is questionable for Monday's game against Washington after missing practice Friday and Saturday. SOURCE: New York Daily News
Insight: Pierre-Paul has drawn extra attention from opponents this season and has recorded just 6.5 sacks through 11 games. The DE has a better chance to play than S Kenny Phillips (knee), who is doubtful. If both players had to miss the game it would make it all the more difficult to stop Redskins QB Robert Griffin III.
Description: The Giants signed running backs Ryan Torain and Kregg Lumpkin Tuesday after placing Andre Brown on injured reserve with a fractured fibula Monday.
Insight: Torain and Lumpkin will give the Giants depth at running back but don't figure to be fantasy options. We expect New York to finally increase rookie David Wilson's role behind Ahmad Bradshaw.
Description: Jenny Vrentas of the Star-Ledger is reporting that the Giants have signed free agent Kregg Lumpkin to replace Andre Brown in the backfield. Lumpkin played for Tampa Bay in 2011 and averaged 3.4 ypc on 31 attempts and also caught 41 balls for 291 yards.
Insight: Ahmad Bradshaw should get a bigger piece of the pie from here on out with David Willson getting most of the rest. Lumpkin would be primarily an insurance policy.
Description: Giants running back Andre Brown (broken fibula) has been placed on injured reserve/designated to return. SOURCE: Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN New York
Insight: Brown suffered the injury Sunday night. It's an unfortunate situation for a player who has battled through serious injuries since his rookie year and been cut seven times. He's played a big role in the Giants offense behind brittle starter Ahmad Bradshaw, scoring eight touchdowns and finding the end zone in five straight games. Rookie David Wilson will have to step up for New York.
Description: Giants safety Kenny Phillips (knee) returned to the lineup for the first time since Week 4 Sunday against Green Bay but aggravated his MCL issue. SOURCE: Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN New York
Insight: Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Phillips does not have a new injury but he doesn't know what to expect going forward. New York held the Packers to 10 points Sunday night by employing a unique three-safety look with Phillips, Antrel Rolle and Stevie Brown and getting a ton of pressure on QB Aaron Rodgers.
Description: Giants quarterback Eli Manning came out of the bye week firing on all cylinders Sunday night against the Packers, who had won five straight. Manning threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns with zero turnovers.
Insight: Manning admitted he felt the difference in his arm after the extra rest, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. "I never thought my arm was tired," Manning said. "I never felt like it in the last weeks. But after a week off and coming back to practice it felt good. It felt live. The ball seemed to be coming out with a little extra pop on it." Manning will face the Redskins and Saints, who rank 30th and 31st in passing yards per game, respectably, in the next two weeks.
Description: Giants running back Andre Brown broke his fibula Sunday night against the Packers.
Insight: It's an unfortunate situation for a player who has battled through serious injuries since his rookie year and been cut seven times. He's played a big role in the Giants offense behind brittle starter Ahmad Bradshaw, scoring eight touchdowns and finding the end zone in five straight games. Rookie David Wilson will have to step up for New York.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (neck, foot) will start Sunday night against the Packers.
Insight: Bradshaw has clearly been slowed by his nagging injuries in recent weeks and he's also lost goal-line carries to Andre Brown, but he's active for those who have planned on using him.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (neck, foot) didn't practice again Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Green Bay.
Insight: Bradshaw has struggled to post big fantasy numbers and the news is getting worse not better for his fantasy owners. It is bad enough with Andre Brown getting the goal line carries but coach Tom Coughlin promises to involve first-rounder David Wilson this week. If true the three-man RBBC is the death of all three players' fantasy value.
Description: Giants quarterback Eli Manning will catch a break Sunday night as the Green Bay Packers will be without their best pass rusher, Clay Mathews. Mathews has nine of the team's 33 sacks.
Insight: Manning has just one touchdown pass and six interceptions in his last four starts. A bye week to rest his arm and get ready for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers should revive the Giants' passing offense.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (neck, foot) didn't practice again Thursday.
Insight: Bradshaw hasn't cracked the 100-yard rushing mark since Week 6 and has been yielding his goal line carries to Andre Brown as of late. He'll probably play Sunday against Green Bay but is a shaky RB2 in a game that could turn pass happy.
Description: Giants receiver Domenik Hixon, who injured his ankle against Cincinnati, has still not returned to the practice field even after a bye week, according to Jenny Vrentas of the Star-Ledger.
Insight: Hixon is listed as questionable, but we think it's leaning more toward doubtful and we are expecting Rueben Randle to man the No. 3 role behind Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who has been dealing with a neck injury, did not practice Wednesday. He did practice on Monday so we are not worried by his absence.
Insight: Bradshaw hasn't cracked the 100-yard rushing mark since Week 6 and has been yielding his goal line carries to Andre Brown, but he's still a viable fantasy RB2 when healthy.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who has been dealing with a neck injury, participated in Monday's practice as New York returns from their bye weekend.
Insight: This is encouraging news. Bradshaw hasn't cracked the 100-yard rushing mark since Week 6 and has been yielding his goal line carries to Andre Brown, but he's still a viable fantasy RB2 when healthy.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw left Sunday's game with a neck injury, accoring to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Insight: Bradshaw has been dealing with a painful foot injury and now has another issue to worry about. Mortensen said Bradshaw will undergo tests during New York's bye to figure out what's wrong with his neck. Fantasy owners should add Andre Brown, who has scored a touchdown in four straight games.
Description: Ralph Vacchiano from the New York Daily News reports that Giants quarterback Eli Manning will rest his tired arm during the team's bye week.
