New York Giants: Upcoming schedule looks bleak for Big Blue
It’s hard to believe that heading into the bye week at 1-6, the Giants have already played the easier half of their schedule.
With games against the 3-3 Lions, 2-4 Buccaneers, and a home game against the 3-4 Chargers (who didn’t have a win at the time the Giants played them), the New York Giants should be kicking themselves they didn’t pick up at least two more wins.
Coming up after the bye, Big Blue hosts the resurgent Los Angeles Rams and offensive guru Sean McVay. In McVay’s first year, Jared Goff has the look of a completely different quarterback. Goff is currently ranked seventh in the league in passing yards. He will be a challenge for the Giants pass defense that allows over 258 yards per game (27th).
The Rams also have a lethal rushing attack after last year’s struggles. Todd Gurley ranks third in the league with 627 yards. Opposing running backs are averaging over four yards per carry against Big Blue this season. Los Angeles’ strengths play right into the Giants’ weaknesses.
Nothing is coming straightforward for New York this season, but after LA, the New York Giants head out west to play the struggling San Francisco 49ers. This is the only game on paper for the rest of the season that on paper, should see Big Blue win.
Much like the Giants, San Francisco has trouble on defense, ranked in the bottom third of the league in both categories. Despite promising signs from C. J. Beathard last week, if the G-Men handle business correctly, this should get them their second win.
Down the Stretch
A week later, the New York Giants host the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have an offense ranked third in the league and averaging close to 400 yards per game. They are ranked top five in passing and rushing, so the Giants defense will have their hands full.
However, don’t completely rule out the G-Men. The Chiefs defense has struggled this season, giving up 396 yards per game. Also, the game is not at Arrowhead Stadium, thankfully for the Giants.
The next game is against division-rival Washington on the road in prime time on Thanksgiving. Another potent offense ranked top-10 in the league, the Redskins have impressive wins at Los Angeles Rams, and home against the Oakland Raiders.
Running back Chris Thompson only averages about seven attempts per game, but is averaging five yards per carry, which could give the Giants trouble. The Giants also host the Redskins in Week 17 to close out the season.
New York Giants
The road trip continues the following week in Oakland to take on Derek Carr and the Raiders. The Raiders are coming off one of the games of the season, with Carr engineering a comeback to stun Kansas City 31-30. He’s thrown for 11 touchdowns compared to only four interceptions this year.
Following the road trip, the team has a two game homestand against divisional opponents Dallas and Philadelphia. It’s no secret that these games won’t be easy. Despite a .500 record, Dak Prescott has still thrown for 14 touchdowns and only four interceptions.
Following Dallas, the Giants host legitimate NFC contenders Philadelphia. In his second year, Carson Wentz has turned into a true MVP candidate. With a season QB rating of 104.0, he’s thrown for 17 touchdowns already The Birds currently sport a 6-1 record. LeGarrette Blount has also been a good signing for the Eagles. He averages 5.0 yards per carry and that could trouble a Giants defense that allows 120 rushing yards per game.
Week 16 the Giants again head out west to take on the Arizona Cardinals. A report by CBS Sports said Carson Palmer hopes to return from his broken arm in less than eight weeks, but surgery is necessary. The Cardinals are struggling at 3-4, however without Palmer the team still has a top 10 ranked passing defense. With a struggling Giants offense, going against this caliber defense could be a struggle.
At the midway point of the season, Ben McAdoo and his staff need to make significant changes as the uphill climb only gets steeper from here.