X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Thursday Night Football Starts and Sits - Giants vs Washington Football Team

taylor heinicke fantasy football rankings news NFL DFS lineup picks

Football season is officially in full swing and did it ever start with a bang. With monster weeks from star players to shocking depth chart revelations in San Francisco, last week had it all. Unfortunately, it also had its share of injuries with long term absences now expected for Jerry Jeudy, Raheem Mostert, and most relevant for this article, Ryan Fitzpatrick. I want to wish all players a speedy recovery.

On a brighter note, the games in Week One were perfect for both fantasy and the NFL. With seven matchups hitting the over on points scored and two games going into overtime thrillers, all NFL fans must be ecstatic for football to be back. 

To start Week Two we have one of the best division rivalries in the game. The New York Giants (0-1) are heading to FedEx field to take on the Washington Football Team (0-1). Both these teams are coming off of tough losses as the Football team narrowly slipped to the Chargers in Week One and the Giants look to find their footing. Once again I want to thank you all for starting your week with my analysis. So without further ado, I bring to you, the RotoBaller Thursday Night Preview!

Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!

 

New York Giants @ Washington Football Team

Thursday 9/16 @ 8:20 PM EST

Notable Injuries:

 

Must-Starts

Antonio Gibson (RB, WAS): Although potentially costing their team the game with a late fumble in the fourth quarter, Gibson looked like the real deal. Leading the entire team in rush attempts (20) and targets (5), Gibson is well on his way to becoming the workhorse we all hoped. In 2020 we saw this Giants team give up the most rushing yards per game, and last week we watched the combination of Melvin Gordon III and Javonte Williams torch them for 146 yards. Plus, this should be a very positive game script for the young back. Start Gibson as a locked-in RB-one for week 2. 

Taylor Heinicke (QB, WAS): This guy is a baller. As sad as I am to see the legendary Fitzmagic go down with a hip injury, I couldn’t be more excited about the guy stepping in. As featured in my Ellis’ Essentials article, Heinicke could be the real deal for fantasy. The undrafted Atlanta native is on his fifth NFL franchise and has stepped up every time they’ve called his number. Last season, he managed to pass for 306 yards and a score and rushed six times for 46 yards and another score in their 2021 wild card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This week he gets to take on a defense that got ruined by the conservative QB play of Teddy Bridgewater, who threw for 264 yards and 2 TDs in week 1. To add to the upside of the matchup, Heinicke also provides a very sturdy rushing fantasy floor. Saying he is a “must-start” might be a little ambitious, however, I think he is worth a shot in all two-QB leagues and a strong consideration in single QB formats. 

Terry McLaurin (WR, WAS): One of the league’s best pure receivers takes on the aforementioned team that got picked apart by conservative QB-play in week one. As mentioned above, I would not be worried about having Heinicke under the helm. Although the change at QB may take away some of McLaurin’s potential upside, Heinicke will definitely be able to give him the volume needed to produce. The Giants do have one of the league’s top corners in James Bradberry, however, he did not look his best last week. I would start McLaurin as a high-end, safe, WR-two in week two.

Logan Thomas (TE, WAS): You might have caught on that I really like this matchup for the Washington fantasy options. In what seems to be a disastrous TE landscape, having a guy who you can plugin and get guaranteed volume is hard to find. This is exactly what you get with Logan Thomas. With no Curtis Samuel in the lineup, he is clearly the number two option for this passing attack. Last season, with a very similar receiving group, he was one of five tight ends with over 100 targets, and in his two games with Heinicke, he found paydirt each time. I’m calling for both of these trends to continue as I see him scoring once again in this fantastic matchup. That’s right, the Pie Shop* is open for Thomas on Thursday. 

*Pie Shop: An Australian term (often used in Rugby League) to describe who will score a Try (or in this case touchdown) this week.

 

Solid Options

Saquon Barkley (RB, NYG): This makes back-to-back weeks where a first-round running back has made the “solid options” segment but could easily be in the “consider sitting” portion. Over Barkley’s last three games he has averaged two yards per carry. This is over the span of two seasons (three games) and 29 attempts. That’s bad. He has been riddled with injuries over the last year and was not expected to be fully healthy to start the season. Even then, we haven’t seen him be fantasy-relevant since week 17 of the 2019 season. To me, that’s a little too long to be able to put a lot of faith in my RB-one. Plus, this week he is going against one of 2020’s top-ranked run defenses that held the shifty Austin Ekeler to under four yards per carry and zero receptions in week one. I’d be cautious about playing Barkley this week.

