During July, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be analyzing the schedules of every team in the NFL and ranking each game in order of difficulty (with one being the most difficult). This series will be split up into the eight most difficult games (ranked 1-8) and the eight easiest games (ranked 9-16) for each team. In this article, the New York Giants easiest games are the focus.
New York Giants Easiest Games in 2016
9. Week 14 vs. Cowboys
If Tony Romo remains healthy, this should be another exciting divisional game. Demarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, and Rolando McClain (assuming he isn’t cut) will be playing in this one, but the Cowboys defense still shouldn’t be able to stop the Giants offense. Home-field advantage certainly dropped this game down in the difficulty ranking.
10. Week 3 vs. Redskins
Both games against the Redskins are in the middle of the difficulty spectrum for a reason. These teams are evenly matched and this game is obviously a bit easier because it is in East Rutherford. This game could set the tone for the rest of the season, as both teams will have one game played against the Cowboys already. Two divisional losses in three games would be devastating for either team. That being said, who doesn’t want to see Odell Beckham Jr. face off against Josh Norman again?
11. Week 9 vs. Eagles
This slot could have been given to the Ravens, but the Eagles have earned the advantage with four consecutive victories against the Giants. Until the Giants snap the streak, a game against the Eagles can’t be considered any easier. That being said, this is a home game and the Eagles still have plenty of questions on offense. On paper, the Cowboys and the Redskins are better teams, so this is the easiest divisional game on the schedule.
12. Week 6 vs. Ravens
The Ravens are an interesting team. Last season was probably an anomaly because of the injuries Baltimore sustained, but it’s difficult to place this game above any of the divisional games. The Ravens could move up this ranking after the first few weeks, but after a five-win season, this is where they belong for now.
13. Week 11 vs. Bears
The additions of Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman sneakily gave the Bears the best inside linebacker duo in the league. The debut of Kevin White is also exciting, as he should form a tremendous duo with Alshon Jeffery. The Bears are on the rise, but Jay Cutler has failed to prove that he is more than an average starting quarterback. The loss of Matt Forte bumps this game below the Ravens on the difficulty scale.
14. Week 2 vs. Saints
Last season, the game between these teams was literally decided by the first team to score 50 points. The Giants defense isn’t nearly as bad this season and that game was in New Orleans, so don’t expect to see a repeat of that embarrassing defensive performance. Eli Manning should be able to capitalize against one of the worst defenses in the league, so this game should be easier than the Bears game.
15. Week 15 vs. Lions
The loss of Calvin Johnson cannot be highlighted enough. This season will define Matt Stafford, and this game could be one of his last in Detroit. The Lions aren’t intimidating on either side of the ball, so that is probably worse than being one-dimensional like New Orleans. It will be interesting to see if A’Shawn Robinson can help return Detroit to their once intimidating interior presence.
16. Week 12 at Browns
The Browns are probably the easiest game on every opponent’s schedule. Cleveland won a grand total of three games last season and somehow managed to get worse in the off-season. Will Robert Griffin III make a miraculous comeback? It’s unlikely given the situation, but that is the most interesting storyline for this team. Football might not be Cleveland’s best sport, but at least the city finally won a championship.
Check out the New York Giants Most Difficult Games in 2016.
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