The New York Giants' passing game dynamics shifted significantly with the emergence of wide receiver Malik Nabers as the primary target, alongside Wan'Dale Robinson. By 2023, tight ends were only targeted 21.9% of the time in passing plays, catching 53.9% of those passes and accounting for 25.1% of total yards. In contrast, receivers were targeted 56.9% of the time, showcasing a stark contrast in production with 23.5% of receptions and a dominating 61.2% of yards.

The 2024 season saw a further decline in tight end targets to 13.1%, while receivers garnered 71.3%. The tight ends managed to catch only 13.7% of their targets, amassing 14.5% of the yards. Red zone usage was particularly low for the tight ends, with only minimal targets translating into two catches and a touchdown across the entire season. Meanwhile, receivers exploited red zone opportunities more effectively, yielding a better touchdown rate.

This Sunday, the New York Giants face a critical moment in their tumultuous season as they prepare to take on the Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants have already suffered a significant defeat at the hands of former running back Saquon Barkley, who has had a remarkable season with the Eagles, rushing for over 2,000 yards. While the Eagles plan to rest their starters, the Giants are left to reflect on their disastrous 3-13 record, one of the worst in franchise history.

The absence of Barkley has been a significant blow to the Giants, not just in terms of his on-field performance but also his leadership in the locker room. Reports indicate that many players feel his impact was underestimated by the front office, particularly after general manager Joe Schoen chose not to offer him a contract after the season. This decision has put Schoen and coach Brian Daboll under scrutiny as the team approaches a critical evaluation period.

The New York Giants are feeling the absence of Saquon Barkley more than just on the field during a dismal 3-13 season. Barkley, who left for the Philadelphia Eagles, has become a significant loss in the locker room, with players expressing that his leadership was undervalued by the team's management. Quarterback Tommy DeVito highlighted the impact of losing both Barkley and Sterling Shepard, two vocal leaders who shaped the team dynamic.

Barkley signed a lucrative three-year deal with the Eagles, which included substantial guaranteed money, contrasting sharply with the Giants' lack of an official offer. As the Giants struggle through a challenging campaign, having lost ten consecutive games at one point, the void left by Barkley’s leadership is evident. Coach Brian Daboll remains focused on the current roster, but several players have voiced the importance of Barkley’s presence in maintaining team morale.

The New York Giants experienced a significant boost in morale following their impressive 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, which also helped them rise from the bottom of the MMQB power rankings, moving from No. 32 to No. 26. Conor Orr, who compiles these rankings, acknowledged the Giants' performance, noting that despite the Colts' desperate need for a win to remain in the playoff hunt, the Giants showcased their resilience and determination.

While Orr suggested that the Colts may have 'quit' during the game, the Giants displayed a commendable effort, especially considering their previous struggles. Key players such as tight end Daniel Bellinger and receiver Wan'Dale Robinson contributed significantly, demonstrating effective downfield blocking that allowed running back Tyrone Tracy, Jr. to achieve a remarkable 40-yard run. The Giants' offense finally began to reflect the vision of head coach Brian Daboll, with several explosive plays contributing to their success.

Quarterback Drew Lock had a standout performance, throwing four touchdown passes and rushing for an additional score, marking the first time since Daniel Jones in 2019 that a Giants quarterback achieved such a feat. Furthermore, both Nabers and Tracy reached 1,000 yards from scrimmage, making them the first rookie teammates to hit this milestone since 2006. This victory not only provided a much-needed win for the Giants but also highlighted the potential for growth and improvement within the team.

As fantasy football managers gear up for the championship round in Week 17, identifying key sleeper options becomes crucial. This week's analysis highlights under-the-radar players who could provide significant value in matchups that may not initially seem promising. With many traditional stars already rostered, these lesser-known players could tip the scale in favor of managers looking for that final push toward victory.

Quarterback Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers is emerging as a sleeper with his recent performances, including a notable showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With a season-high 298 passing yards in their previous encounter, Young may find opportunities to exploit a weakened Buccaneers' secondary. Similarly, Mason Rudolph of the Tennessee Titans presents another streaming option, particularly against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has struggled against the pass.

In the backfield, Kendre Miller of the New Orleans Saints could see a significant workload if Alvin Kamara remains sidelined, especially against a Las Vegas Raiders team that has allowed numerous touchdowns to running backs. Meanwhile, Ameer Abdullah, also from the Raiders, has carved out a role as a reliable pass-catcher, making him a viable option in PPR formats.

Wide receivers like Ricky Pearsall and Olamide Zaccheaus are also gaining attention for their favorable matchups, with Pearsall benefiting from a depleted Detroit Lions defense and Zaccheaus stepping up as the Washington Commanders' No. 2 receiver. Tight ends Foster Moreau and Daniel Bellinger are also on the radar, with both players poised to capitalize on their respective matchups against struggling defenses.

Ultimately, Week 17 presents an opportunity for fantasy managers to take calculated risks with these sleepers, potentially leading to a championship victory.