The New York Giants (2-6) will be hosting their division rivals Washington Commanders (6-2) in Week 9.
The Giants are staring at missing the playoffs for the second straight season after losing their last three games. For the Commanders, they are looking to stack another win to keep a lead for the NFC East with the Philadelphia Eagles breathing down their back.
New York could be sellers at the trade deadline so there should be some hesitation to play one of their receivers but one rookie that is shining outside of Malik Nabers should be in consideration on Sunday.
Here’s what fantasy football managers should do with Darius Slayton and Tyrone Tracy Jr. in Week 9.
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Darius Slayton
The veteran receiver for the Giants is coming off a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers where he finished with four catches for 108 yards on seven targets. He has seen at least seven targets in three of his last four games.
Per Pro Football Reference, the Commanders are allowing the ninth-most fantasy PPG to the receiver position this season. But over their last four games, only one receiver finished over 75 receiving yards, which was Zay Flowers. Plus, they haven’t allowed a receiver to score a touchdown since Week 4.
Another underlying factor in Slayton’s value this week is that his name continues to be rumored in potential trade talks and the deadline is this Tuesday. If there is a deal looming, New York could limit his snaps to avoid an injury derailing from that happening.
For that reason, and that Washington has kept receivers in check over their last four games, I would leave Slayton on the bench on Sunday.
Verdict: Sit ‘Em
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Tyrone Tracy Jr.
The rookie running back had his best game of the season against the vaunted Steelers defense this past week. Tracy Jr. finished with 20 rushes for 145 yards and a touchdown. He also had two receptions for five yards on three targets.
He has touched the ball at least 17 times in three of his last four games. There was a worry that Devin Singletary Jr. would cut into his snaps, but in both games when the veteran came back in the lineup, Tracy Jr. has played over 60% of the snaps.
The Commanders are tied for the 13th-most fantasy PPG allowed to running backs this season. Two running backs have finished over 100 rushing yards versus Washington in their last four games, which was Derrick Henry and D’Andre Swift. They have allowed four running back touchdowns in their last three games.
Tracy Jr. did suffer a concussion in Week 8, but he has already cleared the league’s protocol so he should be good to go for Sunday’s bout.
Verdict: Start ‘Em