Split backfields pose endless headaches for fantasy football managers, with usage and snap-share adding further variables to an already game-script-dependent position. Some split backfields are fantasy-friendly, like the Detroit Lions’ iconic Sonic and Knuckles partnership of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Others, such as this year’s New York Giants backfield, are far less obvious, leaving managers with some seemingly impossible decisions to make in drafts. In this article, I’ll weigh Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo’s potential usage as the two prepare to compete for snaps in 2025.
All Change in New York: Will the Giants’ Backfield Improve in 2025?
Not only do the Giants have a new rookie running back in Skattebo, but they also added three new quarterbacks this offseason. Veteran signings Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston were added before the NFL Draft, during which Jaxson Dart became a Giant on Day 1.
With Dart set to serve as a willing understudy in 2025, it will be Super Bowl winner and 10-time Pro Bowler Wilson who leads the team. Though known for his deep ball, Wilson has been a running back-friendly quarterback in recent years. In fact, Wilson has recorded the league’s highest (29.5% in 2023) and ninth-highest (22.3% in 2024) rate of targets to the running back position over the past two seasons.
Tracy impressed in New York as a rookie last year, despite it being just his second full season at running back. The former wide receiver demonstrated explosiveness on the ground and through the air and will be considered the favorite for passing-down work in 2025.
TYRONE TRACY JR. ESCAPES AND GETS THE GIANTS ON THE BOARD TO START THE 2ND HALF.
(: @NFL)pic.twitter.com/oWZSRNTcdL
— theScore (@theScore) November 10, 2024
Skattebo, meanwhile, turned 45 receptions into 605 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, while adding a further 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground. That production suggests he’ll be a significant factor in the Giants’ running game, potentially even taking on a three-down role eventually.
Who Should I Draft: Tyrone Tracy Jr. or Cam Skattebo?
Tracy’s proven NFL ability makes him a near-guarantee for significant work in 2025. Skattebo will get his opportunity, and should be feared when he does, but his rookie status may see him eased in slowly.
In fantasy, there is always an overreaction to rookie running backs. Zach Charbonnet, Blake Corum, and Trey Benson are all examples of rookies who had managers panic-selling their veteran teammates. However, Singletary is a considerably less imposing obstacle than Kenneth Walker III, Kyren Williams, and James Conner.
Singletary had at least a 68% snap share in each of the opening four weeks of 2024, but he failed to hit 40% in any of the weeks thereafter. Skattebo will be expected to take on Singletary’s work and could then challenge Tracy once he gets settled.
Tracy remains the favorite to handle the higher snap share early on, but his efficiency on the ground declined toward the end of last season. In a probable timeshare, the Giants’ backfield could closely resemble that of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ rotation of recent years. Like Jaylen Warren, Tracy would handle the passing-down role, while Skattebo dominates the ground work like Najee Harris did for several years.
Skattebo is similar to Green Bay Packers star Josh Jacobs in that he runs with a fluid blend of power and elusiveness. His ability to bounce off tackles makes him a constant big-play threat, while his disciplined power running makes him a consistent hard-yards winner.
Being taken around Round 10 in drafts, Tracy is the bigger boom/bust pick of the two. His likely receiving usage should provide a solid floor in PPR leagues, while his explosiveness makes him a big-play threat at all times. His declining rushing efficiency, though, leaves the door open for Skattebo to steal work and could see him lose his job quickly.
Skattebo should be the more consistent fantasy scorer once he gets up to speed, and he could take on a three-down role if Tracy takes a step back. He’ll likely take most of the between-the-tackles running, including goal-line work, but he might be a non-factor in the passing game if Tracy can stick around.
