Giants Schedule: Predicting the First Four Games of the Giants 100th Season
By Colin Chatto
The 100th season for the New York Giants is off to a questionable start following the off-season series of HBO Hard Knocks and three pre-season games. One fan can remain optimistic given the September schedule that lies ahead, while another can sit back wondering why they made the moves they did this off-season.
As far as how well the Giants will play the rest of the season, it remains a mystery. But given the lack of success they have had early in the season leaves many wondering what is in store.
It is as simple as this: the Giants are going to have to find a way to quiet the outside noise. In what seems to be another make or break year for Daniel Jones, this may just be the final straw not only for his future in New York, but as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Even with the departure of Saquon Barkley he has player makers on the outside that includes 2024 first round pick Malik Nabers, a revamped offensive line, and what primes to be one of the most underrated defenses in the NFL.
It is virtually all on the shoulders of Jones to get this team where it can potentially be. Besides the Dallas Cowboys, who always seem to give the Giants trouble in the early part of the season, a fast start is right there for the taking for Jones who has great numbers against the first two opponents.
The Giants defense is going to be heavily relied on these first four games if they want to have a shot at a successful season. Former Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has plenty of pieces along the front seven, but the secondary remains a big question. They were able to bring in former Giants captain Adoree' Jackson to help replenish a weak corner-back room, but with a younger secondary it is going to be key for players like Jackson to bring that leadership back into play.
Here is my prediction for the first four games of the Giants 100th season:
Click to jump to a game:
Week 1: vs Minnesota Vikings (Sunday, Sept. 8, 1:00 PM ET)
How fitting is it that the first game of the year is against a Vikings team that two years ago Daniel Jones showed that maybe he can be the franchise quarterback? Minnesota's defense doesn't look to have made any major improvements since then. Even with additions like 33-year old Stephon Gilmore it is hard to see an older group keeping up with the speed the Giants have on offense. While Justin Jefferson is back and healthy on the Vikings' offensive side, the Giants offense will surprise a lot of people in this game.
Prediction: Giants 24, Vikings 21
Week 2: at Washington Commanders (Sunday, Sept. 15, 1:00 PM ET)
One thing that remains consistent in Jones' tenure with the Giants is his success against Washington. He holds an impressive record of 5-1-1 in seven games against the Commanders, per Pro-Football-Reference. Jayden Daniels looks to be promising heading into the season, but history will remain true and the Giants defense will get to Daniels to secure the second win of the season.
Prediction: Giants 17, Commanders 14
Week 3: at Cleveland Browns (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1:00 PM ET)
The third game of September is one that will put the Giants offense to the test. The Browns have one of the best defenses in all of the NFL, and after facing two weak defenses to start the season it is hard to see the Giants leaving Cleveland with a win. It should be a low-scoring affair, and the Browns get the win.
Prediction: Browns 17, Giants 7
Week 4: vs Dallas Cowboys (Thursday, Sept. 26, 8:15 PM ET)
Here we get a short week for the Giants facing off against the Cowboys, who always seem to have their number. Given both teams playing two of the tougher AFC North teams the week prior, this should be another low-scoring game. With that being said, the Giants offense will have a tough time managing the Cowboys front seven and finish off September with a loss.
Prediction: Cowboys 26, Giants 13
Final record prediction for the first four games: 2-2
More New York Giants news and analysis:
feed