It's no secret the NY Giants start to the season has been miserable. Both for the team and for the fans. Big Blue sits at 1-5, is at the bottom of the NFC East and is in serious contention for a Top 5 pick. The team's performance hasn't met expectations, but they haven't had the easiest go of things.
Andrew Thomas has been injured since week 1, Saquon Barkley missed three games and now Daniel Jones is in danger of missing this week's game against the Commanders. The injuries themselves stink, but to make matters worse, the Giants have gone through a gauntlet through the first six games.
Their opponents have a combined record of 22-13. That doesn't bode well even with a healthy roster. However, as the schedule starts to lighten up a little, there is a chance for the G-Men to turn things around over the next month. Here's a look at the next five games:
5. Against the Commanders - Win
No team will play as hard as when they're desperate for a win, and that's exactly the spot the Giants are in. They've lost four straight since their miracle in Arizona and are on life support. This should be a kitchen sink game for Brain Daboll and Co. Fans should expect a whole bag of tricks thrown at the Commanders in every facet of the game. Especially for a team that seems allergic to scoring touchdowns, they need to pull out all the stops to get the offense going.
Jones is questionable to play this week, but even if Tyrod Taylor is under center, the Giants should come out of here with a win. Taylor showed good control of the offense in last week's game against the Bills, but just couldn't finish off drives. With the Giants' current standing, that should change. This game will tell all of Big Blue nation how the rest of the season is going to play out. The team will either believe they can turn things around or the downward slide will continue.
4. Against the Jets - Win
Obviously, this is controversial. One win in a row is crazy enough for this team, but two? Insanity. The Jets had their biggest win of the season, giving the Eagles their first loss and head into their bye week feeling pretty good. After facing the Giants, they have a Monday night game against the Chargers in Los Angeles and this is where the Giants can take advantage.
If all goes well, the Giants are 2-5, but not exactly a threat. They're a classic "look ahead" team for the .500 Jets. The team's performance hasn't met expectations, but they haven't had the easiest go of things. This will be a great opportunity for the Giants to remind people of how good they can be on both sides of the ball.
The Jets are without Aaron Rodgers, but Zach Wilson has shown glimpses of potential at times. However, Wilson has also struggled a bit, which means good news for the NYG defense. Look for the Giants to make life difficult for Wilson and Co.
3. Against the Raiders - Win
The Giants have some good vibes going after two straight wins and they will carry it with them to Las Vegas. Barkley will continue his good play and take advantage of another team that's toward the bottom in rush defense. Coming off a probable Monday night loss to the Lions, the Raiders will struggle to prepare after a short week.
There is a chance Jimmy Garoppolo is still struggling with his injury and the Giants defense faces either Brian Hoyer or Aidan O'Connell. Regardless of who is under center, this will be a big game for the Giants defense. Deonte Banks will have a true coming out party with the way he covers Davante Adams and proves to be the true CB1 of this team.
This is going to be a tough road test for the Giants, but it's yet another winnable game for them. If they're able to come out on top against the AFC West side, the G-Men would improve to 4-5 on the season. Dare to dream?
2. Against the Cowboys- Loss
This one is pretty simple. The Giants don't beat the Cowboys. They can't beat the Cowboys. Since 2017, Big Blue has a 1-12 record against their rival. Unfortunately for the G-Men, that trend is going to continue. The bright side is this one will be a lot closer than the 40-0 dominace we saw in Week 1. The defense plays well and the offense shows some flashes, but it just isn’t enough to change the dynamic between the two teams.
The only way the Giants have a chance to win this one is if the Cowboys are emotionally and physically exhausted after playing the Eagles. However, there seems to be too much history of Dak Prescott owning this franchise for that too happen. The once (hypothetically) hot Giants cool off and now sit at 4-6.
If Danny Dimes is fully healthy, then you never know, maybe the Giants are able to make this interesting late in the fourth quarter. We'd love to see it happen, but for now, we're going with Dallas to grab the victory.
1. Against the Commanders - Loss
There just isn't a world where this season series ends in a sweep by either team. The Giants and Commanders are too evenly matched and will split the two games with the home team being the victor. It'll be a winnable game for the Giants on the road in this one, but they'll see some of their early season frustrations rear their ugly heads and cost the G-Men the game.
The big players will continue to look good but the offensive line will continue its poor season against the Commanders staunch defensive line. The pass-rush for Washington will look sharp, especially in front if the hometown fans.
The once (hypothetically) hot Giants cool off and sit at 4-7. It isn't ideal, but it's enough for the front office to have this team go for it in terms of a Wild Card spot. The Giants face four teams currently at or below .500 in the final six games. Plus, they'll face an Eagles team in Week 18 that will probably be resting its starters. The best part of the Giants fighting for a playoff spot: Barkley stays in town and is off the trading block.