New York Giants 2014: Game by Game Predictions
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Week 9: Monday November 3rd vs. Indianapolis
This will be a crucial game for New York to set the tone for the rest of the season. Their three opponents after the bye will have a combined record of 36-12, starting with the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9.
The Colts acquired two former Giants, Hakeem Nicks and Ahmad Bradshaw, during this offseason. These acquisitions will ultimately provide Andrew Luck more firepower on offense. Although the Colts made the playoffs last year, they were also the beneficiary of playing in a really weak division.
Indianapolis went 6-0 against the other three teams in the AFC South. So while the Colts went 11-5 last year, the Texans, Jaguars, and Titans went a combined 13-35.
New York’s depth at CB will keep Andrew Luck in check and Eli Manning will have a big game against Indy’s new-look, albeit talented, secondary.
Prediction: Giants 24, Colts 20
Week 10: Sunday November 9th @ Seattle
I wouldn’t say that the Giants have no chance to win this game, but safe to say I don’t like their chances. They will be facing the defending Super Bowl champs, the Seattle Seahawks, who essentially have the same supporting cast as last year, sans DE’s Red Bryant and Chris Clemons.
The Seahawks are an awfully talented team, and playing in raucous Seattle will make things even more difficult for the G-Men. Seattle’s 12th Man will be out with a fury as they always are for Seahawks home games.
New York had five turnovers against Seattle last year and I see them losing the turnover battle again in this one. The margin for error is too small to overcome.
Prediction: Seahawks 31, Giants 17
Credit: NFL Game Rewind (2013, Week 15 vs. Seattle)
Week 11: Sunday November 16th vs. San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers are probably the last team the Giants wanted to see after playing the defending Super Bowl Champs on the road.
San Francisco has a nucleus of players that includes a lock-down defense, a stellar running game, and a passing game that will undoubtedly improve from last year.
Although the game should not be as lop-sided as the Seahawks game, the 49ers are the more talented team. Look for the San Francisco pass rush to have Eli Manning jumping out shadows all afternoon.
Prediction: 49ers 28, Giants 17
Week 12: Sunday November 23rd vs. Dallas
The NFC East is a funny place and in any given week a team could lose to a division rival.
I believe the Giants are the superior team on paper and should sweep the both games, but I have Dallas taking this one. Gut instinct based on precedent of the series.
Prediction: Cowboys 27, Giants 24