Week 3 at Houston Texans
Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) struggled against the Cowboys, along with the rest of the Giants’ offense on Monday night. He caught only four of the nine balls thrown his way for 51 yards. OBJ is still an elite player, and while it would be nice to see the Giants’ offensive line give quarterback Eli Manning more time to get him the ball, his target share and talent should keep him among the leaders at his position throughout the season.
This week, he’ll face a Texans pass defense that hasn’t yet been tested this season by a top-level receiver, but they’ve kept top options like Chris Hogan and Corey Davis largely in check. Fantasy owners should always start OBJ, but temper expectations against a tough secondary this week.
Week 2 at Dallas Cowboys
Call it a win for Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) after he managed 11 catches for 111 yards against the Jaguars' elite secondary. Sometimes covered by Jalen Ramsey and sometimes by A.J. Bouye, OBJ showed once again why he is a premier player at his position and why he remains Eli Manning’s favorite target week.
This week, OBJ faces a Cowboys defense that limited the Panthers offense to only 161 passing yards, but he should still thrive against a shaky secondary. The Giants should have more time now that they aren’t facing the Jaguars' front seven, which should clear the way for OBJ to rack up more targets and fantasy points. He’s an elite option every week and should be active in all formats.
Week 1 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) was limited to just 25 receptions last year as an injury limited him to only four games. Now healthy, he should resume his role as the primary target in the Giants offense. He’s averaged 10.6 targets per game throughout his career and he’s a must-start every week when healthy.
The Jaguars present a tough matchup for OBJ and the Giants passing offense. They have elite players at every level of the defense and they were the best team in the league against the pass a year ago. OBJ is someone to start every week, regardless of matchup, but he gets knocked down to low-end WR1 value this week, instead of a normal top-three ranking.
Fantasy Upside
Prior to missing 12 games last season with an ankle injury, Odell Beckham Jr. was a top-10 fantasy receiver in each of his first three seasons. Over his career, he averages 6.7 catches on 10.7 targets, 94.1 yards, and 0.8 touchdowns per game. He should remain the focal point of the Giants’ passing attack, and he’s proven himself to be one of the most talented receivers in football. He won’t even turn 26 until November. If there are no lingering effects from his ankle injury he should return to form. Also, new head coach Pat Shurmur had a positive effect on the fantasy production of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen with the Vikings last year.
Fantasy Downside
Beckham can let his emotions get the best of him, as demonstrated by a suspension at the end of the 2015 season. Combined with him coming off an injury, his availability is an obvious concern. He may also lose some targets to tight end Evan Engram, who was fantastic as a rookie last year. Additionally, the drafting of Saquon Barkley second overall might lead to fewer pass attempts in general for the team. With a hefty contract in store for him, there have also been some trade rumblings.
2018 Bottom Line
If Beckham is ready to go, his tremendous upside is worth the potential risk, and he should be drafted as an elite WR1 in all league formats. He should be able to overcome trade rumors and any loss of targets to Engram or fellow receiver Sterling Shepard, and any change in emphasis to the offense. Shurmur and Manning should easily make use of their most talented pass-catcher, and he should go off the board in the late-first round of most fantasy drafts.
Week 5 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) had 7 catches for 90 yards last week against the Bucs. He’s dealing with some nagging injury issues fantasy owners will need to monitor as it gets close to game time. However, he remains an elite fantasy option in any given week, and he’s racked up 28 targets over his past two games.
This week, he’ll face a Chargers defense that hasn’t allowed a lot of receiving yards this, but they have allowed 6 passing touchdowns and 7.4 yards per attempt. Regardless of the matchup, if OBJ is healthy, he should be in your lineup.
Week 4 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) dusted off his bum ankle and scored 2 touchdowns last week against the Eagles. He led the team with 9 catches on 13 targets and wound up with 79 yards. The Giants offense looked different with OBJ in the lineup and looking healthy. He should continue to be heavily targeted moving forward.
This week, he’ll face a Bucs defense that was lights out against the Bears in Week 2, but then got demolished by Stefon Diggs and the Vikings last week. The real Tampa Bay defense is probably somewhere in between, but OBJ is an elite WR1 in all league formats regardless of matchup.
Week 3 at Philadelphia Eagles
Odell Beckham Jr. had 4 catches for 36 yards in his season debut on Monday night against the Lions. He looked like he’s still not 100%, but he was targeted 5 times and should be back to his old self before long.
However, it may be a good idea to continue to take a wait-and-see approach with Beckham against the Eagles. Philly has been average in pass defense so far this season, and Beckham may still not be 100%. I still would have him active as a WR3 option, but I might wait until next week before I start him over healthier, safer options.
Week 2 vs. Detroit Lions
Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) was a game-time decision last week against the Cowboys after suffering an ankle injury during the preseason. he ultimately ended up missing the game. The Giants offense struggled heavily in his absence and managed only three points in a lopsided defeat.
This week, OBJ should do well against the Lions, who gave up 6 catches and 74 yards to Larry Fitzgerald last week. If the Giants play from behind again, expect a lot of targets for their No. 1 WR. Regardless of the matchup, if OBJ is healthy and active he should be in your lineup.
Week 1 at Dallas Cowboys
Odell Beckham Jr. was third in the league last season in receiving yards and was second only to Mike Evans with 169 targets. He’s been Eli Manning’s favorite target since his rookie season and there’s no reason to think he won’t continue to thrive as a top threat this year.
This week, OBJ faces a Dallas defense that was a little below average against the pass a year ago and should be heavily targeted as usual. Watch the injury report, as he’s coming off a sprained ankle he suffered during the preseason. If he’s active, he needs to be in your lineup. Beckham is an elite fantasy WR1 regardless of matchup.
Fantasy Upside
Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) has had a tremendous start to his young career, with top-seven fantasy finishes in each of his first three years. He was second in the league last season with 169 targets and finished with 101 receptions for 1,367 yards and 10 touchdowns. He brings a rare combination of playmaking and reliability to the Giants offense and is one of the best in the game at his position. With the addition of Brandon Marshall to the offense, defenses won’t be able to key on him as often, and there’s no reason to think he won’t continue his dominance as an elite fantasy WR.
Fantasy Downside
He missed four games as a rookie with an injury and was suspended for some hot-headed actions on the field in 2015. Beckham caught some off-field criticisms for maturity last season, including an ill-timed vacation before a playoff game, and he continues to look undisciplined at times when he’s on the field.
2017 Bottom Line
OBJ will go in the first round of all drafts and should yet again be one of the most reliable fantasy options. He’s had double-digit touchdowns in each of his first three seasons and he’ll be in the same system with the same quarterback this year. There’s no reason to think he won’t continue to be an elite option.
