If you selected Malik Nabers for your fantasy football team, you’re in for a potential Week 1 setback. The Giants are listing him as “questionable” against Dallas, just hours before the game. This places your WR1 position in a precarious spot, especially with the time constraints on the West Coast.
For fantasy managers who picked Nabers at his third-round ADP (27th overall, WR12), this presents a troubling situation. After securing 109 catches, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns during his rookie season, a Week 4 ACL injury halted his 2025 campaign. His playing status remains ambiguous as game day approaches.
Make the Bold Move: Start Malik Nabers
Nabers has participated fully in practice, including contact drills, indicating a possibility of playing. Bobby Skinner from Giants Nation mentioned, “the sentiment is they think he’s going to go, but they won’t really know until three hours before” kickoff. The team plans to assess his readiness closer to game time. Nabers has also assured that he won’t jeopardize his future career.
Consider Back-Up Wide Receiver Options
Despite Odell Beckham Jr.’s presence at 33 years of age and Darius Slayton’s recent departure, your viable fill-ins for Nabers include Darnell Mooney and rookie Malachi Fields. Beckham’s uncertain workload makes him a last resort. Mooney seems to be a stable choice as the Giants’ new primary slot target. Meanwhile, Fields could offer a surprising performance with projections of around five touchdowns and over 600 yards this rookie season.
Monday Night Alternatives
Placing Nabers in your FLEX spot can give you some flexibility. With the Monday night Broncos-Chiefs game, you gain an extra 24 hours to make a decision. If Nabers is ruled out, consider pivoting to Denver’s Marvin Mims Jr. or Greg Dulcich, or Kansas City’s Xavier Worthy or Noah Gray.
The Case for Starting Nabers in Week 1
It’s only Week 1, and its outcomes do not dictate your entire season. Critics have already questioned your decision to draft Nabers after his ACL injury. Stand by your choice and start your key players for this opening week.
For further input, reach out to Alejandro Avila at [email protected] or follow him on X: @alejandroaveela.