Sterling Shepherd, Kenny Golladay, and Darius Slayton (WR, NYG): These receivers had mostly impressive stat lines in Week one. Shepherd definitely stole the show, leading the team with seven catches on nine targets for 113 yards and a touchdown. Golladay had a fairly impressive debut in navy blue, catching four of his six targets for 64 yards. I know, you want to see more from the big-bodied receiver, but I think you will this week. I’m calling for Golladay to open the Pie Shop* and find the endzone. Of the three, I am the least confident playing Slayton. With Evan Engram's out again this week, all three options are playable as mid-to-low-end WRs - with Slayton being a high-upside flex play. 

*Pie Shop: An Australian term (often used in Rugby League) to describe who will score a Try (or in this case touchdown) this week.

 

Consider Sitting

Daniel Jones (QB, NYG): I really hope no fantasy team was planning on rolling out Jones this week. However, just in case anyone is tanking this season, I’ll break down why he might be a great start to lose your week two matchup. I’m only kidding, although I would definitely look elsewhere at the position. Last week, Jones had a solid showing, passing for over 260 yards while rushing the ball six times for 24 yards and a score. Although his rushing provides some upside, I don’t think Chase Young and Montez Sweat are going to allow that to happen. I don’t mind Jones as a high-upside second QB, however, in this matchup, you’ll need to be pretty desperate to play him.

 

I am thrilled to say that last week I was 2-0 with my picks of Dallas +9.0 and over 51.5 points. This week I’m looking to do the same with a matchup that I personally have a lot more confidence in. I believe people are discounting how Heinicke has played when he has been given a shot. He looked great in camp and last week, so I don’t see that changing. The Giants on the other hand are a dumpster-fire and I have zero confidence on either side of the ball. It’s an easy choice for me this week, hopefully, we can continue this season’s start!

Ellis’ Picks: Washington -3.0 (1-0), Over 40.5 (1-0)

Career record: Spread (10-9), Over/Under (10-9)



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!




Win More With RotoBaller

Be sure to also check out all of our other daily fantasy football articles and analysis to help you set those winning lineups, including this new RotoBaller YouTube video:

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Max Kepler19 mins ago

X-Rays Come Back Negative On Max Kepler
Justin Steele22 mins ago

Has Left-Hamstring Tightness
Davis Bertans25 mins ago

Listed As Probable For Friday
Jusuf Nurkic34 mins ago

Questionable Against Oklahoma City
Dario Saric41 mins ago

Listed As Questionable For Friday
Noah Clowney49 mins ago

Probable For Nets Friday
Jonathan Kuminga56 mins ago

Questionable For Warriors Friday
Dennis Smith1 hour ago

Jr. Probable For Friday
Lauri Markkanen1 hour ago

Questionable Against Houston
Justin Steele1 hour ago

Exits Thursday's Start
Richaun Holmes1 hour ago

Out Versus Pistons
Cameron Johnson1 hour ago

Out Against Chicago On Friday
Luka Doncic1 hour ago

On The Injury Report For Friday
David Bednar1 hour ago

Still Dealing With Lat Injury
Rudy Gobert2 hours ago

Might Miss Friday's Game
Tyus Jones2 hours ago

Unavailable For Friday
Zeke Nnaji2 hours ago

Ruled Out Against Minnesota
Jaden Ivey2 hours ago

Listed As Questionable For Friday
Rhys McKee2 hours ago

Searching For First UFC Win
Anthony Edwards2 hours ago

Uncertain For Friday Night
Chidi Njokuani2 hours ago

Drops Back Down To Welterweight At UFC Atlantic City
Kyle Nelson2 hours ago

An Underdog Again At UFC Atlantic City
Jamal Murray2 hours ago

Questionable For Friday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander2 hours ago