Insight: Manning has thrown just one touchdown pass in his last four games versus six interceptions. New York's next game is November 25th against Green Bay.
Description: New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks (knee) had nine receptions Sunday after catching just 13 passes in the previous four games combined.
Insight: Nicks is still struggling with a knee injury that has made it difficult for him to gain separation. However, he looked good Sunday and will have a bye in Week 11 to rest his body. The Giants play some beatable secondaries -- Green Bay, Washington, New Orleans -- after the off week.
Description: Giants running back Andre Brown has quietly found the end zone in six of his last seven games, including four straight.
Insight: Since returning from a concussion, Brown has served as New York's goal-line back. Ahmad Bradshaw will have the bye week to recover from his foot injury so we'll have to see how New York utilizes Brown in Week 12.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) will play Sunday against the Bengals.
Insight: Bradshaw is a risky fantasy play as long as he's dealing with this foot ailment. He hasn't exceeded 3.6 ypc in any of the last three games and Andre Brown has vultured a touchdown in each of those games.
Description: NFL Films guru Greg Cosell and ESPN's Ron Jaworski both think Giants QB Eli Manning's recent struggles are due to arm fatigue after viewing game tape this week. Both analysts confirmed the suspicion with "someone in the know." SOURCE: ProFootballTalk on NBC.com
Insight: Manning has not been a dependable fantasy quarterback in the last four games, completing just 54.5 percent of his passes for 847 yards and a 2/4 TD/INT ratio in that span. The Giants' Week 11 bye will provide Manning with a chance to rest his weary arm, but he'll have to face the Cincinnati Bengals first.
Description: New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks (knee) got in a limited practice session with his left knee heavily wrapped Thursday. SOURCE: Jenny Vrentas, Newark Star-Ledger
Insight: Nicks will probably play Sunday against the Bengals but he's going to be difficult to start in fantasy until his knee improves. The Giants wideout has just 153 yards over his last four games since returning from a three-game absence.
Description: New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks (knee) will not practice on Wednesday, according to beat writer Ralph Vacchiano and there are indications that his knee has swelled up since Sunday's game against Pittsburgh.
Insight: Injuries have killed Nicks' fantasy season save for Week 2 against Tampa Bay (10-199-1). Over the past four games he's hauled in just 13 passes for 153 yards and zero touchdowns. If the reports are true that his knee has acted up, fantasy owners will have to sit him on the bench.
Description: New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks (foot, knee) says he's "pushing 90, 95 percent" of his top form heading into Sunday's game against the Steelers, according to USA Today.
Insight: Nicks estimated he was 60-65 percent when he played against the 49ers last month after missing three straight games. He's been relying mainly on his ball skills to make plays with his ability to gain separation hampered by the injuries. If you've been sitting Nicks, Sunday would be the game to get him back in the lineup.
Description: Giants receiver Victor Cruz (calf) fully participated in Thursday's practice after being limited Wednesday.
Insight: Cruz' calf injury was never expected to keep him out of Sunday's game. Start him and expect a bounce-back week for the Giants big-play receiver.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) is active for Sunday against the Cowboys.
Insight: Bradshaw was questionable with a bone bruise in his foot. He turned in a limited practice session Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday. The sixth-year back has dealt with a variety of foot injuries his entire career and played through many of them.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) is expected to play Sunday against the Cowboys, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Insight: Bradshaw is questionable with a bone bruise in his foot. He turned in a limited practice session Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday. The sixth-year back has dealt with a variety of foot injuries his entire career and has played through most of them so you can expect him to be out there Sunday.
Description: Giants safety Kenny Phillips (knee) has been ruled out for Week 8.
Insight: Phillips suffered a sprained MCL in Week 4 and hasn't played since. Stevie Brown has played well in his place, logging 21 total tackles, two interceptions and two passes defensed in the last four games.
Description: New York coach Tom Coughlin believes running back Ahmad Bradshaw will be ready to play Sunday against Dallas. Bradshaw is listed as questionable because of a bruised foot.
Insight: If Bradshaw plays, he should be worth a start in fantasy. The sixth-year halfback has scored a touchdown in each of his last three games.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) didn't practice Thursday, his second straight absence, according to Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Insight: Bradshaw played through a sore foot Sunday and rushed for just 43 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries against the Redskins. A similar workload could be in the cards in Week 8 versus Dallas.
Description: New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks (knee) is practicing Wednesday. After a full week of practice last week, barring a new injury, we are no longer concerned with his missing games.
Insight: Nicks isn't quite back to 100 percent and it shows in his fantasy totals, but he's headed in the right direction and should be there soon.
Description: New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks (knee) said he felt much better than a week ago. Nicks caught five balls for 53 yards. "I'm still limited in certain things, but I think that's going to come with confidence," he told the Jenny Vrentas of the Star-Ledger.
Insight: Nicks isn't back to 100 percent and it shows in his fantasy totals, but at least he's headed in the right direction. Victor Cruz has picked up the slack in his absence, catching touchdown passes in four consecutive games.
Description: New York wideout Victor Cruz enjoyed another huge fantasy day Sunday against Washington. He led the way for the Giants with seven catches for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Insight: Cruz was actually having a rather quiet game before rumbling into the end zone for a 77-yard score late in the fourth quarter. He's now tied with Green Bay's James Jones for the league-lead in touchdown receptions with seven.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw will be active for Sunday's game against Washington according to Kimblerly Jones of the NFL Network.
Insight: Bradshaw had been listed as questionable because of a foot injury. His presence will reduce the fantasy impact of backups Andre Brown and David Wilson. Bradshaw is coming off back-to-back 100-yard rushing games.
