For the New York Giants, every game is tough. As a team that has logged in eight losing seasons over the last nine years, Big Blue has become an NFL doormat of sorts and can’t be expected to win many games until they prove otherwise.
Last season, the Giants were favored just once in 18 weeks. That was in Week 3 at home against Atlanta when they were laying 2.5 points to the Falcons. The Giants lost, 17-14.
Overall, the Giants finished 4-13 and went 6-11 against the spread.
The NFL has released the 2022 schedule and the Giants could be in for another down season. Here are the five toughest matchups this season.
Week 5: vs. Green Bay in London
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The Giants can’t win in North America so they will try another continent. Unfortunately, it’s against the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers, who’s out to show that he can win without Davonte Adams.
The Packers could not backfill the loss of Adams but have replaced him with some interesting players on offense. Rookie wideout Christian Watson — who has drawn comparisons to Mike Evans — joins a receiving corps that still has Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and tight end Robert Tonyan. Add another rookie in Romeo Doubs and journeyman Sammy Watkins to the mix and the Giants’ James Bradberry-less secondary will have their hands full.
On defense, the Packers are stacked, especially after adding two Georgia studs (defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt and linebacker Quay Walker) in the draft.
Let’s also not forget the Packers still have a powerful running game with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon.
Week 6: vs. Baltimore Ravens
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It doesn’t matter that this is a home game because the Baltimore Ravens are still a league power and should be better than their 8-9 record of year ago. Keep in mind that five of their nine losses were by three points or less.
They were without star running back J.K. Dobbins all season and quarterback Lamar Jackson missed five games. They sport Mark Andrews, who might just be the best tight end in the game right now, and have added two promising rookies at the position in Charlie Kolar and Isaiah Likely.
On defense, the Ravens are no longer under the guidance of Wink Martindale but have added some valuable pieces in rookies Kyle Hamilton, Travis Jones, Jalyn Armour-Davis and edge rusher David Ojabo, who may be available by the time this game is played.
Week 12: at Dallas Cowboys
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The Giants currently have a five-game losing streak at Jerry World but things have a way of changing. That may not be as easily done as said. Especially on Thanksgiving Day in front of a national audience.
Dallas has lost some firepower on both sides of the ball but their core offensive players — Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Dalton Schultz, Cee Dee Lamb and Michael Gallup — still walk among us.
On defense, Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence and Trevon Diggs give the Cowboys studs on all three levels.
Week 1: at Tennessee Titans
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The Tennessee Titans won’t be getting a lot of respect after losing in the first round of the playoffs and then dealing receiver A.J. Brown to the Eagles on draft day.
That’s a mistake. This is a tough football team that is loaded up and down the roster. Let’s not discount the fact that running back Derrick Henry will be back at full strength and that quarterback Ryan Tannehill can now be pulled for rookie Malik Willis at any time, giving the Titans a world of new options.
Their defense is anchored by nose tackle Jeffrey Simmons, who could be the best defensive lineman in the NFL not named Aaron Donald.
Week 17: vs. Indianapolis Colts
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The Indianapolis Colts were 9-8 last year but missed the playoffs. This offseason, they swapped out quarterbacks, trading away Carson Wentz and bringing in Matt Ryan. That right there should be the difference for them this year but let’s not stop there.
The Colts have arguably the best running back in the game in Jonathan Taylor, a solid offensive line and added some more weapons such as rookies wide receiver Alex Pierce and tight end Jelani Woods.
On defense, middle linebacker Darius Leonard is still a stud and he played behind a line that features DeForest Buckner, Kwity Pay and Yannick Ngakoue.
They also signed Stephon Gilmore this offseason.
