Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Week 1: Monday September 8th @ Detroit Lions
The Giants’ first regular season game will be against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Monday Night Football.
These two faced each other in Week 16 last year and Big Blue defeated Detroit in overtime 23-20 — eliminating the Lions from playoff contention in the process.
Despite the Lions’ disappointing year in 2013, they showed that they can pass with the best of them by ranking third in the NFL.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has an array of weapons around him, including superstar wideout Calvin Johnson, FA acquisition Golden Tate, and Reggie Bush who is seeking to bounce back from injuries last year. The Lions have depth at TE with Brandon Pettigrew, Joseph Fauria and newly drafted Eric Ebron, all of whom will pose a threat for the Giants linebackers who aren’t great dropping back in coverage.
With that said, I see Eli Manning having a field day against the Lions’ secondary that was pretty pedestrian last year. Having another offseason to work with the young receivers, Manning will be more in sync with his weapons on the offense.
Expect there to be a sort of desperation for Big Blue in this first game. After the 0-6 start to last year, they have to start on a better foot and I believe they will.
Prediction: Giants 27, Lions 21
Credit: NFL Game Rewind (2013, Week 16 @ Detroit)
Week 2: Sunday September 14th vs. Arizona
The Giants have the tough task of facing all four NFC West teams, which won’t be kind on their W/L record. That division is strong from the top-down.
Their first test from the West will be in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, who played their way to an impressive 10-6 record in 2013. Unluckily for them they were in the same division as the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. If they were in a different division they make a playoff appearance and have a home game.
Arizona appears to be just as strong this year, if not better. After just signing their star cornerback Patrick Peterson to an extension, in addition to housing the best rush defense last year, the Cardinals defense is a force to be reckoned with.
On the other side of the ball, Arizona has the two-headed monster of Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd that test secondaries with size and strength. Despite these two playmakers, I do not see there being too many matchup problems with the Giants’ bolstered cornerback unit.
Expect one of them to have one of them to have a 100-yard game, but keeping them out of the end zone will be the key.
The Giants will need to clamp down on defense because they probably will struggle to establish a ground game against Arizona’s strong D-line.
A big defensive play by from either side might very well determine the outcome of this one. Arizona takes this one on the road against New York.
Prediction: Cardinals 20, Giants 17
Week 3: Sunday September 21st vs. Houston
Last year was an absolute disaster for the Texans. After winning the first two games of the season, they proceeded to lose the next 14 games and finished with the worst record in the league.
On top of that, their starting quarterback was booted out of town for his putrid play and infamously throwing pick-sixes in three straight games.
Despite having Arian Foster in the backfield and Andre Johnson out wide, they still have Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum and Tom Savage as options at quarterback.
Improvements have been made, but the Texans still have many problems to address. The Giants will take advantage.
Prediction: Giants 27, Texans 14
Week 4: Thursday September 25th @ Washington
There will undoubtedly be a rowdy environment at FedEx when the Giants roll into town in Week 4 for Thursday Night Football.
Although the Giants swept the season series against Washington last year, expect Jay Gruden and Co. to be more competitive this year, especially against the NFC East.
Washington’s acquisition of DeSean Jackson was a notable headline during the offseason. Jackson, who has pulled off numerous big plays against New York in the past, will instantly make their passing offense much more explosive.
With a healthier Robert Griffin III, and with Alfred Morris still in the backfield, their offense will be revitalized this season.
The home crowd will be a big lift against Big Blue, and the Giants will lose a close one.
Prediction: Washington 24, Giants 20
Credit: NFL Game Rewind (2010, Week 15)