Description: Giants DT Chris Canty (knee) has been activated from the PUP list.
Insight: Canty had his knee cleaned up after New York won the Super Bowl in February. He'll play Sunday as the Giants gear up to stop Alfred Morris and Robert Griffin III of the Redskins.
Description: New York halfback Ahmad Bradshaw is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Washington. He missed practice on Friday because of a foot injury.
Insight: Andre Brown has been getting first team reps in practice this week and could see a major role if Bradshaw is unable to suit up on Sunday. Brown, who is coming off an injury of his own, had a breakout game filling in for Bradshaw during Week 3's win over Carolina (113 yards, two TD).
Description: New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin said both Andre Brown and David Wilson will get chances to carry the ball Sunday behind Ahmad Bradshaw, according to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN New York.
Insight: Bradshaw is dealing with some foot soreness but you can go ahead and roll with him Sunday against Washington coming off two excellent performances (57 carries, 316 yards, 2 TDs in past two games).
Description: New York wideout Hakeem Nicks (knee, foot) was able to practice Wednesday in a limited session.
Insight: Nicks hadn't practiced on a Wednesday at all this season so this is a great sign that he's not experiencing much pain. The Giants receiver will have a great matchup to look forward to this week against the Redskins.
Description: New York wideout Hakeem Nicks, out the past three weeks with knee and foot injuries, will start Sunday's game against the 49ers.
Insight: Nicks last saw the field in Week 2 when he exploded for 199 yards on 10 catches. Domenik Hixon and Rueben Randle won't be relevant fantasy options this week with Nicks back in the lineup.
Description: According to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com, Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks is traveling with the team to San Francisco.
Insight: Nicks is still a game-time decision for late Sunday afternoon's game against the 49ers but at least this leaves open the chance that he'll be available. Go ahead and start Nicks, especially if you have one of New York's other receivers on your bench as a backup option.
Description: According to Mike Mazzeo of ESPN, Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee) practiced Friday and came away feeling good about his chances to play Sunday against the 49ers. Nicks is listed as questionable and it is unknown if he'll travel with the team to San Francisco.
Insight: "I did the majority of practice -- about four or five reps a period," Nicks said. "About what I would normally do on a Friday practice. I did good. I had the coaches watching me, asking how I looked, was I compensating or anything like that. I wasn't. So I looked good. I feel good about it. We'll see how I respond in the morning and they'll let me know." We should know by Saturday whether Nicks will play Sunday.
Description: Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (knee) is at practice on Friday along with wideout Hakeem Nicks (knee).
Insight: Having both Nicks and Bennett in the lineup against the tough 49ers defense would be a huge boost. Eli Manning's value would jump the most, but with Victor Cruz, Nicks and Bennett on the field things could open up for Ahmad Bradshaw too.
Description: Brian Lewis is reporting that Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee) is practicing on Friday along with tight end Martellus Bennett (knee).
Insight: Having both Nicks and Bennett in the lineup against the tough 49ers defense would be a huge boost. Eli Manning's value would jump the most, but with Victor Cruz, Nicks and Bennett on the field things could open up for Ahmad Bradshaw too.
Description: Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (knee) worked with trainers on the sideline Thursday and also put in a very limited session in practice.
Insight: Bennett said Wednesday that he expects to play Sunday against the 49ers. The tight end suffered a hyperextended knee last week against the Browns but he returned to the game to block as Ahmad Bradshaw churned out 200 yards. Bennett may play the same role this week if he suits up so he's a risky fantasy play.
Description: According to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN New York, Giants coach Tom Coughlin is hopeful receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee) can play this week against the 49ers after participating in individual drills Thursday.
Insight: Nicks will try to get in a limited practice session Friday. We should know more about his availability for Sunday's game after that since Nicks said he didn't do enough Thursday to potentially suffer any setback. "Tomorrow will be the defining day," Nicks said.
Description: Running back Ahmad Bradshaw told ESPN Radio that receiver Hakeem Nicks is hinting he'll be back for Week 6 against the tough San Francisco 49ers.
Insight: Always good to hear, but until we see him get through a couple of practices, we're not sold. The addition of Nicks to the Giants lineup makes Eli Manning, Bradshaw and Cruz better options because he commands the focus of every defense.
Description: Giants tight end Martellus Bennett, who left Sunday's game in the first quarter with what appears to be a hyperextended left knee and returned to help block for Bradshaw, will get an MRI on the knee on Tuesday.
Insight: Bennett had caught a touchdown in three of the first four games this season and has 19 receptions for 217 yards. With the Giants receivers hurting, Bennett is a solid play when healthy.
Description: Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul only has 1.5 sacks in five games this season after recording 16.5 a year ago.
Insight: Pierre-Paul has drawn increased attention from defenses after his disruptive breakout season in 2011-12. Unfortunately, that hasn't helped Justin Tuck (0 sacks) or Osi Umenyiora (2.0 sacks) get to the quarterback more frequently. Keep starting your Giants IDPs for a few more games to see if they pick up the production.
Description: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who carried 30 times for 200 yards and a touchdown, should have buried the "running-back-by-committee" tag.
Insight: Andre Brown is a solid backup and David Wilson has a bright future, but Bradshaw is simply too good to share the workload evenly. That said, Bradshaw will have a tougher time in Week 6 against the 49ers.
Description: Giants running back Andre Brown has been diagnosed with a concussion, according to ESPN New York.
Insight: Ahmad Bradshaw is back and healthy -- he carried it 30 times for 200 yards in Week 5 -- so Brown won't have much fantasy value going forward. David Wilson scored on a long TD run as well in Week 5 so Brown's backup role may also be in jeopardy if he doesn't recover quickly.
