2011 New York Giants Game-By-Game Schedule: Will They Be Any Better?

In 2007, the New York Giants executed one of the unlikeliest playoff runs in NFL history, going on the road three times to defeat the 9-7 Buccaneers 24-14, shock the 13-3 Cowboys 21-17, and end the Brett Favre era in Green Bay with a 23-20 overtime victory. They capped it all off with quite possibly the greatest Super Bowl, or for that matter any, upset in NFL history, defeating the 18-0 New England Patriots with one of the most fantastic plays seen on a football field. I would go into further detail but discussing that playoff run could take 10,000 words, and I only have several hundred. Regardless, they ended the 2007 season as Super Bowl Champions.

In 2008, they finished 12-4 and were the first seed in the NFC, but were upset by the 9-6-1 Eagles in the divisional round. Since then, New York has been unable to get to the NFL postseason. In 2009, New York started with a 5-0 record but ended up 9-7. The 2010 season was plain forgettable. How will the New York Giants do in 2011?

I am using the FB Schedules Website, "2011 New York Giants Football Schedule," as reference.

The New York Giants against the NFC East:

The Giants have a tough road to travel when it comes to divisional matchups, as games within the NFC East are never simple. I am predicting a 3-3 even split with the division. In other words, New York will have a 1-1 record against Philadelphia, Washington, and Dallas.

The New York Giants against non-divisional opponents on the road:

New York travels to San Francisco, Arizona, New Orleans, and New England this season. They also "travel" to be hosted by the New York Jets in...New York. So technically, the Giants have the advantage of playing only seven total road games this season. However, I don't see this helping them much. I predict defeats against San Francisco, New Orleans, New England, and New York, with their sole victory on the road coming against Arizona. This gives them a 1-4 non-divisional road record.

The New York Giants against non-divisional teams at home:

New York hosts Seattle, St. Louis, Green Bay, Buffalo, and Miami this season. I believe they will handle Seattle handily and defeat Miami in a close one. I also believe that New York will upset the visiting, defending champ Green Bay Packers. I predict upsets to the Rams and the Bills, ending with a 3-2 record for non-divisional home games.

Ultimately, that comes to another up and down season for New York, ending with a 7-9 record, probable third place in the NFC East, and no postseason. The Giants have something lacking and I just cannot put my finger on it. Perhaps it is the leadership or intensity, whatever the word, of a Michael Strahan.

Reference:

FB Schedules Website, "2011 New York Giants Footballs Schedule"