At 34 years old and with a marginal running game and one real weapon, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning did something last season he had never done in his first 11 professional seasons: He finished in the top three in touchdown passes.
Manning tallied 35 scoring tosses in 2015. Only New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (36) had more.
With an improved supporting cast and this being Manning’s third season in coach Ben McAdoo’s offense, there is reason to believe it could only get better in 2016. Manning still has zip left in his arm. He has an increased knowledge and comfort with the offense. He’s durable and reliable.
“He’s getting better,” McAdoo said last week.
If that’s the case, Manning could be a good fantasy option this season.
Eli Manning
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 4,562.2 yards, 30.7 touchdowns, 15.4 interceptions and 272.3 points
Over or under: Over
If Manning throws 31 touchdown passes, that would likely mean regression. I don’t see that happening, with second-round pick Sterling Shepard joining Odell Beckham Jr. in the receiving corps and some interesting target options at tight end to go along with running back Shane Vereen out of the backfield. The interceptions seem reasonable, as Manning has a tendency to be careless with the ball. He had 11 fumbles last season and was fortunate to have only four recovered by the opposition. But barring a serious injury to Beckham, Manning’s passing numbers should only increase this season, with his touchdown total remaining near 35. He hit that number last year, despite pedestrian red zone stats. Manning was tied for 21st in red zone completion percentage (50 percent) and was third in red zone pass attempts (90) but 10th in touchdowns. Manning and the Giants have worked all spring and summer on being more efficient near the goal line. That should help his numbers.
Who else could see time: Nobody.
Manning has never missed a game in his career because of injury. Why bet on it now? Even if he does, Ryan Nassib has never started a game. He’d be a crapshoot, with little fantasy value.
