It’s never too late to start talking about New York Giants’ football. The 2015 Giants’ season is especially important because there is so much is riding on it. After years of uncertainty, the Giants finally have a favorable schedule and an above average roster. Eli Manning is in a contract year and Tom Coughlin needs to have a winning season. There could be some major changes if some big things don’t happen this year. Here’s a look of some of the top games you should be pumped for in 2015.
Week 1: @ Dallas Cowboys
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws the ball against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
What better way to open up the first night of Sunday football with one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL? The Cowboys and Giants always put on a show every year. Both teams have high-powered offenses, so it’s practically a guaranteed shootout every time they play each other.
Eli Manning and the Giants are going into this game with something to prove. Manning’s record in Tony Romo’s house is superb. He has a knack for beating the Cowboys at home. The Cowboys swept the Giants in 2014, so I could imagine that the team would be motivated to put that streak to a stop on national television.
Romo and his squad on the other hand are looking to show that the Cowboys’ winning ways are here to stay. After years of mediocrity the team finally has a consistent roster. Can they keep this up without DeMarco Murray? Only time will tell.
Week 10 vs. New England Patriots
Aug 29, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) meet on the field after the game Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Giants 28-20. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Well, this game pretty much speaks for itself. Manning is the only quarterback in the NFL to beat Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. Even though this record doesn’t carry over to the regular season, it’s still matters in this game. There is no love lost between these two teams. In fact, every time they have played each other in the regular season, these two teams have met in the Super Bowl that same year.
Knowing this, I’m sure both teams will be motivated to play each other. After all, how good would it look for the Giants to knock off the defending Super Bowl champs? Brady and company will do everything to make sure that does not happen again.
Aside from being a Super Bowl rematch, these two teams always put on an epic show. I doubt Steve Spagnuolo forgot how to play defense against the same team he orchestrated the biggest upset in NFL history on. If the Giants want to win, they are going to count on their defense in this one. This is a game that’s late in the season and will give a lot of implications if the Giants can survive the post season or not.
Week 13 vs. New York Jets
Dec 29, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets cornerback Dee Milliner (left) celebrates his interception catch with teammate New York Jets strong safety Dawan Landry (right) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Why should be pumped for this game? Darrelle Revis will face Odell Beckham for the first time that’s why. Beckham and Revis getting matched up will instantly make this game a very interesting one. It will prove whether or not Beckham is the real deal. Of course, some New York pride comes into this one as well.
The New York Jets and Giants don’t play each other very often in the regular season. The Giants have had the Jets’ number in more recent years, but that what makes the rivalry so much sweeter. The Jets have something to prove against a Giants’ squad that has been fairly more successful than them.
Both New York teams have had a lot of buzz around them this offseason. Most notably, the Jets almost made an entire roster overhaul. They may have one of the NFL’s best defenses and to see the Giants’ offense go against them would be a real test on both sides. At this point in the season, this game will have playoff implications for both teams. Let’s see of Victor Cruz can repeat what he did to the Jets in 2011.
Week 16 @ Minnesota Vikings
Oct 21, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman (12) eludes New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won the game 23-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
This game randomly thrown into the bunch, but it will be an important one. The NFC North and NFC East are two of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. Every year in their respective divisions, there is always a team that makes some serious noise. This game is so important to watch because it has trap written all over it for the Giants.
As most of us know, the Giants love to play with their backs against the wall. So it wouldn’t shock anyone if they put themselves in a “win-out situation.” That’s where this game can be very scary. The Vikings, at least in my opinion, are going to be a very good team. They have one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks and the Giants are very weak against the run.
The Giants can’t let this one slip past them. The Vikings could easily be in the same situation as the Giants. This game is up for grabs because each team is almost equally talented. Watching these teams duke it out will be a game to remember.
Week 17 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin (left) hugs Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly after the game at MetLife Stadium. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-26. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants and the Eagles rivalry surpasses the Giants and Cowboys rivalry without any doubt in my mind. There has been countless times that the Giants have had their plans ruined by a very versatile Eagles’ squad. Chip Kelly is cooking up something in Philly and it’s up to the Giants to put a stop to it.
The NFC East always comes down to the last couple of games and one or more teams always get left in the dust. This year, there are three teams in the NFC East that could be possible playoff teams. Most likely, this game will be a win or go home for the Giants and the Eagles. You never know what you’re going to get out of either of these teams and that’s what is so exciting about this game
The last game of the season is a divisional one for the Giants and that makes it oh so sweet. The only thing is that Kelly better find a way to contain the high-powered Giants offense. No one knows whether or not his experiment will work. Jason Pierre-Paul could put the final nail in the coffin for Sam Bradford and his new team. The Giants got swept by the Eagles as well in 2014, so it’s the perfect time to get back at their most hated rivals.
What do you think Giants nation? What Giants’ game are you the most pumped for in 2015? Vote and comment below!
Next: New York Giants: Top 10 Giants Of All Time
More from GMEN HQ
- Ranking Dave Gettleman’s 5 worst Giants moves after the Kenny Golladay release
- Workout clip of Evan Neal training with former All-Pro OT has Giants fans excited
- NFL Draft Schedule of Events: How to Navigate Draft Weekend
- 4 NY Giants who must step their game up in 2023
- This SEC CB at No. 25 overall for the Giants is gaining steam