Fantasy Football 2017: Early Expectations for Paul Perkins

Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants need a more balanced offense in order to go the distance next season, which is good news for Paul Perkins’ fantasy football expectations.

Running back Rashad Jennings was a huge fantasy football disappointment to owners, not to mention to even the New York Giants in on the field. Jennings averaged just 3.3 yards per attempt last season and found himself on the waiver wire in plenty of fantasy leagues everywhere.

His lack of consistency and production led to him being cut this offseason as a cap casualty for the Giants. It made sense as it now gives a golden opportunity to others in stepping up and claiming a starting spot on what is a pretty efficient offense.

The only problem the overall offense of the Giants had was it was too one-dimensional. It wasn’t hard to keep their offense in check by opposing defenses since you knew they would more likely than not air it out to keep the chains moving.

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When you have a future Hall-of-Famer in Eli Manning and some pretty amazing wide receivers around him, it’s not hard to figure out how to prevent them from doing major damage. But with a balanced commitment to the run and a ground game that actually is effective and keeps opponents guessing, things will be looking up for Big Blue come next season.

Running back Paul Perkins could very well fit that role and then some. Perkins showed some potential in his rookie season last year as he totaled 456 rushing yards on 112 attempts, but failed to score a single touchdown. Again, that’s expected in such a pass-heavy offense, but early expectations when it comes to his fantasy football value are good for 2017.

Considering how his ability to bring more aggression and efficiency at running back in 2016 helped him earn a starting role, an even bigger sophomore season for Perkins could be in store. The potential is there and hopefully he continues to hone his craft during the offseason in order to earn another opportunity to start for the Giants.

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With his speed, ability to make plays, and how well he does when it comes to pass-protection, Perkins should yield bigger results. Fantasy owners should take note since he could very well be a nice sleeper pick for 2017 if he’s able to once again be the Giants starting running back.