Raanan: Fields ‘likely’ to be Giants’ No. 2 WR

It should be noted that the Texans defense is giving up points to wideouts by the bushel this year, but in J.J. McCarthy’s first start, Fields was heavily involved. This bested his career-best yardage total by 31 yards and he added a career-high 47-yard catch-and-run. Fields doesn’t necessarily need to be added in most fantasy leagues at this point but he’s definitely making inroads towards WR4 status.

Fields saw a season-high eight targets, but caught just two of those passes for 19 yards. The Giants passing game behind Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely isn’t productive for fantasy purposes. Darnell Mooney had a carry for 20 yards while Charlie Jones caught 2-of-3 passes for 66 yards. Fields is the best option past Nabers and Likely, but he can be left on fantasy benches for Week 7 against the Texans.

Fields has now caught exactly two passes in each of his first four NFL appearances. His 12-yard touchdown was the first of his career. Jameis Winston was flushed from the pocket and found Fields on the run. The duo later connected on a similar play for a non-scoring 40-yard grab. Today was the first time Winston showed any signs of life in place of Jaxson Dart, though Fields is still going to be a tough sell WR4 in this depressed offensive environment.

Fields hasn’t caught more than two passes in a game this year. He finished third on the team in targets in Week 3. Fields is on the field plenty, he just isn’t earning that many opportunities. He is not a viable fantasy option for Week 4.

Fields struggled alongside the rest of the Giants in a game played mostly with backup quarterback Jameis Winston under center. Jaxson Dart departed after the team’s first possession with what looked like an MCL sprain based on the mechanism of the injury, something that could force missed contests from the normal starter. That would position Fields in a difficult spot to return usable counting stats in the short term. He gets the struggling Titans in Week 3, where he’ll be best left on fantasy benches.

The rookie wide receiver showcased a polished all-around skillset, reinforcing offseason reports that he had locked down the WR2 role opposite Malik Nabers. His 6'4, 220-pound frame was on full display as he was continually utilized as both a down-blocker and blocker in the second level on runs, something that should allow him to continue to operate as the clear-cut WR2 for the Giants throughout his rookie campaign. That said, the box scores highlights the obvious distinction that his snap rate — he led all Giants wideouts with 50 — won’t always translate to fantasy production while playing alongside Nabers and tight end Isaiah Likely, the latter two of whom commanded 17 targets on 29 Jaxson Dart pass attempts. The good news is that he played well ahead of veterans Darnell Mooney and Odell Beckham Jr., with Mooney having 39 snaps and Beckham just 11. Fantasy managers are best off viewing Fields as a high-end stash at the end of benches for the time being.

It’s a game that The Athletic’s Dan Duggan says “strengthened his push for the No. 2 receiver job.” His touchdown pass was from Jaxson Dart, but he was one of several receivers getting first-team snaps. It’s hard to believe Fields will be relevant early in 12-team redraft leagues unless Malik Nabers suffers a setback, but he’s squarely on the fantasy radar after a big camp.

The Giants traded up to select Fields with the No. 74 overall pick in this year’s draft, adding him to a receiver room that is noticeably thin behind Malik Nabers. This isn’t the first time Fields has garnered praise from the media, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported in late July that the Giants were “highly impressed” by the hulking receiver who made a name for himself as a contested catch specialist. It’s highly unlikely that Fields will make enough of an impact as a rookie to be a viable fantasy option, but he could prove valuable as a big target in and around the end zone for the Giants this season.

Fowler goes so far as to say there are “shades” of former Giants WR Plaxico Burress “as far as style.” This is, perhaps, technically a true statement, but almost assuredly hyperbolic. Fields, a third-round rookie, landed on a depth chart chock-full of speedy role players. He brings a unique skill set with his 6'4/218 frame and jump-ball abilities. Carving out a role this season is possible, but not a given.

Giants GM Joe Schoen recently said Fields will be the “power forward” in the team’s wide receiver corps, jumping for contested catches and blocking on the perimeter. Fields has a chance to play in year one, with speedster WR Darius Slayton coming off another sub-600-yard season. Fields warrants final-round consideration in best ball formats. Expectations must be tempered.