Fantasy Outlook: Running Back Faces Favorable Matchup in Jets vs. Giants

Big play ball carrier looks ready to explode in Week 8 rivalry game

Running backs Saquon Barkley and Breece Hall will be on opposite sides of Sunday's local rivalry game between the New York Giants and New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

As Jets Country sees it, however, only one of those ball carriers is worth banking on for a big day in the fantasy football world and his last name isn't Barkley.

Although one of the most-talented runners in the NFL, Barkley is averaging fewer than 4.0 yards per carry this season. He's back on the field, but it's debatable if the Giants' RB1 has returned to full health from an ankle injury that costed him three games. Barkley accounted for 3.7 yards per rush in last week's win over Washington, finishing with 77 yards on the ground. 

As for the Jets, a healthy Hall has reestablished himself as the team's top option while forcing Dalvin Cook to the bench. The second-year pro, who has made a remarkably quick recovery from ACL surgery, appears to be hitting his stride just in time for a crucial part of the Jets' schedule. 

"Breece is playing at a Pro Bowl level," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday.

START: Breece Hall (Jets), RB

At 6.5 yards per carry, Hall leads all NFL rushers this season and appears to be in line for increased reps after proving he is fully back from the ACL tear he suffered 12 months ago. 

The explosive playmaker faces a Giants' defense that has been vulnerable to opposing ball carriers this season. Big Blue allowed more than 120 net rush yards in all of its first six games. Last time out, they limited Washington to 76 yards on the ground but faced only 19 rush attempts.

The Giants permit opponents to gain 5.01 yards per rush attempt, the fourth-highest mark in the 32-team league.

Opponents have rushed for at least one touchdown against Big Blue in six of seven games. After being shut out early on, Hall has reached paydirt in his two most-recent outings.

In a comparison of explosiveness, Barkley has a long rush of 34 yards over 74 attempts. In only 66 chances, Hall has recorded runs of 83, 43 and 72 yards. 

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Jets at Giants (Week 8)

Sunday, Oct. 29 • 1:00 pm ET

Location: East Rutherford, NJ (MetLife Stadium)

Watch: CBS / fuboTV (start your free trial)

Point Spread: Jets -2.5

Money Line: Jets -158; Giants +130

Total (Over/Under): 35.5

Odds provided by SI Sportsbook. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-522-4700.

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