We’re approaching the 2024 season. Every year, a few players seize on the right opportunity and surprise for fantasy players. The value comes from trying to predict who it will end up being this time of year and stashing them. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be looking at some 2024 sleeper candidates at each of the key fantasy positions: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. Hopefully, these are players you can acquire at a value that will propel you to fantasy glory.
As we go through my running back selections, we get to a desperate team and a player that almost feels obvious. The New York Giants have a tough roster, having lost two of the skill position players they did have when Darren Waller retired and Saquon Barkley left for the Eagles. The loss of Barkley, in particular, leaves a big hole to be filled. But the Giants were judicious in free agency and the draft. So, is there still fantasy value to be gleaned from the backfield? Let’s weigh the evidence.
The Case for Devin Singletary
Singletary, who signed as a free agent after a year with the Houston Texans, was the Giants’ big acquisition this off-season this off-season. He steps in as the best back on the roster with plenty of opportunity before him. The Giants saw their top two backs from 2023 leave the team. Barkley led the team, racking up 247 carries for 962 yards and six touchdowns. Matt Breida had 55 carries for 151 yards and a touchdown. Combined, that is 302 carries vacated. They also combined for 58 receptions.
That’s where Singletary comes in. He took over down the stretch for the Texans, finishing as RB32. He had a career-high 216 carries for 898 yards in 2023, too. In addition, Singletary has a history with Giants’ Head Coach Brian Daboll. He was Singletary’s Offensive Coordinator in Buffalo his first three seasons. In 2021, their last year together, Singletary carried 188 times for 870 yards and seven touchdowns. He finished as RB18 that season. Now, he has a chance to take another step forward in 2024 as the lead for the Giants.
The Case Against Devin Singletary
There aren’t a lot of external forces working against Singletary with the Giants. The team’s running back room is thin—very thin. Behind Singletary, there’s second-year back Eric Gray and rookie Tyrone Tracy, Jr. Gray had only 17 carries as a rookie. Tracy, meanwhile, was a late-round selection. Neither profile as a three-down workhorse back, and neither brings the experience in the NFL—or Daboll’s system—as Singletary.
The biggest challenge to Singletary might be his own history and the team. The Giants’ offense is a work in progress. The team added Malik Nabers but lacked a strong passing game and a solid offensive line. That might make for some tough sledding for Singletary. In addition, Singletary’s 216 carries in 2023 was a career high. Before last season, he had never carried more than 188 times. Can Singletary carry the load even if it’s available? That’s a question heading into this season.
The Bottom Line
Singletary is an interesting candidate. He seems to have a clear path to meaningful touches and a familiarity with the offense. And yet, he hasn’t ever carried this big a load. Still, the last time he was together with Daboll, he finished as RB18. He’s currently going as RB34. Given his path to touches and limited competition, he’s a great stash heading into 2024, particularly if he’s your third or fourth option at the position.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