Doubtful For Friday Night
Bill Algeo2 hours ago

Eyes Sixth UFC Win
Joaquin Buckley2 hours ago

Gets Ranked Opponent At UFC Atlantic City
Quentin Grimes2 hours ago

Ruled Out Friday
Vicente Luque2 hours ago

Gets Short-Notice Opponent At UFC Atlantic City
LeBron James2 hours ago

Questionable Against Indiana
Nikola Jokic2 hours ago

Probable Against Minnesota
Taj Gibson2 hours ago

Out Friday Against Wizards
Eduardo Rodriguez3 hours ago

Could Throw Off Mound In 5-7 Days
Max Kepler3 hours ago

Leaves On Opening Day With Injury
Nick Senzel3 hours ago

Suffers Broken Thumb
Jason Foley3 hours ago

Earns The Save For Tigers
Tarik Skubal4 hours ago

Tosses Six Scoreless Innings On Opening Day
Corbin Burnes4 hours ago

Pitches A Gem On Opening Day
Royce Lewis5 hours ago

Exits With Quad Injury
Max Scherzer6 hours ago

Throws Bullpen Session
Clayton Kershaw6 hours ago

"Ahead Of Things" Timetable-Wise
Walker Buehler6 hours ago

Ahead Of Schedule
Corey Seager6 hours ago

Active On Opening Day
Oneil Cruz7 hours ago

Batting Sixth On Opening Day
Bryan Reynolds9 hours ago

In Opening Day Lineup
Jordan Romano10 hours ago

Not Expected To Be Out Long
Gerrit Cole10 hours ago

Yankees Put Gerrit Cole On 60-Day Injured List
Elly De La Cruz10 hours ago

Batting In Six-Hole On Opening Day
Anthony Rendon11 hours ago

Hitting Leadoff On Opening Day
Aaron Ekblad11 hours ago

Returning To Panthers Lineup Thursday
Nikita Kucherov11 hours ago

Establishes New Career High With 42nd Goal
Shane Pinto11 hours ago

Collects Career-High Four Points
Valeri Nichushkin12 hours ago

Nursing A Lower-Body Injury
Samuel Girard12 hours ago

Battling An Illness
J.K. Dobbins12 hours ago

Visiting With Chargers On Thursday
Oskar Sundqvist12 hours ago

To Miss Rest Of Season With Torn ACL
Ethan Bear12 hours ago

Enters Player Assistance Program
Mark Hubbard1 day ago

Coming Off A Career Performance
Davis Thompson1 day ago

Looking To Pay Off A Stellar Run Of Ball-Striking
Akshay Bhatia1 day ago

Coming Into Houston With Confidence
Thorbjorn Olesen1 day ago

Still Trying To Find Footing On U.S. Soil
Patrick Rodgers1 day ago

Fighting Inconsistencies Heading Into Houston
Malik Nabers1 day ago

Shines At Pro Day
Carolina Panthers1 day ago

Jadeveon Clowney Signing Two-Year Deal With Panthers
Wyndham Clark1 day ago

Battling Back Injury Ahead of Houston Open
San Francisco 49ers1 day ago

Talanoa Hufanga Expected To Return At Training Camp
Jayden Daniels1 day ago

Raiders To Meet With Jayden Daniels
Tank Bigsby1 day ago

Jaguars Want Tank Bigsby More Involved
Josh Reynolds1 day ago

Signs Two-Year Deal With Broncos
Doug Ghim1 day ago

Looks To Bounce Back At Houston Open
PGA1 day ago

Cameron Davis Seeking Consistency Ahead Of Houston Open
Thomas Detry1 day ago

A Gamble At Houston Open
Ryan Fox1 day ago

Lacks Upside Heading Into Houston Open
Andrew Novak1 day ago

Will Be Chalk At Houston Open
Josh Doan1 day ago

Scores Twice In His NHL Debut
Filip Forsberg1 day ago

Makes History In Big Comeback Win
Jamie Benn1 day ago

Scores In Fifth Consecutive Game
Sidney Crosby1 day ago

Collects Three Points Versus Carolina
Artemi Panarin2 days ago

Continues Scoring Tear With Three Assists
Joey Daccord2 days ago

Shuts Out Ducks
Sahith Theegala2 days ago

Showing Consistency This Season
Wyndham Clark2 days ago

Working Toward Star Status
Scottie Scheffler2 days ago

Heads To Houston At His Best
Sam Ryder2 days ago

Putting The Lights Out Of Late
Joel Dahmen2 days ago

All Systems Go For Joel Dahmen In Houston
Kurt Kitayama2 days ago

Ready For Houston Debut
Ben Griffin2 days ago

Finding Form Heading To Houston
Taylor Moore2 days ago

Continues Made-Cut Streak Heading To Houston
Adam Svensson2 days ago

Hoping For Consistency In Houston
