Giants @ Saints Week 15 Game Preview
Jonathan Fuller breaks down the Week 15 matchup between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints from a fantasy football and betting perspective.
New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints
It is Tommy DeVito’s world, and we’re all just living in it. At least, that’s how it feels following the undrafted rookie’s third consecutive win.
The Giants managed to knock off the Packers on Monday Night Football thanks to DeVito’s late-game heroics, which saw him lead a game-winning drive in the final two minutes of a dramatic game that temporarily derailed Green Bay’s playoff momentum.
The rookie QB is one of the most entertaining storylines of the year and he has a chance to keep the magic going in New Orleans in Week 14.
While the Giants might not be in playoff contention at 5-8, the Saints very much are in contention at 6-7, thanks to the sad state of affairs that is the NFC South. Every win is at a premium in that division, so they need to take care of business as home favorites in this one.
Both teams want their offense to flow through the running game, as they have both ranked in the bottom half of the league for situation-neutral pass rate over the last four weeks. The Saints, in particular, have leaned into the run-heavy approach with a -7% dropback over expected rate over their last three games vs. -1% for the season.
Giants defense ranks 29th in rush EPA allowed per play so this sets up well for Alvin Kamara to continue his strong fantasy season.
Despite New York seemingly being stronger against the pass, they still rank 30th in points given up to the WR position this season, so you can start Chris Olave with confidence, assuming he’s cleared of his ankle injury.
For the Giants, Saquon Barkley will continue to get all the touches he can handle as the team’s primary offensive weapon. DeVito flashed some rushing upside against the Packers, which will give the New Orleans defense something else to account for and may help open up some lanes for Barkley.
In the receiving game, we have seen some of the Giants' young pass catchers emerge in recent weeks as both Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson have delivered a big game in their last two weeks. The team may also get a boost in the form of Darren Waller, who is expected to return from injury soon.
The Saints' defense has been solid, but not spectacular, pretty much across the board this season. Their success at limiting opposing players in fantasy has as much to do with their tendency to slow the game down as it does with the strength of their defensive unit.
Saquon is a strong start, just like most other weeks, and you don’t want to be starting anyone else in traditional redraft leagues. Robinson has some appeal in DFS contests thanks to his role in the passing and rushing attack, but he might be a popular option coming off his primetime performance.