Here is an update on the World Champion Giants after their last preseason game against the Patriots in the Meadowlands. Many 1^st stringers and injured players did not play as the coaching staff wanted to give the back-ups a long look before final cut-downs this weekend. Big Blue won the relatively meaningless game 19-14, most importantly without any new injuries!

QB – Eli Manning was wisely held out from this game. David Carr got a long look and it appears to have nailed down a roster spot. Anthony Wright did not play either. Consider Eli a very solid #2-QB in your drafts. I do not believe he is top twelve material, especially with a gimpy Plax and no Shockey. It will be interesting to see what happens to rookie Andre Woodson. He will be heading to the practice squad if Wright sticks.

RB – Brandon Jacobs only got a few carries but looked very impressive. He needs to stay on the field as he easily could roll up 1,200 yds and 10 TD’s in the season. Consider him a nice #2-RB for your fantasy team. It looks like Derrick Ward will be the primary back up as Ahmad Bradshaw will be the change of pace back. Ward makes a good handcuff for Jacobs owners later in your drafts while Bradshaw has intriguing big play ability. I think he will get 8-10 touches a game to Jacobs’ 20. Droughns is not worthy of consideration and neither is young Danny Ware if he makes the team.

WR – Plax sat out once again but looks ready for the regular season. He has started to practice and is getting acclimated to the new orthotics he is wearing with his cleats. His ankle rehab is going well also. Due to the lack of playing time in the exhibition season, I would consider him a #15-20 selection in fantasy drafts. Toomer has looked good and should get more work with Shockey gone. Eli has a very nice rapport with the veteran receiver. Amani is good #3 receiver to own in 12 team leagues. Steve Smith missed some time this summer with injuries but should settle in nicely into the #3 role on this team making him a guy to target later in your draft. Manningham, Sinorice Moss and Domenik Hixon probably won’t get much time unless someone gets hurt. Watch and learn!

TE – The Shockey era is over. This is Kevin Boss’s time. His biggest obstacle will is learning to be a good blocker as he already is an adept receiver. He is an intriguing #2 tight end in fantasy drafts. Darcy Johnson and Michael Matthews are fantasy fodder.

OL – No news here. This group is healthy and very good.

DL – Kiwanuka will take over for Osi at defensive end. A drop off for sure but not a major one. The loss will be felt more at linebacker where Kiwi was starting to settle in.

Cofield and Robbins look especially good at defensive tackle and veteran Reynaldo Wynn provides depth on the inside and outside. They are still a top 8 defense IMO.

LB – Pierce and Danny Clark are known commodities. The young backers like Wilkinson and Kehl will need to step up big time.

DB – This group is extremely deep. Corners Ross, Webster, Madison, McQuarters and rookie Terrell Thomas will push one another. Safeties Johnson and Butler will get competition from veteran Sammy Knight and 1^st round pick Kenny Phillips who has looked very good thus far.

That’s it for now! Stay tuned for the preview of the Washington game. Good luck in your drafts!