Fantasy football Week 5 2017: Top 10 best matchups to attack
By Joe Romano
10. Wayne Gallman, RB, New York Giants vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The New York Giants are 0-4 but may have found something on Sunday. They lost a tight game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but the offense is finding its footing. Part of that came from rookie running back Wayne Gallman.
The young back was thrust into action thanks to injuries to other Giants backs. He finished the game with 11 carries for 42 yards. It was his first action of this young season. The fourth-round pick out of Clemson, also had an impressive blitz pick-up to allow Eli Manning to throw a touchdown pass.
Gallman was solidly behind Orleans Darkwa, Paul Perkins and Shane Vereen in the Giants backfield. With the team 0-4, a spark is desperately needed. Gallman can be that spark.
This week the Giants play the Los Angeles Chargers at home. With Eli Manning throwing the ball a ton and the team losing, it may be time for coach Ben McAdoo to switch things up. The Chargers have given up the most yards on the ground to opposing running backs. Last week, LeGarrette Blount was able to carve up this defense.
A big problem for the Giants has been pass protection and offensive line play. Those struggles are still there but a bigger back like Gallman can help negate some of those issues. His downhill running style can keep him from getting stopped in the backfield. Against a talented Chargers’ pass rush, they will need the running game to have a chance.
Gallman is a risky play because there is little clarity on the Giants backfield. If he does eventually take the reins this week, he will not look back.