Description: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw carried 30 times for 200 yards and a touchdown after losing a fumble on his first carry of the game Sunday against Cleveland.
Insight: Bradshaw only had 133 rushing yards on 35 carries through three games this season prior to Sunday, but he was able to gash the Browns all day. He should have a tougher time in Week 6 against the 49ers.
Description: Giants receiver Victor Cruz caught five passes for 50 yards Sunday against the Browns. Fortunately for fantasy owners, three of those catches were for touchdowns.
Insight: Eli Manning found Cruz for touchdowns of 3, 7 and 28 yards. He was the top red zone target with Hakeem Nicks out and Martellus Bennett dealing with a leg injury.
Description: Giants tight end Martellus Bennett left Sunday's game in the first quarter with what appears to be a hyperextended left knee. His return is questionable.
Insight: Bennett had caught a touchdown in three of the first four games this season. With Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden sidelined, Bennett was likely to see a lot of targets.
Description: New York wideout Ramses Barden (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns.
Insight: The Giants showed in Week 4 that when Domenik Hixon is healthy, he's going to be ahead of Barden on the depth chart. Hakeem Nicks is still out, so start Victor Cruz, Hixon and Martellus Bennett in fantasy league this week. Rueben Randle likely won't see enough targets to warrant a start, however.
Description: New York wideout Ramses Barden (concussion) will likely join Hakeem Nicks on the sidelines when the Giants face off with Cleveland.
Insight: With the receiving corps down to Victor Cruz, Domenik Hixon and Rueben Randle, there will be plenty of targets for all. We think Cruz and Hixon along with tight end Martellus Bennett could have solid fantasy value this week.
Description: Giants receiver Domenik Hixon could be heavily targeted again in Week 5 if Ramses Barden sits with a concussion.
Insight: The Giants can replace injured stars as well as any team in the league. With Hakeem Nicks and Hixon out in Week 3, Barden had a field day against the Panthers, but Hixon was ahead of Barden on the depth chart last Sunday and had six catches for 114 yards. Start him as a WR3 this week with Nicks out with a knee injury and Barden concussed.
Description: New York receiver Hakeem Nicks won't be able to play Sunday against Cleveland. He's still dealing with a sore knee.
Insight: Nicks hasn't been in the lineup since Week 2, when he hauled in 10 catches for 199 receiving yards. His absence should pave the way for Domenik Hixon to receive his second start in a row opposite Pro Bowl wide receiver Victor Cruz.
Description: New York wideout Ramses Barden suffered a concussion in Sunday night's loss to the Eagles. He's questionable for Sunday's matchup with Cleveland.
Insight: Hakeem Nicks didn't practice on Wednesday either, leaving the normally pass-reliant Giants' offense without two of its more surehanded receivers. If neither one suits up on Sunday, you can expect another big effort from Victor Cruz, who blew up for 109 yards and a touchdown last week in Philadelphia.
Description: Giants safety Kenny Phillips suffered a sprained right MCL in Week 4 against the Eagles and is week-to-week, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.
Insight: Phillips will likely miss one or two games with the injury and possibly more. Giants RT David Diehl has missed the last two games with the same ailment. Tyler Sash will return from his suspension this week and will have to fill the void left by Phillips in the Giants secondary.
Description: Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Monday that Hakeem Nicks' sore knee isn't any better than last week, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.
Insight: Nicks sat out Week 3 with foot soreness and Week 4 with knee soreness. At this point it's looking like he's going to miss Week 5 as well.
Description: After a quiet performance in Carolina in Week 3, New York receiver Victor Cruz piled up nine catches for 109 yards and a touchdown Sunday night against Philadelphia.
Insight: Cruz never really got going in Week 3 but Sunday Eli Manning targeted the Pro-Bowl wideout 13 times and Cruz was able to make the most of those opportunities. Cruz is fifth in the NFL in receiving yards (388) after his first four games.
Description: Andre Brown was unable to match his breakout performance in Week 3 Sunday night versus the Eagles. The Giants halfback carried the ball just five times for 14 yards.
Insight: As good as Brown was last week against Carolina (113 yards and two touchdowns), it looks like his impact will be limited now that Ahmad Bradshaw is healthy again. Bradshaw saw the lion's share of the carries for New York on Sunday night, rushing the ball 13 times for 39 yards.
Description: New York quarterback Eli Manning had a so-so game in Week 4. He passed for 309 yards and two touchdowns but also threw 19 incompletions and an interception.
Insight: Manning's favorite receiver on Sunday was Victor Cruz, who he targeted 13 times. The two-time Super Bowl MVP put his team in a position to win on the final drive of the game but Lawrence Tynes' 54-yard field goal attempt in the closing seconds fell just short of the uprights. Next week Eli and the G-Men head back to Metlife Stadium to take on a winless Cleveland Browns squad.
Description: New York wideout Hakeem Nicks won't compete in Sunday' night's game versus the Eagles. He's dealing with a sore knee.
Insight: Nicks has had a difficult time staying on the field this season. He missed Week 3's matchup against Carolina because of a foot issue. Victor Cruz, Ramses Barden and Martellus Bennett should all see more targets tonight in Nicks' absence.
Description: Giants receiver Ramses Barden had a career game Thursday against the Panthers and might get another chance to shine with starter Hakeem Nicks being downgraded to doubtful.
Insight: Barden caught nine balls for 138 yards last Thursday, clearly benefitting from Carolina's paying more attention to Victor Cruz and using his 6-foot-6, 224-pound frame to make plays all over the field.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks has been downgraded to doubtful after his knee swelled up during the week.
