May 20, 2026, 11:14 AM ET

After being one of the most productive IDP assets a season ago, Brian Burns will look to improve upon that elite production, which saw him net 227 fantasy points, sixth-most, a season ago. However, whether he can improve or even duplicate last season's totals of 67 total tackles along with 16.5 sacks is yet to be seen. While Burns has secured 50 or more tackles in six consecutive seasons, the 16.6 sacks last season were four more than his previous high back in 2022. What will be interesting to Burns's fantasy outlook is how defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson decides to deploy the plethora of off-ball linebackers that currently find themselves competing in the New York Sack Exchange in 2026. The Giants' linebacking core is one of the most gifted in professional football, with Tremaine Edmunds and rookie Arvell Reese joining former top-five draft selections Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter. When looking at the offensive side of the ball, we often devalue assets based on the premise that there are too many mouths to feed. The same logic can be applied to the defensive side of the ball, and while Burns will still be a productive piece of your fantasy rosters, these young and up-and-coming players will also be hungry and looking to leave an imprint on this Giants' defense.--Matt Donnelly