Giants Daily Blitz Blog

Fantasy Preview: Thursday Night Football

The views expressed in this article are not of the New York Football Giants but those of an independent Fantasy Expert.

RB Jacquizz Rodgers, Falcons

Last Week: 79 total yards, TD

Rodgers continues to show that he is steadily moving into the starting running back role for the Atlanta Falcons.  With a season-high 10 carries in Week 12, Rodgers managed 4.9 yards per carry average, along with two catches for 30 yards as well.  Michael Turner may be the one who gets those goal line touches every now and then with his seven total touchdowns on the year (six rushing, one receiving), but Rodgers (two total touchdowns in 2012) looks to be that big play type of back and the x-factor for the Falcons running game. Whether it’s catching a screen pass for a long gain or breaking off a big run, his development as an overall back looks to be promising and will only help with experience for the second-year player out of Oregon State.

RB Chris Ivory, Saints

Last Week: 34 rush yards

Ivory is an explosive player who is either going to score on a 56-yard touchdown run (like he did in week 10 against the Falcons) for your team, or have 16 carries for 71 yards (which was produced in his past two contests he has played in).  The Atlanta Falcons rush defense ranks 22nd in the league, giving up an average of 123 rushing yards.  With the Saints’ three-headed running attack that is Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas and now Chris Ivory, it is always in question who will be the break out back of the game.  Evidence based upon the teams’ last meeting just a few weeks ago, history would say go with Ivory (seven carries for 72 yards and a touchdown).  Ivory it is.