Insight: Nicks also has pain from offseason foot surgery, but it's the knee that is likely to cause him to miss a matchup with this division rival. Ramses Barden will be a viable fantasy option for another week if Nicks is inactive.
Description: According to Ralph Vacchiano on the New York Daily News, Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said running back Andre Brown has "really changed the dynamic of our run game" and said the team will try to determine "what plays certain guys run a little more effectively than others."
Insight: With starter Ahmad Bradshaw likely to play Sunday night against the Eagles, Gilbride suggested the team will play the hot hand, which right now is Brown (184 yards, 3 TDs in last two games). However, neither guy can be trusted as starting fantasy running back if both are active.
Description: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (neck) said "You can guarantee I'll be out there fighting with my team.'' according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.
Insight: It appears Bradshaw is sure he'll be in uniform on Sunday night, but we're not sure of the distribution between Bradshaw and Andre Brown who excelled in Carolina last week.
Description: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (neck) has been cleared to return to practice by team doctors, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.
Insight: Bradshaw's status for Sunday's game against the Eagles is still up in the air. We'll have to see how he feels after practicing this week.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks did not practice on Monday and isn't scheduled back on the practice field until Thursday.
Insight: Nicks didn't play Thursday in Carolina because of the short week, but should be fine for New York's contest in Philadelphia next Sunday night.
Description: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who left Week 2's game with a neck injury, did not participate in practice on Monday.
Insight: It's early in the week, the Wednesday-Friday practices will give us a better idea if Bradshaw will suit up on Sunday night against the Eagles. The team used Andre Brown (20-for-113, 2 TDs) in Bradshaw's absence on Thursday night in Carolina and the backup's excellent performance may have earned him time even when Bradshaw returns to the field.
Description: Giants tight end Martellus Bennett had another big game Thursday night against the Panthers, hauling in six balls for 73 yards and his third touchdown of the season.
Insight: Bennett has caught a touchdown in each of the first three games this season. Even with all the targets New York gives to its receivers, Bennett gets enough scraps to be a TE1 in fantasy leagues going forward.
Description: Like his teammate Andre Brown, Giants receiver Ramses Barden had a career game Thursday against the Panthers. In one game, Barden matched his reception total from all of last season.
Insight: Barden caught nine balls for 138 yards, clearly benefitting from Carolina's shaded coverage of Victor Cruz and using his 6-foot-6, 224-pound frame to make plays all over the field. It's now clear who the third receiver is in this offense, and while Barden is unlikely to have fantasy value when Hakeem Nicks is in the lineup, consider him a starting option if Nicks sits again.
Description: Giants running back Andre Brown had a career night Thursday against the Panthers, rushing for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in relief of an injured Ahmad Bradshaw.
Insight: Meanwhile, David Wilson received one carry. As long as Bradshaw remains out, consider Brown a RB2, even in 10-team leagues. He's looked that good in his last two games, carrying 33 times for 184 yards (5.6 ypc) and three touchdowns.
Description: Giants running back Andre Brown has been announced as the starter Thursday against Carolina with Ahmad Bradshaw inactive.
Insight: Bradshaw left Sunday's game with a neck injury and Brown carried 13 times for 71 yards and a touchdown while rookie David Wilson got three carries for six yards. Brown should get the majority of the touches Thursday so give him a start at the flex.
Description: Giants receiver Ramses Barden will start in place of the injured Hakeem Nicks Thursday against the Panthers.
Insight: Barden is only an option in very deep leagues but he figures to see most of Nicks' targets this week, with Jerrel Jernigan and Rueben Randle also in play (Domenik Hixon is also inactive).
Description: Updating an earlier report, Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks did not suffer a setback in his recovery from an injured foot Sunday against Tampa Bay.
SOURCE: Newark Star-Ledger
Insight: Nicks won't play Thursday in Carolina because of the short week. He should be fine for New York's contest in Philadelphia a week from Sunday.
Description: Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he expected wide receiver Hakeem Nicks to play on Thursday, "barring a setback" but he apparently had one as Nicks did not make the trip to Carolina and has been downgraded to out.
Insight: Nicks hauled in 10 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown against the Bucs afte missing practice all week. It's a short work week with a Thursday night game at Carolina and apparently Nicks didn't recover as quickly as expected.
Description: Giants running back Andre Brown should start Thursday against Carolina now that Ahmad Bradshaw (neck) has been ruled out of the game.
Insight: With Bradshaw leaving the game early Sunday, Brown carried 13 times for 71 yards and a touchdown while rookie David Wilson got three carries for six yards. "I thought Andre did a nice job," Coughlin said. "He certainly was the focal point once Ahmad came out of the game. David (Wilson) has his plays and certainly will get some more time as well." Consider Brown a nice flex play.
Description: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who left Sunday's game with a neck injury, has already been ruled out of Thursday's game with Carolina, according to a USA Today report.
Insight: The team used Andre Brown (13 rushing attempts, 2 receptions) as the primary backup to Bradshaw with talented rookie David Wilson seeing just three touches. Apparently Wilson is not yet out of the doghouse for his Week 1 fumble.
Description: Giants No. 3 wideout Domenik Hixon, who suffered a concussion against Tampa Bay, has been ruled out of New York's Thursday night contest with Carolina, according to Mike Garafalo of USA Today.
Insight: All the more reason to start tight end Martellus Bennet along with wideouts Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz.
Description: Giants coach Tom Coughlin wouldn't elaborate on the extent of running back Ahmad Bradshaw's neck injury, but ESPN New York speculates that Andre Brown could start Thursday against Carolina if Bradshaw were to not play.
