Is Eric Gray or Matt Breida the Giants RB2 behind Saquon Barkley? Fantasy Football Outlook

May 25, 2023

Is Eric Gray or Matt Breida the Giants RB2 behind Saquon Barkley? Which running back should be stashed as Barkley's handcuff? Read the 2023 fantasy football outlook.

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is currently unhappy with the team after they used the franchise tag on him, but until further notice, let's assume he'll be back as the Giants' bell cow running back in 2023.

For fantasy football, it's important to know whether rookie running back Eric Gray or veteran Matt Breida will be the primary backup for Barkley. The superstar RB from Penn State was durable last season, but he missed 18 games during the prior two seasons and is now beyond the running back age apex. That said, his backup could be called into action at any point. Stashing his handcuff could be a heady move heading into 2023.

Is Gray or Breida the top backup to Barkley in 2o23? Let's dive in.

The Case for Eric Gray

Gray spent four seasons in college at Tennessee and Oklahoma, racking up 3,916 scrimmage yards and 26 total touchdowns. He ran an underwhelming 4.62 forty-yard-dash during the pre-draft process, but that didn't stop New York from selecting him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Ultimately, the G-men had plenty of day-three running back prospects to choose from but narrowed in on Gray. He obviously has fresher legs than Breida, but he's also about 20 pounds heavier. That said, he likely has a better chance of holding up should he be thrust into a workhorse role.

The Case for Matt Breida

Although Breida is entering his seventh season in the NFL, he's accumulated just over 600 touches. He's likely fresher than the average 28-year-old running back and has game-changing speed at the position. On 520 rushing attempts, he's averaged 4.8 yards per carry and has an all-purpose skill set with over 100 career receptions.

Needless to say, he'll have the edge in experience and knowing the Giants' playbook.

Which Giants' Running Back Should I Draft?

The Athletic's Charlotte Carroll writes that Breida feels like a safe No. 2 option given his usage in 2022. However, if something were to happen to Barkley, we'd likely see a committee approach with Breida, Gray, and perhaps Gary Brightwell.

Gray may have the best chance to command volume given his size – assuming he makes the roster – but it's tough to imagine either running back getting a workhorse role. Both Breida and Gray are being drafted in the RB70-80 range in early fantasy drafts. Sometimes, the best strategy is to take the cheaper option of the two in deep leagues. In shallower leagues, Breida seems to have an early leg up in the competition – so he's the one to target for now.

More Fantasy Football Analysis