The New York Giants could hardly have scripted a better opening night. They defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-20 at MetLife Stadium. New York controlled the football for more than 36 minutes. Jaxson Dart delivered three touchdown passes and added 54 rushing yards. Cam Skattebo powered the ground game with 81 rushing yards and a touchdown. Malik Nabers returned with six catches for 69 yards. Isaiah Likely emerged as the biggest surprise. He caught all eight of his targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns. The Giants finished with 394 total yards and converted nine of 11 third downs. That created plenty of fantasy football intrigue ahead of Monday night's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.
The injury report now adds another layer. New York's offensive core enters Week 2 relatively healthy. However, injuries in the secondary could force the Giants into another high-volume offensive environment.
Malik Nabers
The biggest fantasy football development is Nabers' health. After returning from his knee injury in Week 1, Nabers emerged without a new injury designation. He remains off the Week 2 report.
His six catches on seven targets against Dallas were encouraging without requiring an excessive workload. The Giants maintained offensive balance. Nabers remained a central part of the passing game throughout the victory.
The Rams matchup should give New York plenty of reasons to move him around. Nabers can attack from the slot or outside, work underneath coverage, or stretch the field vertically. With no current injury designation, he belongs firmly in starting lineups across standard and PPR formats.
Offensive line
New York's offensive front also enters the week in solid shape. Andrew Thomas was limited during the week with an ankle issue. However, he carries no game-status designation. Meanwhile, Francis Mauigoa progressed from limited work to full participation.
That is particularly important for Cam Skattebo. He ran for 81 yards and a touchdown as the Giants generated 165 rushing yards against Dallas.
If Thomas and Mauigoa are available without restrictions, New York can maintain the run-heavy balance that helped control Week 1. Skattebo, therefore, remains a strong fantasy option. That is particularly true given his goal-line involvement.
The protection also benefits Jaxson Dart. A stable front allows the Giants to use play-action and movement throws without constantly asking their quarterback to escape pressure. That keeps the entire passing structure viable. It also will not force New York into predictable dropback situations.
Secondary injuries
The biggest concerns, though, are on defense. Starting cornerback Paulson Adebo was placed on injured reserve. That was after suffering a knee injury in Week 1. That guarantees that he will miss at least four games. Deonte Banks missed the final two practices with a calf injury. He is questionable for Monday night. Greg Newsome II, however, returned to full participation after dealing with a rib issue.
Those absences matter because the Giants are preparing to face Matthew Stafford and a Rams receiving corps led by Davante Adams. Puka Nacua, though, is also questionable because of a hip injury.
A weakened secondary could push the Rams toward an aggressive passing plan. That should increase the likelihood of a fast-paced game. That matters for fantasy football because more Rams scoring drives would force New York to answer rather than simply protect a lead with Skattebo.
Inside linebacker Micah McFadden is also questionable with a neck injury. Meanwhile, Chauncey Golston cleared his neck issue.
The fantasy takeaway
The Giants' Week 2 injury situation creates a straightforward hierarchy. Nabers is the priority start. Skattebo remains firmly in the fantasy mix. Likely deserves consideration after his eight-catch, two-touchdown breakout.
The bigger development is the defensive uncertainty. With Adebo unavailable and Banks potentially sidelined, New York could be forced into a more aggressive offensive game script against Los Angeles. That makes the Giants' healthy offensive weapons even more valuable heading into Monday night.