Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Hakeem Nicks has not caught a pass in an NFL game since December 16th, 2012. However, that will hopefully change on Sunday when the New York Giants welcome the Indianapolis Colts to MetLife Stadium as Nicks is reportedly going to start in what will be the Giants’ second preseason game of the season. Here are a few things all you fantasy football owners should watch for when Nicks takes the field:
For starters, the explosiveness that we grew so accustomed to seeing from Nicks all but disappeared last season, so keep an eye on No. 88 and see if he really has lost that all-important first step. When Nicks is clicking on the outside and Victor Cruz is hauling in balls from the slot, the New York offense looks just as potent as anyone’s.
While I know it’s a meaningless preseason game, it will be interesting to see if Nicks shows a sense of urgency considering this is a contract year for him. Barring a mid-season extension, Nicks will join Kenny Britt, Eric Decker and Jeremy Maclin on the wide receiver free agent market this summer. It’s a make-or-break season for Nicks, so it’s important to see if No. 88 is thinking about his payday this early in the 2013 campaign.
Considering the knee, toe and now groin issues that Nicks has battled in the last two years, the Giants’ physical wide out just can’t be trusted to stay healthy, so watch this game just to see if Nicks winds up on crutches or not.
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS,, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