Insight: With Bradshaw leaving the game early Sunday, Brown carried 13 times for 71 yards and a touchdown while rookie David Wilson got three carries for six yards. "I thought Andre did a nice job," Coughlin said. "He certainly was the focal point once Ahmad came out of the game. David (Wilson) has his plays and certainly will get some more time as well." Consider Brown a nice flex play if Bradshaw is out Thursday.
Description: Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he expects wide receiver Hakeem Nicks to play on Thursday, "barring a setback."
Insight: Despite a foot injury that limited him in practice last week, Nicks hauled in 10 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown against the Bucs. It's a short work week with a Thursday night game at Carolina, but Nicks has shown he really doesn't need much practice time.
Description: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who left Sunday's game with a neck injury, did not practice on Tuesday, according to a New York Daily News report. The Giants have yet to provide information on Bradshaw who had an MRI on Monday.
Insight: With the Giants scheduled for a Thursday night road game, fantasy owners should expect to be without Bradshaw. The team used Andre Brown (13 rushing attempts, 2 receptions) as the primary backup to Bradshaw with talented rookie David Wilson seeing just three touches. Apparently Wilson is not yet out of the doghouse for his Week 1 fumble.
Description: Despite a foot injury that limited him in practice this week, Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks hauled in 10 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown against the Bucs.
Insight: Nicks showed he doesn't need to practice to play well and that may be a theme going forward. Near the end of the game, after a 40-yard catch, he was seen limping after a defender accidently stepped on the back of his right foot. It's a short work week for the Giants with a Thursday night game at Carolina.
Description: Giants No. 3 wideout Domenik Hixon suffered a concussion and isn't likely to be ready for New York's Thursday night contest with Carolina.
Insight: Hixon was targeted five times in the Giants opener, fourth on the team behind Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and tight end Martellus Bennett. Ramses Barden figures to benefit from increased playing time, but isn't likely to reach fantasy-worthy status.
Description: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw left Sunday's game with a neck injury and will get an MRI on Monday.
Insight: Bradshaw rushed for 16 yards on five carries. The Giants used Andre Brown (13 rushing attempts, 2 receptions) as the primary backup to Bradshaw with talented rookie David Wilson seeing just three touches. Apparently Wilson is not yet out of the doghouse for his Week 1 fumble.
Description: Fantasy owners who were hoping to see what Giants rookie running back David Wilson could do were disappointed on Sunday as coach Tom Coughlin used veteran Andre Brown, not Wilson, as the backup to injured Ahmad Bradshaw.
Insight: Wilson entered coach Tom Coughlin's doghouse in his first game last week when he fumbled on his second carry and apparently has yet to excape the coach's ire.
Description: Giants running back Andre Brown was the one to take over for Ahmad Bradshaw after Bradshaw exited Sunday's game with a neck injury, not rookie David Wilson.
Insight: Brown carried 13 times for 71 yards and a touchdown while Wilson got three carries for six yards. The important thing to take away from this is that if Bradshaw is healthy his job is safe; Brown isn't going to cut into Bradshaw's playing time like we thought Wilson would.
Description: When your teammate goes for 179 yards it's difficult to top him but that's just what Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks did Sunday. Despite a foot injury that limited him in practice this week, Nicks hauled in 10 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown against the Bucs.
Insight: Nicks showed fantasy owners that his foot injury is not going to be a hindrance this season, and the soreness should only get better as the season goes on and he gets further and further away from the surgery he had back in May.
Description: Giants receiver Victor Cruz turned in a performance reminiscent of last season Sunday, catching 11 balls for 179 yards and a touchdown to help New York beat Tampa Bay.
Insight: Cruz dropped several passes and didn't make much of an impact in the opener last week but Sunday was a different story. He was already having an excellent game with 10 catches for 99 yards but an 80-yard TD in the fourth quarter elevated it to another level.
Description: New York Giants QB Eli Manning went wild Sunday against the Buccaneers, throwing for a career-high 510 yards. His three passing scores offset three first-half picks.
Insight: Manning threw the ball 51 times, completing 31. With the weapons he has at his disposal, Manning should continue to be a QB1 in all formats.
Description: Fantasy owners will get an early look at what Giants rookie running back David Wilson can do now that Ahmad Bradshaw is out with a neck injury.
Insight: Bradshaw left Sunday's game and will not return. He was taken to the locker room for X-rays. Wilson entered coach Tom Coughlin's dog house in his first game last week when he fumbled on his second carry.
Description: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw left the game with a neck injury. He went to the locker room for x-rays, then returned to the field, but has yet to come back into the game.
Insight: Bradshaw has rushed for 16 yards on five carries. The Giants will use David Wilson and Andre Brown in the meantime.
Description: New York receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) is active.
Insight: Nicks is certainly not at 100-percent after preseason foot surgery and has not yet returned to WR1 status. Victor Cruz is the better Giants receiver this week, but Nicks is still worthy of a starting spot in your fantasy lineup.
Description: New York receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) is on the field warming up, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.
Insight: Nicks is listed as questionable for Sunday's game but he's expected to play. We'll know for sure when the inactives are released but unless Nicks simply cannot handle the pain during warm-ups he should start Sunday.
Description: New York receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) returned to practice on Thursday, but missed Friday's practice.
Insight: We still think Nicks should be fine for the Week 2 matchup against the Buccaneers after hauling in four grabs for 38 yards last Wednesday versus Dallas. But you should check back before game-time to confirm that he's ready to go.
