The TE position was a main focus on Thursday night in Week 4, as Giants tight end Larry Donnell showed why he should be the top fantasy football free agent pickup this week after being called a sleeper, as he scored three times and was a main target for Eli Manning, while Redskins tight end Niles Paul was hit hard in the game and had to leave and now his status is uncertain going forward into Week 5.
Donnell had been looked at as a sleeper option coming into the season after the Giants did not address the right end position in free agency and he was named the starter. Jerry Reese has been high on Donnell as an athlete, but he had not been developing as a pass catcher and that worried many as the season started. Clearly they have to worry no more, as Donnell has been the best tight end in fantasy not named Jimmy Graham and he showed why on Thursday night, grabbing three touchdown passes in the first half.
Donnell had his hands on a fourth but couldn't bring it in and now Eli Manning looks like he has one of those legit tight end options that everyone keeps raving about. Donnell ended up with seven catches for 54 yards in the matchup and he had eight targets overall in the game. Donnell has played very well through three games and this performance came after he caught six of six targets the previous week for 45 yards and he had a touchdown already from Week 1 of the season.
Donnell now is a strong red zone threat and he showed that he can handle tough coverage, as he made a very nice catch over a cornerback for one of his touchdowns. Donnell won't be dropping games with three TDs every week, but he is a definite threat for the Giants and huge fantasy football surprise and once Odell Beckham gets back, this team could be even better on offense. Donnell now has 25 catches through four games with four touchdowns for 236 yards and that is a solid stat line for a player who had three receptions in 16 games last season.
Niles Paul came in for Jordan Reed and was excellent for the Redskins, but he took a major hit against the Giants and now could be out. Paul had to leave the game and did not return and now the Seahawks and Redskins are next on the schedule in Week 5. Paul was hit hard and collided with two other players and was helped to the locker room. Paul ended up with three catches for 60 yards and he had been off to a strong start as well with 18 catches for 253 yards through three games coming into this matchup. For Paul, picking up Donnell or Owen Daniels is a smart move for fantasy owners until they find out his health status.
The Giants now have the Falcons at home before matchups with the Eagles and the Cowboys and those will be massive games for the team. Donnell has showed that he can be a strong option for the Giants and Eli Manning will not be afraid to go to him in the red zone.