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 most difficult games are the focus.
New York Giants Most Difficult Games in 2017
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Week 13 at Raiders
With newly re-signed franchise quarterback Derek Carr leading their offense, the Raiders look to be the most dangerous team on the Giants schedule. They possess one of the best offensive lines in the game, two great receivers in Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper, and veteran running back “Beast Mode” Marshawn Lynch. Their offense will challenge the Giants defense, and this game will likely become a shootout. This Raiders team is one of the best teams in the NFL and being on the road, this is the toughest game for the Giants this season.
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Week 6 at Broncos
The Broncos possess one of the best pass rushes in the NFL today. Whether Von Miller is rushing from the left or right, he will cause major problems for the Giants offensive line. With the Broncos pass rush being so dominant, the Giants new offensive line will be in for a long day if they don’t improve from last season. Add in the fact that this game is on the road; it becomes one of the toughest for the Giants.
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Week 3 at Eagles
Every Giants fan cringes when he or she realizes that the Giants next game is at Lincoln Financial Field. This stadium just holds such bad memories for all Giants fans. The list is lengthy, but the worst part of it is the fact the Giants have yet to win a game here since 2013. This could be the year, but it still lands on the Giants schedule as one of their toughest matchups.
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Week 4 at Buccaneers
Taking down the new look Bucs is not going to be an easy task for the Giants. Jameis Winston adds a huge target in O.J. Howard to an already potent offense. Along with a well-rounded defense, this will be a tough game for the Giants. On the road once again, if the Giants don’t come out strong, it could be a long day.
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Week 11 vs. Chiefs
Finally a home game. This home game will definitely be the most challenging for the Giants. They face one of the best pass rushes in the game. Eli Manning will have a difficult time passing against this unit, one that includes Pro Bowlers Marcus Peters and Eric Berry. This could very well turn into a defensive battle.
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Week 1 at Cowboys
It has become a trend for the Giants to start their season against the Cowboys. Since 2012, the Giants have only won a single week 1 matchup against the Cowboys (lost in 2012, 2013, 2015; did not play week one in 2014). After taking down the Cowboys both times last year, the Giants look to continue that streak in week one. They matchup extremely well against the Cowboys, which is why this game is not higher on this list. The Giants elite defensive line can exploit the Cowboys offensive line, while the Giants mediocre offensive line cannot be exploited by a suspect Cowboys defensive front. Expect an exciting and closely contested matchup to start the season.
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Week 7 vs. Seahawks
If this game was in Seattle, it would be number one on this list. Luckily, this game is at MetLife Stadium. Nevertheless, it will not be an easy one due to the dominance of the Seahawks defense. The Seahawks offense is extremely streaky, which is also something that needs to be watched. It comes down to whether Russell Wilson & co. are clicking. This is a very winnable game for the Giants, but it will not be easy.
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Week 12 at Redskins
On the road playing a divisional rival is never an easy task. However, the Giants seem to always play well against the Redskins. With a strong defense, the Giants can neutralize Kirk Cousins and his air-raid offense. The Giants look to sweep the Redskins this year, but it will be tougher to beat them on the road.