Description: New York receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) returned to practice on Thursday according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
Insight: Nicks had some fantasy owners worried after missing Wednesday's practice but apparently that had always been a scheduled day of rest for the 24-year-old. Nicks should be fine for Week 2's matchup against the Buccaneers after hauling in four grabs for 38 yards last Wednesday versus Dallas.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) missed practice on Wednesday which after a seven-day break should be a little bit concerning.
Insight: Nicks is playing through soreness in his surgically-repaired foot and was targeted just six times, catching four balls for 38 yards in the opener against the Cowboys. It's not yet time to panic as a slow start due to the injury was expected.
Description: Giants running back David Wilson didn't play another offensive snap after losing a fumble in the first quarter, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
Insight: Ball security has been an issue for Wilson, and Coughlin acknowledged that when the team selected the running back in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The rookie was impressive in the preseason but he'll have to protect the ball better if he's going to cut into Ahmad Bradshaw's playing time. For now, Bradshaw is the primary back and likely will be for the first half of the season.
Description: Giants tight end Martellus Bennett had a nice night against his former team Wednesday in New York's season opener against Dallas.
Insight: Bennett caught four passes for 40 yards and snared a fourth-quarter TD pass. The Giants are looking for a third option in the passing game with Mario Manningham gone, and Bennett filled that void Wednesday. The tight end is a big target and he has a good shot to catch 8-10 TD passes.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) was a non-factor Wednesday versus the Cowboys. He caught four passes for 38 yards.
Insight: Nicks is playing through soreness in his surgically-repaired foot and he may struggle early in the season. It's too early to panic though. We'll have to see how he looks next week.
Description: Giants receiver Victor Cruz had an off night Wednesday in the season opener, dropping three passes.
Insight: Cruz caught six balls for 58 yards but his night would have been a lot better if he caught those three passes. Hopefully this doesn't become a habit.
Description: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 78 yards and scored a touchdown Wednesday in the season opener.
Insight: Bradshaw handled 17 carries to David Wilson's two. Bradshaw is still a major part of the Giants offense and Wilson is going to have to wait to get his shot to take over, especially after he fumbled Wednesday.
Description: New York Giants QB Eli Manning didn't have his best game Wednesday against Dallas in the season opener, though he did salvage the night with a fourth-quarter touchdown pass.
Insight: Manning went 21-of-32 for 213 yards. He was sacked three times and didn't get much help from Victor Cruz (three drops). The Giants QB started off last season with 268 yards and zero TDs in the opener but he rebounded to toss 11 TDs over the next four games.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) is indeed active for Wednesday's season opener against Dallas.
Insight: Nicks has been experiencing soreness in his surgically-repaired foot but he's going to attempt to play through it. He should be started in all leagues.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) is fully expected to play tonight, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Insight: Nicks has been experiencing soreness in his surgically-repaired foot but he's going to attempt to play through it. "It's a situation where you just gotta get used to playing with it," Nicks said, according to NFL.com. "It's not going to feel great, I know that, but it's a matter of me having the desire and want to get through it."
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) didn't practice Sunday, according to Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger, but should be ready to go in the season opener on Wednesday night.
Insight: Nicks obviously won't be at 100-percent, but he could still go off given his considerable talent. More likely the Giants will use him to draw the double team and open the secondary up for Victor Cruz.
Description: New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (hand) is listed as probable, but there is no question he'll play on Wednesday night.
Insight: Bradshaw should be started in all leagues. Down the road he'll lose some of his rushing attempts to talented rookie David Wilson, but probably not in the first half of the season.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (hand) returned to practice Sunday, according to Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Insight: Bradshaw fully participated in practice Sunday and should be a full-go in Wednesday's season opener against the Cowboys. We'll have to see how much David Wilson is involved in the offense initially, but Bradshaw should be started as a second running back in all leagues.
Description: Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) didn't practice Sunday, according to Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Insight: This comes one day after Nicks said he had no concern over any pain in his surgically-repaired foot. Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Nicks should be able to practice tomorrow, the last session the team will have before playing the Cowboys Wednesday in the season opener.
Description: According to Jorge Castillo of the Newark Star-Ledger, Giants OC Kevin Gilbride said Domenik Hixon will start the season as the team's No. 3 receiver.
Insight: Hixon has played in just two games in the last two seasons due to multiple knee injuries. He's not much of a fantasy option, as he's likely just a figurehead third receiver instead of someone who will actually compete for major targets. Expect Eli Manning to spread the departed Mario Manningham's targets around to Hixon, Rueben Randle, Jerrel Jernigan, Ramses Barden and Martellus Bennett.
Description: D.J. Ware was cut Friday, ensuring rookie running back David Wilson of a larger role in the offense.
Insight: Wilson has been impressive this preseason and was just about guaranteed to be Bradshaw's backup, but Ware threatened to take 3rd-down snaps. Expect a 60-40 split, with Bradshaw getting the heavier workload at first.
Description: After missing most of the preseason tending to an injured foot, Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks was on the field for two series Wednesday night versus the Patriots.
Insight: After breaking his foot during the offseason, it appears Nicks is finally 100 percent. Expect him to be a solid contributor Week 1 against the Cowboys.
Description: With Travis Beckum put on the PUP list as expected, the Giants tight end position is exclusively Martellus Bennett's with only fourth-round rookie Adrien Robinson as his backup.
Insight: The Giants like to throw to their tight ends and with Bennett as the only option, he could become fantasy worthy. Last season, Giant tight ends Jake Ballard, Travis Beckum and Bear Pascoe caught 55 balls for 833 yards and five touchdowns.
