Eli Manning won the Super Bowl last year and ended the season in dramatic fashion by throwing the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds to defeat the undefeated Patriots.
So that would mean he enters this season ready to become an elite Fantasy quarterback, right? Not so fast.
Manning still remains mired in mediocrity. And now that he's won a title, the pressure to perform could be even worse, according to one of his teammates.
"I think there's going to be a lot more pressure on him," Giants cornerback Aaron Ross said in an interview with CBSSports.com this offseason. "Now that he won a Super Bowl, the standards are higher. People are going to expect him to play every game like he did during the Super Bowl run. Now he's got to improve on what he did last year and do it again."
In the playoffs, Manning passed for 854 yards, six touchdowns and one interception in four games. He averaged 214 yards per game, which was better than his regular season of 209 yards per game, and he also threw 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions during the year.
Manning has never been a great Fantasy QB. He's passed for at least 23 touchdowns the past three years, but he's also thrown at least 17 interceptions and never eclipsed 3,800 passing yards.
His receiving options this year also are questionable. Plaxico Burress fought through ankle and knee injuries last season, but he's complaining about his contract coming into training camp. And now that he's won a Super Bowl, his motivation to play through pain might not be as high.
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Last we saw Eli Manning, he was escaping the Patriots.
(US Presswire)
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Tight end
Jeremy Shockey is returning from a broken leg, but he also is having off-field issues with management about his status with the team. And WR
Amani Toomer is a year older at 34, and the young receivers
Steve Smith,
Sinorice Moss, rookie
Mario Manningham and
Kevin Boss might not be ready for starring roles.
It leaves Manning in his same role heading into 2008. He is a serviceable quarterback on some weeks and disappointing on others.
He's the type of Fantasy QB you want to draft as your backup. If he begins this season where he finished last year, then he could start for you some weeks or be a good trade option.
Most likely, Manning will remain a No. 2 Fantasy option. His Super Bowl victory was nice, but he will have trouble playing that way for a full season.
Positives: His confidence should be high after the Super Bowl victory. In his final five games last year, including the playoffs, Manning had 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. He added receiving options this year with the return of Shockey and drafting Manningham.
Negatives: The pressure is on Manning to play at the postseason level for a full year. Burress is upset with his contract, and Shockey is upset with the team, which could leave Manning without his two best receiving options. The Giants will remain a run-heavy offense.
Outlook: Manning should be considered on the cusp of a starting Fantasy option. He falls into a group with Marc Bulger, Donovan McNabb, Matt Hasselbeck, Jay Cutler and Jake Delhomme, but Manning is at the tail end of that group. If you draft Manning as your starter, you will be disappointed. But if he's your No. 2 Fantasy QB then you have a solid player in that position.
Position battle: No. 2 running back
 | Derrick Ward
Pro: He wasn't in prison during the offseason, so he gets the nod in attendance. When given time in 2007 in place of an injured Jacobs, Ward shined. He ran for 448 yards and two touchdowns in a limited role the first seven games before getting hurt and then had 154 yards rushing and a touchdown in his final game of the season at Chicago in Week 13.
Con: He's injury prone, having missed eight games and is coming off a broken leg suffered against the Bears. Bradshaw played well once Ward was out. He is a small back at 5-foot-11, 228 pounds, so he will never replace Jacobs in short-yardage situations. |
 | Ahmad Bradshaw
Pro: Bradshaw played well down the stretch once Ward was hurt and looked good in tandem with Jacobs. In the postseason, Bradshaw led the Giants in rushing with 208 yards on 48 carries (4.3 avg.) with a touchdown, adding 27 receiving yards. He has plenty of speed and good hands.
Con: Bradshaw spent time in prison this offseason, and he could face a suspension from the league. He was the backup to Ward last season before Ward was hurt. Like Ward, Bradshaw is a small back at 5-foot-9, 198 pounds. | | Prediction: With the offseason arrest, Ward has passed Bradshaw as the primary backup to Jacobs. Look for Bradshaw to also get carries, but Ward is the better handcuff option. If Jacobs gets hurt, look for both to share carries, but Ward is worth taking a late-round flier on in all leagues. | |
Position battle: No. 2 wide receiver
 | Steve Smith
Pro: Smith will be looking to build on his impressive postseason when he caught 14 passes for 152 yards and helped New York win the Super Bowl. He was the third receiver last year when healthy as a rookie and has the most upside to win the job this year.
Con: Smith only played in five games last year due to a shoulder injury. He is still looking for his first touchdown. He's small at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds. |
 | Mario Manningham
Pro:: The Giants drafted Manningham in the third round of the NFL Draft. His stock fell prior to the draft, but he was believed to be one of the best at his position in college. He has good hands and showed the ability to make plays at Michigan.
Con: He might be more of a long-term option for the Giants once Toomer decides to retire. He has been banged up in minicamp with a hip injury, so that is something to monitor. | | Prediction: Smith is the third option, but the Giants are loaded with secondary receiving options in Smith, Manningham, Sinorice Moss and David Tyree. Plan on taking Smith with a late-round pick in seasonal leagues, and draft Manningham with a middle-round selection in rookie-only drafts. | |