Taylor Montgomery2 days ago

Looks To Bounce Back In Houston
Amon-Ra St. Brown2 days ago

Discussing Extension With Lions
Jared Goff2 days ago

Lions Discussing New Deal
J.K. Dobbins2 days ago

Cleared For Football Activities
Los Angeles Rams2 days ago

Tre'Davious White To Join Rams
PIT2 days ago

Sam Poulin Recalled From AHL
Jack Quinn2 days ago

Could Return Wednesday
Scott Mayfield2 days ago

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
TOR2 days ago

Mitch Marner Skates On His Own Tuesday
Trevor Zegras2 days ago

To Return Tuesday
Justus Annunen2 days ago

Inks Two-Year Extension
Nick Chubb2 days ago

Expected To Start Load Running Next Month
D'Andre Swift2 days ago

Bears View D'Andre Swift As Receiving Weapon
Cordarrelle Patterson2 days ago

Signing With Steelers
Sam Howell2 days ago

Seahawks Believe Sam Howell Can Be A Full-Time Starter
Tennessee Titans2 days ago

L'Jarius Sneed Agrees On Four-Year Contract With Titans
Dak Prescott2 days ago

No Indication A Deal Is Coming For Dak Prescott
Calvin Ridley2 days ago

To Have Big Role In Tennessee
Josh Jacobs2 days ago

To Be Used More In Passing Game
Brandon Saad2 days ago

Gets Another Goal In Monday's Loss
Logan Thompson2 days ago

Stretches Winning Streak To Three Games
Pittsburgh Steelers3 days ago

Cameron Heyward Expected To Be Healthy For Training Camp
Zach Wilson3 days ago

Jets Could End Up Keeping Zach Wilson
Amanda Ribas3 days ago

Takes Decision Loss
Rose Namajunas3 days ago

Snaps Losing Streak
Edmen Shahbazyan3 days ago

Scores Vicious Comeback Knockout
AJ Dobson3 days ago

Knocked Out In The First Round At UFC Vegas 89
Fernando Padilla3 days ago

Gets Back On Track With Submission Win
Luis Pajuelo3 days ago

Submitted In UFC Debut
William Byron3 days ago

Dominates For Victory At COTA
Ty Gibbs3 days ago

Grabs Another Solid Finish At COTA
Chris Buescher4 days ago

Texas Native Chris Buescher Finishes Eighth At COTA
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Kyle Busch Confronts Christopher Bell Following A Top-10 Finish At COTA
Justin Haley4 days ago

Disqualified After Strong COTA Run
Martin Truex Jr4 days ago

. Rounds Out Top Ten At COTA
NASCAR4 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Worms Way Up To Sixth At COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Shane van Gisbergen Comes Down to Earth After Mediocre COTA Run
Ross Chastain4 days ago

Ran Well at COTA as Usual Despite Late-Race Fade
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Furious Charge Falls Just Short at COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

Scores Strong Finish of Fifth at COTA
Chase Elliott4 days ago

Finishes 16th at COTA After Lackluster Performance
Billy Quarantillo4 days ago

Suffers Submission Loss At UFC Vegas 89
Youssef Zalal4 days ago

Gets Submission Win In Return To The UFC
Cameron Saaiman4 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 89
Payton Talbott4 days ago

Scores KO Win At UFC Vegas 89
Justin Tafa4 days ago

Drops To .500 In The UFC
Karl Williams4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Kyle Larson4 days ago

Is One Of The Optimal DFS Options For COTA
Denny Hamlin4 days ago

Should Denny Hamlin Be Rostered For DFS Lineups At COTA?
Kaz Grala4 days ago

Is A Serviceable DFS Play For COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Will Start 12th In First COTA Cup Start
Todd Gilliland4 days ago

Is A Sneaky DFS Play With Upside For COTA
William Byron4 days ago

Is One Of The Top Favorites To Win At COTA
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Is A Comfortable DFS Play For COTA
Tyler Reddick5 days ago

the Favorite to Win at COTA
Ty Gibbs5 days ago

Looking for First Career Win at COTA
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 