Description: Giants rookie running back David Wilson combined for 75 yards on seven touches in the Giants 20-17 preseason loss to Chicago. In three preseason games, Wilson has rushed 20 times for 118 yards and grabbed four passes for 52 yards.
Insight: Wilson continues to impress and is too talented for the Giants to keep off the field. Those who select Ahmad Bradshaw better be sure to draft Wilson as well.
Description: New York Giants QB Eli Manning looked ready for opening night after going 17-of-21 for 148 yards and a touchdowns against the Bears first string.
Insight: Manning threw for 4,933 yards last season with 29 TDs and just 16 INTs. As long as Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are ready to go, the Giants passing game should be in excellent shape and Manning should slide in just below the league's elite fantasy quarterbacks.
Description: David Wilson, a rookie from Virginia Tech, has moved past D.J. Ware on the depth chart, as expected and will share the workload with starter Ahmad Bradshaw.
Insight: Wilson is simply too good to keep off the field. Bradshaw, if healthy, is still the No. 1 guy and likely the first goal-line option, but Bradshaw has only played a complete 16-game schedule in one of the past five seasons. Wilson is the handcuff and the future for the Giants running game.
Description: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw left Saturday's game in the first quarter with a right hand injury but X-rays came back negative, according to Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Insight: Garafolo said Bradshaw's injury seemed to be around the bottom knuckle of his index finger. Bradshaw didn't initially get anything on his hand when he returned to the sidelines but the team added a wrap with ice shortly thereafter.
Description: New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has been activated from the camp/PUP list, the team announced via its official Twitter page.
Insight: Nicks passed his physical, though he'll be limited in practice for the first three days per NFL rules. It's highly unlikely Nicks plays in Saturday's game against the Jets, but his activation erases any doubt that he'll be available for the start of the regular season.
Description: The rookie from Virginia Tech looked explosive in his first taste of the NFL game, rushing for 43 yards on seven carries, catching two passes for 26 yards and averaging 38 yards-per-return on two kickoffs.
Insight: Wilson, who is still listed as the No. 3 back on the depth chart, is simply too good to keep off the field. He should eventually start the season as the backup to Ahmad Bradshaw and could be a fantasy option in leagues which include return yardage.
Description: New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is scheduled to run routes for the first time in camp Tuesday, according to Mike Hale of the New York Post.
Insight: The Giants begin the season on Sept. 5 against the Dallas Cowboys and Nicks promised he'd be ready for the opener. It appears he's still on schedule. Nicks and Victor Cruz make up one of the best wide receiver tandems in the league and Cruz's fantasy value plus Eli Manning's value is greatly enhanced by a healthy Nicks.
Description: According to the New York Daily News, "It's been impossible not to notice (David) Wilson's flash throughout camp and (Tom) Coughlin has raved about the first-round pick."
Insight: Wilson is still listed as the No. 3 back on the depth chart, but we expect him to easily jump over D.J. Ware and get his fair share of carries this season. He's the handcuff to have for oft-injured Ahmad Bradshaw.
Description: Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is running in the pool as he continues his recovery from foot surgery.
Insight: The Giants begin the season on Sept. 5 against the Dallas Cowboys and Nicks said "I'll definitely be ready for the season." We continue to believe he'll be ready by then. Nicks and Victor Cruz were one of the league's best tandems last year and may be even better in 2012-13 with No. 3 wideout Mario Manningham playing with the 49ers.
Description: Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot surgery) is out of the walking boot and began running two weeks ago.
Insight: The Giants begin the season on Sept. 5 against the Dallas Cowboys and Nicks said "I'll definitely be ready for the season." Nicks and Victor Cruz were one of the league's best tandems last year and will be again this season.
Description: The battle for the No. 3 receiving spot with the Giants could have fantasy significance as Hakeem Nicks has never played a 16-game schedule and is already missing practice time.
Insight: If Randle is to be that guy over Domenik Hixon and Ramses Barden, he's going to have to learn the offense quickly. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride recently was quoted as saying "Randle is still figuring out the pro game."
Description: New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard was waived/failed physical by the team on
Monday. Ballard tore his right ACL and meniscus in Super Bowl XLVI.
Insight: Ballard had 38 receptions for 604 yards and four scores last season. He'll sit out the year and attempt a comeback in 2013. The Giants picked up Martellus Bennett in the off-season.
Description: Giants tight end Martellus Bennett reportedly has arrived at OTAs weighing 291 pounds, up 26 from the 265 he's listed at.
Insight: New York had tight ends Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum both go down with ACL tears in the Super Bowl, so Bennett will compete with 2012 fourth-round pick Adrien Robinson for a starting job. However, he'll have to drop some weight if he wants to avoid being cut loose.
Description: In Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks' mind, he'll be ready to play on Week 1. Nicks is sidelined after fracturing his foot last week.
Insight: Nicks is expected to miss 12 weeks with the injury. The Giants begin the season on September 5 against the Dallas Cowboys, so there's no guarantee that Nicks will be back, even if he does return to football activity by mid to late August.
Description: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Giants are optimistic that Hakeem Nicks (foot) will be available for the season opener.
Insight: Even if Nicks returns by the season opener, he likely won't make a big impact for a few weeks while he works his way back to playing shape. Those who draft the Giants receiver should prepare to be without him for the first part of the season as a precaution, but don't downgrade him too much on the draft board.
Description: Hakeem Nicks has a broken foot and will need about 12 weeks to recover.
Insight: That's roughly three months, which means Nicks (1192 yards, 7 TDs) won't be healthy until the end of training camp and even then he might need a few weeks to get back into playing shape. This is definitely not a good way for the Giants to start off their title defense.
