Week 7 at Philadelphia Eagles
Wayne Gallman saw just 8% of the snaps last week and didn’t get a carry. He’s a complementary back to Devonta Freeman right now, and until that changes, he’s no better than a bad handcuff. Fantasy owners should leave him on waivers.
Week 6 vs. Washington Football Team
Wayne Gallman had five carries and a pair of receptions for 24 yards last week against the Cowboys. He was the change-of-pace back behind Devonta Freeman, a role that seems likely to continue after playing it three weeks in a row now. Until he gets more work, he’s really not worth rostering. Even rostering him as a handcuff is dicey, since the last time the Giants’ starter went down, they went to the street to sign their starter.
Week 5 at Dallas Cowboys
Wayne Gallman had six carries for 45 yards last week against the Rams. However, he saw just 15% of the team’s offensive snaps after seeing 35% the previous week. It seems like this is Devonta Freeman’s job for now, and fantasy owners should ignore Gallman until that changes. The Cowboys rank 10th in aFPA to opposing running backs, so even if we had confidence in Gallman’s workload, it would be hard to recommend starting him this week.
Week 6 at New England Patriots
Wayne Gallman had only two carries for 14 yards against the Vikings last week before a concussion kept him out of the remainder of the game. He’s not a lock to play Thursday night in a tough matchup against the Patriots. Even if he’s active, fantasy owners should be cautious using him against a very good defense. Watch the inactives report prior to the game, and look elsewhere if possible.
Update: Gallman is officially out. Be sure to keep him out of your lineups.
Week 5 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Wayne Gallman only averaged 3.5 yards per carry last week against Washington, but he showed the versatility the Giants need from the running back position, catching six balls for 55 yards. He wound up with 24 total touches, 118 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a blowout victory over a division rival. That’s a nice reward for fantasy owners who spent big money to acquire him after Saquon Barkley went down in Week 3.
This week, temper your expectations for Gallman against a Vikings defense that gave up big numbers to Aaron Jones in Week 2, but have otherwise been pretty stout against the run, including holding the Bears to only 2.4 yards per carry last week. Gallman’s workload makes him a candidate for RB2 numbers, but temper expectations against a tough defense.
Week 4 vs. Washington Redskins
Wayne Gallman had five carries for 13 yards in relief of Saquon Barkley last week, and with Barkley shelved for at least the next four weeks – and up to eight – with a high-ankle sprain, he should be in line for a significant increase in touches. Gallman may share time with Elijhaa Penny and it’s also possible the Giants just throw the ball more, but he’ll definitely be given a chance to be their bell-cow while Barkley is out.
This week, Gallman faces a Redskins defense that has been above-average against the run this season. They were gashed by Zeke Elliott in Week 2, but have overall allowed the ninth-least fantasy points to opposing rushers this season. Gallman has upside as the starter and he’s worth considering for RB-needy teams, but it’s risky to trust him in most leagues. He hasn’t shown much in his limited run and the Giants might elect to simply throw the ball more while Barkley is out. If he doesn’t cost you much and you really need the help, Gallman could be worth considering as a fringe RB2/RB3 option, but in most leagues, owners should let someone else burn FAAB money or waiver money on him and keep focus elsewhere.
Week 3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Wayne Gallman has gotten some complementary snaps behind Saquon Barkley through two weeks, but he’s only had five touches – all in Week 1. While he did vulture a touchdown against the Cowboys, he saw no carries last week against the Bills and it’ll be shocking if that becomes a regular thing for him. He should be considered a handcuff only, with no fantasy value while Barkley is healthy.
Week 2 vs. Buffalo Bills
Wayne Gallman vultured a touchdown last week late against the Cowboys, but he only had two carries on the day. He did catch three passes for 24 yards, making it seem like he’ll get some complementary work behind Saquon Barkley, but he’s really no better than a handcuff. Even if he vultures a scored from time to time, it’s unlikely to be consistent enough to warrant serious fantasy consideration. He should remain on waivers as long as Barkley is healthy.
Fantasy Upside
Wayne Gallman showed flashes of potential as a rookie last year, averaging 4.3 yards on 111 carries. Gallman also caught 34 passes and seems better-suited than Jonathan Stewart for change-of-pace touches. He has no chance of winning a starting job over first-round rookie Saquon Barkley, but he could have some deep value in PPR formats if he can distinguish himself in the passing game.
Fantasy Downside
The Giants will likely lean on Barkley in the run game, and barring an injury, that may not leave much work for Gallman or anyone else in the New York backfield. Stewart will also be in the mix, even if an injury occurs, limiting Gallman’s upside.
2018 Bottom Line
Gallman has some potential if he can continue to develop as a pass-catcher, but unless an injury happens to Barkley, there’s no reason for him to be on a fantasy roster. He should stay on waivers through most drafts.
Week 17 vs. Washington
Wayne Gallman has been more prominent in recent weeks, and he had 16 touches, including 6 receptions, last week for a total of 62 yards from scrimmage. The Giants still split touches in their backfield, but Gallman seems to be auditioning for a starting role over the past few games.
Washington has given up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this year, so Gallman has some upside in the final week of the season. However, with the timeshare, and the general inconsistency of the Giants’ offense, it’s hard to trust him as anything more than a low-end RB2/RB3 option in most leagues.
