The wait is just about over. After the rough 6-11 campaign in 2023, NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen and his front office worked overtime to try and get this team back on the right track. Exciting additions on both sides of the ball have made their way to town and they'll be ready to dazzle vs. the Vikings in Week 1.
In addition to new faces, returning playmakers are going to be ready to make a splash as well. Will the Giants, home underdogs to open the season, be able to post an upset victory for everyone at MetLife Stadium to enjoy? In order for that to happen, these four players in particular will need to be electric. To no surprise, Danny Dimes is on our list:
4. NY Giants QB Daniel Jones
What can we expect to see out of Daniel Jones this season? He's quite literally playing for his Big Blue career. All signs are pointing to the G-Men cutting him next offseason, but he can make that decision incredibly tough for the front office if he plays well. Jones needs to get his season going strong against Minnesota's secondary. If he plays out of his mind the same way he did the last time these two squads faced off, he will silence countless haters. Jones needs to have a big game and prove to everyone the nightmares from 2023 are behind him.
3. The entire NY Giants offensive line
Remember how bad the offensive line was for the Giants in '23? Of course you do. The group up front gave up 85 sacks, which was inexcusable. Now, the new-look OL will have its first test on Sunday at MetLife. Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan Jr., John Michael Schmitz, Greg Van Roten and Jermaine Eluemunor are ready to rock. Van Roten, Runyan and Eluemunor are the new hosses in the starting lineup, so let's see if they can be a major upgrade to what we saw last fall. If Jones is going to have a shot at impressing, his linemen need to deliver for him with quality protection.
2. NY Giants CB Nick McCloud
While no final decision has been made, it's looking like Nick McCloud is going to get the start at CB2 for Minnesota. Deonte Banks will handle covering Justin Jefferson, but McCloud is going to have to step his game up in trying to prevent Sam Darnold from looking sharp. The Giants did sign Adoree' Jackson, but is he in football shape to start this weekend?
We don't think so. Cor'Dale Flott missed a lot of time this summer due to an injury, so our gut tells us McCloud will be the one to start. The youngster was a bit up and down over the past month. If he has a rough showing, the Giants defense could be in trouble.
1. NY Giants WR Malik Nabers
You probably had a feeling we were going to close things out with No. 6 overall pick Malik Nabers. We can't wait to see what this kid can do. He's the savior for this offense and a star receiver Jones has been begging for. This is a great opportunity for Nabers to start things off the right way. Can we dream of a 100-yard game? Why the heck not.
The first-rounder has all the tools to be great and Jones will be looking his way early and often. Nothing would be better than to see him score a touchdown too and have everyone at MetLife lose their minds. If the Giants do post a win over Minnesota, Nabers will need to play beyond his years - we think he'll do just that.