2024 NFL Draft: Bold Predictions and Potential Surprises for Round 1

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we're digging into what might transpire on draft night. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones previews the 2024 NFL Draft and makes some BOLD Predictions about possible surprises and potential landing spots for the first round of the draft. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller!... Read More


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Early Look At Wide Receivers In 2024 Fantasy Football Drafts

The upcoming NFL Draft is less than a month away. While everyone is excited for the NFL Draft, fantasy players are looking forward to the regular season. While we won’t have meaningful NFL football for months, it’s never too early to prepare for your fantasy football drafts. Last year, the fantasy football world saw multiple... Read More


Spencer Rattler, College Football Transfers

Underrated Rookie Draft Targets - Early 2024 Sleepers for Dynasty Fantasy Football

We are a month out from the NFL Draft, meaning if you are here, you are probably looking for draft content and reading up on prospects. You probably have all of the information you need on stud prospects like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. That’s not what you’re here for.  Rookie draft season for... Read More


Breece Hall - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part II

The NFL's offseason, including trades and free agency, can strongly impact a player's fantasy football value. This effect can be positive or negative. For this series, we're focusing on fantasy football players who have seen their fantasy value increase. This can occur via a player's direct movement, such as a trade or signing with a... Read More


UFL RANKINGS, FANTASY FOOTBALL,

UFL Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 1: QB, RB, WR, TE Rankings and Analysis (2024)

It's finally here: the UFL season is set to kick off with two games on Saturday, March 30 and two games on Sunday, March 31. Saturday's games will be broadcast on Fox Sports while Sunday's matchups will be on ESPN. The most anticipated Week 1 matchup pits the 2023 USFL champion Birmingham Stallions against the... Read More


Jared Goff - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Will the Lions Extend Jared Goff's Contract This Offseason? 2024 NFL Outlook

Jared Goff's career in Los Angeles didn't take off like many expected after his appearance in Super Bowl LIII, and he was traded to the Lions for Matthew Stafford. Goff's first season in the Motor City was terrible, but he has completely turned things around over the last two seasons. In 2022, he almost led... Read More


Kyle Pitts - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part I

Free agency symbolizes the start of a new NFL season. It's the first opportunity for NFL clubs to start addressing their weaknesses and considerably impacts how the upcoming season plays out. Just as free agency can improve or worsen a team's outlook, a player's fantasy football value is also impacted. Free agency marks the real... Read More


Malik Nabers - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

Coach Knows Ball: Malik Nabers 2024 NFL Draft Film Breakdown of LSU WR

Welcome to Coach Knows Ball, an NFL Draft series analyzing the top prospects in the 2024 class. I'm a college football coach with nine years of NCAA experience and have been scouting NFL Draft prospects for over 15 years. This series will give a deep dive into the film of some of the top players... Read More


Avoid These Running Backs in 2024: Fantasy Football Outlook

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The staff is already looking ahead to the 2024 season to help our readers get the jump on their competition. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones discusses five Running Backs that you should AVOID in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller! Be sure to tune into RotoBaller Radio... Read More


Brock Bowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers, NCAA College Football, Prospects

Brock Bowers 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Georgia TE Be Selected?

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was arguably the top tight end in college football over the past few years. Bowers was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 56 receptions for 882 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slightly slipped in 2022 as defenses started to game plan for the star tight end. Bowers had... Read More


Xavier Worthy 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Texas WR Be Selected?

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been one of the top pass-catchers in college football over the past few years. The explosive receiver was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 62 receptions for 981 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slipped in 2022. Worthy had 60 receptions for 760 receiving yards and nine touchdowns... Read More


Blake Corum - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, RB, NFL Draft Sleepers

Blake Corum 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update - When Will the Michigan RB Be Selected?

Former Michigan running back Blake Corum is one of the most popular prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. The 23-year-old is fresh off a College Football National Championship victory and a 2023 campaign consisting of over 1,300 yards from scrimmage. However, given the devaluation of the running back position and Corum not being an... Read More


Brandon Aiyuk - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News

Will The 49ers Trade Brandon Aiyuk?

Brandon Aiyuk had a career year last season, finishing seventh in the league in receiving yards (1342), second in yards per catch (17.9), and catching seven touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named to the Second-team All-Pro. However, despite many expecting them to do so, the 49ers failed to win Super Bowl LVIII and now... Read More