NFL record predictions for the 2018 regular season
By Ian Cummings
New York Giants
The New York Giants are an unpredictable team in 2018. Their underwhelming 2017 campaign was more a result of coaching mishaps than a lack of talent, and in the 2018 offseason, the team made a number of key additions.
The Giants might not jump right back into the NFL playoff conversation, due to the turnover observed this offseason, but they’ll be one of those teams that hovers around the playoff boundary, much like the Washington Redskins did for part of the 2017 season.
However, there are a number of things keeping the Giants from taking the next step in 2018. Eli Manning is the quarterback, and although he has an extensive playoff history, he’s past his prime, and although he has the talent to succeed in Pat Shurmur’s, his days of playing winning football might be behind him. The Giants’ offensive line also needs more work, even after an offseason in which they acquired an experience, albeit inconsistent left tackle in Nate Solder, and a fierce interior blocker in Will Hernandez.
The Giants’ defense is respectable, but it ultimately won’t be good enough to keep the Giants’ offense afloat. Saquon Barkley’s dynamic ability will be evident in 2018, but his running style may not be a perfect match for the Giants’ average offensive line, and this could hurt the offense’s ability to be multi-dimensional. The Giants aren’t completely out of the conversation, but in a transition year, with a new head coach and an aging, middle-of-the-road quarterback, they shouldn’t be expected to rise above the competition in a very strong NFC East.