A realistic way-too-early look at the Giants' playoff chances in 2024

Leading up to the new campaign, there aren't many people who think the NY Giants have much of a chance to make some noise in the NFC East. After making the playoffs in 2022, the G-Men limped their way to a 6-11 record in 2023, of course missing out on the postseason.

So, what's in store for this team this fall and winter? Plenty of experts have the Giants struggling and taking home another high first-round pick. Call us optimistic, but we don't see that happening. Instead, we think the Giants can push for a Wild Card spot. How can Brian Daboll and Co. make that happen?

The NY Giants defense will be monumental for the team this season

We've of course got to bring up the Big Blue defense. Yes, there's a lot of pressure on Daboll to deliver, but Shane Bowen is going to have to be a stud for this team now that he's taking over for Wink Martindale in running the defense.

Luckily for Bowen, he has some studs for his unit, particularly up front. The pass-rush for the Giants has the potential to be among the best in the league. Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns are going to be monsters, while Azeez Ojulari will hopefully be healthy from start to finish in '24.

In the secondary, Deonte Banks is going to lead the cornerbacks room, while the hope is that second-round pick Tyler Nubin can do a fantastic job in taking over for Xavier McKinney, who is now with the Packers. All in all, the Giants defense is going to have to be downright amazing for the Giants to have a chance to make the postseason. We believe that will be the case.

Over on offense, everything will begin and end with Daniel Jones. Expected to be fully healthy following his torn ACL last season, Jones is entering a make-or-break year with the organization. If he struggles early on, Daboll won't hesitate in sending him to the bench and going with Drew Lock at signal-caller.

That would of course mean that Jones' days in East Rutherford would come to a close after the season. Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt are going to do everything possible to make life easy for him.

The same can be said for the offensive line, which will now feature guards Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor. If they can step up, and Evan Neal can finally live up to the hype, then Jones will finally have some time to scan the field and not run for his life. With all of that said, it feels like everything will need to fall into place for the Giants to make the postseason, but this is something that can't be ruled out - so many out there have already done so.