2014 Fantasy Football Profile: QB Eli Manning

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Many quarterbacks across the board failed to live up to their expectations during the 2013 fantasy football season. However, the most disappointing performance by far was from New York Giants QB Eli Manning. The veteran threw 15 interceptions in the first six games compared to nine touchdowns and quickly led the team to a 0-6 record.

Positives:

Since stepping into the starting lineup full-time in 2005, Manning hasn’t missed a single start. He has been beaten up and bloodied, but has been under center every game. That kind of durability is extremely underrated at the quarterback position.

With two Super Bowl rings, Manning knows how to battle back. He will take his abysmal season and look to completely rejuvenate his fantasy career in 2014.

Manning also has a vey strong connection with WR Victor Cruz, even though they didn’t exactly show it last year. The two are a dangerous downfield combination and will make it a mission to get this team back into the playoffs.

Negatives:

Manning threw an ungodly 27 interceptions in 2013, including five games with three picks or more. He was consistently throwing the ball into double coverage and was not letting the routes develop past 15 yards. Manning was simply out of sync with his receivers all year long.

Manning’s 18 touchdowns were his lowest total since his rookie season of 2004. Before 2013, Manning was always able to rack up 25 TDs, but the lack of touchdowns coupled with the staggering turnover numbers has ruined his fantasy value.

While the team still has Cruz and Rueben Randle as their primary receivers, New York lost Hakeem Nicks to the Indianapolis Colts. Nicks hasn’t been healthy in recent seasons, but it never helps to lose a wideout that hauled in 896 yards the previous season. His departure will have an  impact on the offense early on.

Final Verdict:

Manning won’t be worth drafting this year as a starter, as his major step back last season will cast him into the realm of backup fantasy quarterbacks. However, the veteran can’t get any worse in 2014. Look for him to get back over the 3,800-yard mark and 25-plus touchdowns, but once again finish with over 16 interceptions.

Bye Week: 8

Projected Round: 13

Auction Value: $3

 

Adam McGill is the Senior Fantasy Sports Writer at Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @adammcgill83, like him on Facebook, or add him to you networks on Google here or here.


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