As the New York Football Giants embark on their 88th regular season just one week from today, the Big Blue will do so without optimum health. Couple that with an improving division and a tough schedule, Eli Manning’s bunch could be sitting at home with nothing to do come January. Leaving my objectivity hat on, let’s take a look at what may be in store for the year.
September 8; @ Dallas (8:30 PM; NBC): AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium) has been Eli’s playground in recent years, but Tony Romo usually proves to be a larger challenge than he’s given credit for. He and Dez Bryant are poised to have monster years, and with Jerry Jones constantly insisting that this is the year where his Cowboys will finally make “the leap,” the year starts out with a bang. Will Jason Pierre-Paul be ready? Will the offensive line have David Baas and David Diehl, or will first-rounder Jeremy Pugh be thrust into the spotlight at right tackle? Perhaps most importantly, will Victor Cruz have his dancing shoes on over his sore heel? I say he will and will help get the season off right in a shootout victory in Big D, 35-31.
September 15; vs. Denver (4:25 PM; CBS): Manning Bowl III comes early again for the Manning family, who would just prefer that this game would be skipped altogether. Big brother Peyton comes to the swamp one year healthier from his neck surgeries and with a Broncos squad that is primed for very big things in the AFC. Peyton always has incredibly talented receivers in his career, and Demaryius Thomas fits Peyton exactly like the security blankets that Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne did. With the Giants defensive backfield arguably being among the worst in the NFL, expect another pinball score. Unfortunately, the Broncos will spoil the Giants home opener, 38-28, which will give Peyton career bragging rights with a sweep of the head-to-head battles.
September 22; @ Carolina (1:00 PM; FOX): Last year’s heroes in this matchup, Ramses Barden (injured reserve) and Andre Brown (broken leg) are unavailable, so right from the get-go things will turn out different. But the result will ultimately be the same as the Giants will be able to harass Cam Newton into a couple costly mistakes and the Giants will cruise behind two Cruz touchdowns, 21-7.
September 29; @ Kansas City (1:00 PM; FOX) In recent years, fans would’ve seen the Chiefs as a playable “bye” week; a tune-up to get healthy and to potentially use the Chiefs as a season springboard. Well, no longer. With a quality quarterback for the first time since Trent Green, Alex Smith alone gives the Chiefs validity. Add in big-time weapons in Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe and currently injured tight-end Tony Moeaki (shoulder), and you have a team that went from a laughingstock to playoff contender in the blink on an eye. Topping it all off, Andy Reid knows the Giants from every angle from his years with the Eagles. The Arrowhead Stadium homefield advantage will return, and the Chiefs will squeak by the Giants, 28-24.
October 6; vs. Philadelphia (1:00 PM; FOX) Next season at this time, Chip Kelly’s hyper-speed Oregon offense will be a nightmare. Fortunately for the Giants, it is still very much a work in progress for the Eagles for 2013. The Giants will force and capitalize on a few turnovers from Michael Vick and will take advantage of an Eagles defense in need of an overhaul in an easy 31-10 victory.
October 10; @ Chicago (8:25 PM; NFLN) An overwhelmed and rebuilding Eagles team made it easy for the Giants starters to get a little more rest heading into the annual Thursday night game. The threesome of Jay Cutler, Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall will always be formidable, but with the Bears offensive line is still an issue. The once-vaunted Giants’ defense line rotation turns back the clock and makes like miserable for Cutler and crew. Giants pull away late, 24-16.
October 21; vs. Minnesota (8:40 PM; ESPN) Adrian Peterson does his usual thing. Dude’s a beast of the highest order. The Vikings play keep away from the Giants’ offense by using Peterson, and Eli and company can never get into gear. Christian Ponder manages the game and stays away from the crippling mistake. Vikings salt away the clock and the Giants’ short winning streak, 28-10.
October 27; @ Philadelphia (1:00 PM; FOX) For the second time in four weeks, the Big Blue get another crack at Chip Kelly’s Eagles, and the results are fairly similar. Philly’s likely looking at a top-five selection in the 2014 draft. The Giants methodically take care of business, 20-10.
November 10; vs. Oakland (1:00 PM; CBS) It’s nice two have two byes in a row. The Raiders make Al Davis cry from the heavens. Most of he Giants’ starters are pulled midway through the third quarter, as the Raiders continue their pursuit of the top pick in next year’s draft. 42-6, Giants.
November 17; vs. Green Bay (8:30 PM; NBC) Now the Giants move up in weight-class with a big-time heavyweight fight. For whatever reason, the Giants have had the mighty Packers number in recent years. With two teams that are more similar than either fanbase wants to admit, each game between the two has that feeling of a barnburner waiting to happen. This time, however, Rodgers gets the best of Eli in an overtime thriller, 34-31.
November 24; vs. Dallas (4:25 PM; FOX) The Giants can’t lose at Jerry World, and the Cowboys seem to take up residence at MetLife Stadium. It’s one of those inexplicable things, and the same holds true here. Romo and Bryant frustrate the Giants in a 35-17 romp.
December 1; @ Washington (8:30 PM; NBC) The Giants (presumably) reacquaint themselves with Robert Griffin, III and the defending NFC East champions. The Giants are in must-win mode now, coming off two tough losses, as well as still having the bad taste left in their mouths knowing that former Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes effectively handed the Redskins a playoff spot last season. With the season is growing short and every loss now magnified, the Giants come to very hostile territory and take care of the Redskins, 17-10.
December 8; @ San Diego (4:25 PM; FOX) The Giants return to face the franchise whom Eli infamously spurned prior to the 2004 draft. In the two matchups prior, the Chargers got a small sense of satisfaction against Manning and the Giants. The third time, however, will be all Giants in a 38-14 beatdown that may be Eli’s final appearance against the franchise and fanbase who may despise him more than any other.
December 15; vs. Seattle (1:00 PM; FOX) The Russell Wilson Experience rolls into the Meadowlands. The Seahawks are a trendy pick to represent the NFC in this same building in less than two months later. They do a good job of reminding everyone, including the Giants, just how good they are. The Giants put up a good fight, but Wilson drives the ‘Hawks down late for a game-winning kick, 27-24 over New York.
December 22; @ Detroit (4:05 PM; FOX) Two things the Giants want for Christmas: A playoff spot (which remains in reach at this point), and not having to play in weather in late December (fortuitous scheduling!). While the weather outside certainly portends to be frightful, with a roof , this likely will be another pinball game. Manning and Matthew Stafford put on a show with their respective high-powered offenses, which felt like a last-team-standing war. The Giants survive–barely–by the count of 44-39 in what could be one of the most entertaining/nerve-racking games of the year.
December 29; vs. Washington (1:00; FOX) Eli’s bunch close out the regular season against RG3 and the Redskins in what could be a highly meaningful game for both sides. In the end, Eli puts the team on his shoulders as he leads them to victory in a 16-13 slugfest that ultimately wraps up a Wild Card berth for the Giants with an 10-6 record.
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