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The New York Giants defense was solid in fantasy last year even after a bad year in real life. The fantasy team was 11th in the league, not something to brag about, but certainly draftable. The defense should improve this year, as last year the defensive line was not its usual self.
The Giants’ defense is built around constant pressure, leading to sacks and interceptions, both great for fantasy defenses. A lot may depend on Jason Pierre-Paul, who just came off the PUP list, and may still miss the opening game. If his injury lingers, it could weaken the whole defense. If you draft them, keeping an eye on his progress might be a necessity.
The linebackers for the Giants are also a concern. If they cannot find a solid group of three, they could get eaten up by opposing run games. Playing Alfred Morris and Robert Griffin III twice does not help either.
The opening game for the Giants is against Dallas and should be a decent litmus test of the defense. This is helpful: it can give owners a chance to quickly drop the Giants and pick up a sleeper defense which will certainly be on the waiver wire after Week 1.
The Giants defense is worth having on your fantasy team, but truth be told, it might be worth dropping them before the Week 2 Denver game and adding whatever team gets to play the Oakland Raiders (or any other inept offense) that week.
Many fantasy players may find the Giants have the most value as pick-ups on the waiver wire when they get to play bad offense, but are not quite in the group of top defenses that get started every week.
Jay Cullen is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Like him on Facebook at Jay Cullen-Rant Sports, or add him on Google.
