NFL schedule release: Predicting NY Giants’ 2021 schedule

The NFL schedule will be officially released Wednesday evening, in what has become one of the more anticipated dates on the ever-expanding NFL calendar.

While the NY Giants’ opponents for the upcoming season have been known for months, including the first ever 17th opponent, the Miami Dolphins, Wednesday we will learn the dates, times, and order of the games.

Before the schedule is released, here is our best prediction for what the NY Giants’ slate will look like:

Week 1: vs. Philadelphia Eagles 4:15 p.m.

This has to happen, right? The NFL will likely aim to create buzz with its opening weekend slate, and what will generate more energy than the NY Giants getting a crack at the team that many believe tanked the 2020 regular season finale against the Washington Football Team that kept New York out of the postseason.

Week 2: at Chicago Bears 1 p.m.

Justin Fields is a Bear, in large part because Dave Gettleman and the NY Giants fleeced Chicago out of a 2022 first-round pick in a draft night trade that allowed GM Ryan Pace to select the Ohio State alum with the No. 11 overall pick. Jones vs. Fields is an intriguing matchup at quarterback. This game is also a return to Soldier Field for Saquon Barkley, exactly one year after he tore his ACL in the same week and in the same stadium.

Week 3: at Kansas City Chiefs – Monday Night Football

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are always going to be a prime time draw, but after adding wide receiver Kenny Golladay and getting Barkley back in the lineup, the NY Giants’ offense has plenty of firepower. The Chiefs might be the most talented roster in the NFL, from top to bottom, and this could be an early-season measuring stick for how close — or far away — the Giants are from competing for a berth in the NFL Playoffs in coach Joe Judge’s second season.

Week 4: vs. Carolina Panthers 1p.m.

Sam Darnold’s MetLife Stadium return. Many believed the Jets’ selection of Sam Darnold would long be compared to the Giants taking Barkley No. 2 overall in 2018. However, Darnold is now a Panther, and Barkley’s aiming to prove he can stay healthy for a full season ahead of potentially a mammoth contract extension. This will be Giants’ fans’ first opportunity to welcome Matt Rhule as head coach of the Panthers, after he very nearly landed the Giants’ job hours before Judge’s hiring.