While fantasy owners may not be investing too heavily in players from the New York Giants, this could be the week to do it. The winless Giants face the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night after a long week. The Vikings are starting Josh Freeman at quarterback and their secondary is relatively weak. Eli Manning should be able to throw the ball with some freedom and as Rueben Randle continues to be a reliable target, some changes should be made to the fantasy lineup.
In Week 6 against the Chicago Bears, Randle caught three passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. He was targeted five times which was the exact amount as Victor Cruz. At this point in the season, Cruz leads the wide receiving corps while Hakeem Nicks and Randle only differ by three targets and five catches. In the past two games, he has been the most productive receiver of the bunch as Manning turns to him more and more.
Randle did have his struggles. In Week 6 against the Bears he was lucky enough to avoid a fumble call by the refs after slamming the ball to the ground while tripping. That clearly did not sit well with head coach Tom Coughlin who was upset with some of the route running the wide receiver displayed throughout the game. Still, the poor route running still kept him productive.
The Vikings secondary is allowing opponents to put up 308 passing yards per game. Mannign has not been good this year, but against a secondary with those numbers, he should be able to put something together. The Vikings are average at stopping the run and with Peyton Hillis just now joining the roster, the likelihood the Giants run more than they pass is slim.
Randle and Manning got the most work in together during the offseason while Cruz and Nicks dealt with contract issues. The work is paying off as the receiver insists he and the quarterback are on the exact same page.
"I feel like (Eli and I are on the same page)," Randle said, via NJ.com. "I think (the pick-six against the Bears) was just one of the bad plays overall. I think on that play the cornerback did a great job sitting on the route. ... We just have to continue to get better at it."
Coughlin has been very complimentary of the receiver despite all of the offensive struggles. He says the Giants will continue to give Randle opportunities to improve and refine his skills on the field. He will be a receiver to watch in the coming weeks.
