The New York Giants (1-2) look to win their first home game of 2019 against the Washington Redskins (0-3) on Sunday, September 29th at 1:00 PM EST. This rivalry is the longest lasting one in the NFC East, which began in 1932.
Players To Watch
Whether you enjoy football or not, get to know this name quickly. Daniel Jones was a heavily criticized draft pick back in April at 6th overall. His value was not seen as worthy of such a valuable pick. However, he is quickly proving his doubters wrong. After an astonishing debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he will look to continue his great performance against the Redskins defense this week. He finished last week completing 23 of his 36 passes for 336 yards as well as 2 passing touchdowns. He also added in 4 carries for 28 rushing yards and 2 scores. Jones showed his potential as a dual-threat quarterback and looks to become a franchise cornerstone for the Giants.
Rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin looks to have a strong game against the Giants underwhelming pass defense. McLaurin, like Jones, has been off to a great start to their NFL careers. He is off to a hot start with 257 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in just 3 games. The Redskins will look to target their number one receiver early and often.
Keys to Victory
New York Giants
- Put Pressure on Case Keenum
The New York Giants will need to put pressure on the Redskins quarterback Case Keenum. This will help their atrocious secondary, which ranks 32nd in the NFL in passing yards allowed. When Keenum faced a tough Bears pass rush last week, he ended up taking four sacks. The more important stats, however, is how it led to 5 turnovers; 3 interceptions and 2 fumbles. Look for linebacker Markus Golden to apply heavy pressure, who had 2 sacks last week.
2. Ball Security
Daniel Jones had a nearly flawless NFL start. However, one major concern for the young quarterback is his ability to hold onto the ball. Since the preseason, he has turned over the ball multiple times when under pressure. In just two games, Jones already has 3 fumbles. The Giants will not get lucky every week and win games because of missed field goals, as they did last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It will be key that he has improved pocket awareness as well as ball security this week.
Washington Redskins
- Consistent Passing Attack
The Redskins will need to capitalize on a great matchup for their passing offense, who faces arguably the worst secondary so far in 2019. This should not be hard to achieve, as the Case Keenum-lead offense is tied for second in the NFL in passing touchdowns– 9. All he has to do is not make critical mistakes, such as interceptions and fumbles.
2. Protect Case Keenum
Without franchise tackle, Trent Williams, the Redskins offensive line is seriously undermanned this year. After giving up 4 sacks last week, the protection will need to improve this week. As long as Keenum has a clean pocket to throw in, look for the offense to have a big game this week.
Fantasy Football Values
New York Giants
- Daniel Jones has a good matchup against a not-so-great Redskins defense. He holds moderate risk, but high potential return if he has another great game like last week. Jones is a borderline QB1 in this game. Look to start him this week if you are lacking an elite quarterback.
- Evan Engram has been amazing through 3 weeks so far. He has established himself as a top tier fantasy tight end and should have another successful week. Engram is a TE1 in this game. He is a no-brainer start this week.
- Sterling Shepard looks to build off his great stat line from last week. After a slow start to 2019, followed by an injury, he put up 7 catches for 100 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers. Shepard is a WR2 in this game. Look to start him as your second wide receiver slot or in the flex position.
- Wayne Gallman is taking over the starting role after Saquon Barkley was injured last week. Despite the high volume rushes he may possibly take, he has not started since 2017. While he’s an RB2 this week, be cautious about starting him.
Washington Redskins
- Case Keenum has been very underrated this year. Despite a poor game against the Bears, he still has a 69.4% completion percentage along with 933 yards, 7 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions. Do not overreact and bench your starting quarterback for him this week as he is only a QB2. However, if you need someone to start, do not hesitate to pick him up off the waivers.
- Terry McLaurin has been very consistent in his young NFL career. He has topped 5 receptions, 60+ yards, and 1 touchdown for 3 weeks straight. Look for him to continue that trend this week. He is a high floor, high ceiling WR2 and is still a free agent in several leagues.
- Adrian Peterson will lead the rushing attack this week. Although he is averaging only 2.8 YPC on the season, he is still getting at least 10 carries a week and may break through for a touchdown this week. He is an RB3 this week, but has virtually no receiving value with only 3 receptions for 4 yards this year. He is only worth starting as a flex in standard leagues.
Final Prediction
A battle between two division rivals should make for an interesting game. The Giants have a great offense, but a terrible defense. The Redskins are mediocre on both sides of the ball. Case Keenum will be able to throw at least 250 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air, but Daniel Jones will be able to keep up in the score column. This game will be decided by which team is the best in the fourth quarter.
Projected Final Score: Giants 24, Redskins 21
Featured image credit: Getty Images