NFL Week 15 Preview: Detroit Lions At New York Giants — Injury Updates And Where To Watch
With just three games left in the regular season, both the Detroit Lions and New York Giants appear to be well on their way to the NFL Playoffs. The Lions currently have the second-best record in the National Football Conference, holding a two-game lead over the second-place Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. Meanwhile, the New York Giants continue to chase the division- and conference-leading Dallas Cowboys. They have the best record in the NFC of any team not leading their division — and the same record as the Detroit Lions at 9-4.
After a rather mediocre start to the season, Eli Manning, Odell Beckham, and the NY Giants have won seven of their last eight games, including an important 10-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys last week. But Matthew Stafford and the Lions have won five straight. As noted by FOX Sports, Stafford suffered torn ligaments in the middle finger of his throwing hand during Detroit’s 20-17 win over the Chicago Bears last week. Acknowledging that wearing a glove on his throwing hand is “never fun,” the quarterback says he’ll go with whatever glove seems “most functional” and that he “can perform best with.”
Week 15 Injury Updates
According to Saturday evening’s injury report from CBS Sports, the Giants have one player out for Sunday’s game with an injury, one out for suspension, and three others who may sit out as well. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (core muscle injury) is listed as “Out” for the match-up against the Lions, while running back Nikita Whitlock continues to serve a 10-game suspension. Fellow running back Shane Vereen (concussion) saw limited practice on Friday, as did linebacker Keenan Robinson (shoulder injury) and safety Nat Berhe (concussion).
The Detroit Lions, by comparison, have a slightly longer list — and that doesn’t include Stafford’s finger. Center Travis Swanson is out for Sunday’s game due to a concussion, while running back Theo Riddick (wrist injury) is listed as “Doubtful.” Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder injury), tight end Eric Ebron (knee injury), linebacker DeAndre Levy (knee injury), cornerback Darius Slay (hamstring injury), and running back Zack Zenner (concussion) all saw limited practice on Friday and are considered questionable for their game against the Giants.
Predictions: Top Performers For Fantasy Football — Lions at Giants
For fantasy football players, still being active in Week 15 probably means that you’ve made it to your league’s playoffs. According to standard fantasy football scoring provided by the NFL, the player with the highest projected performance for Detroit vs. New York is Giants quarterback Eli Manning (16.96 points), the only player expected to be a Top 25 performer in Week 15. New York’s Odell Beckham (13.50 points) is projected as the second-highest point-earner of the game. The top two prospects from the Detroit Lions include running back Dwayne Washington (13.30 points) and quarterback Matthew Stafford (13.00 points).
Neither team has a tight end or a defense that is expected to stand out in the fantasy football world for Week 15. New York kicker Robbie Gould (11.00 points) is projected to be the third most productive at his position in the NFL this week.
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Remaining New York Giants Schedule — 2016
After hosting the Lions in Week 15, the Giants finish the season with two games on the road. In Week 16, they travel to Lincoln Financial Field to play the Philadelphia Eagles (5-8). They finish the regular season at FedEx Field when they play the Washington Redskins (7-5-1) on New Year’s Day in Week 17.
Remaining Detroit Lions Schedule — 2016
After traveling to East Rutherford to play the NY Giants in Week 15, the Lions have just one away game left in the 2016 regular season. They travel to Dallas to play the Cowboys (11-2) in Week 16. They finish the regular season at home as they host the Green Bay Packers (7-6) in Week 16.
Where to Watch New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions
Sunday’s Week 15 match-up featuring the Detroit Lions at New York Giants will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The game will be televised on FOX and the NFL RedZone with coverage beginning at 1:00 p.m. EST. The game can be heard live on Sirius XM Radio and can be viewed online with a subscription to NFL Game Pass.
[Featured Image by Nick Laham/Getty Images]