New York Giants 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Prediction

The New York Giants had a season to forget in 2017 finishing 3-13. Because of those results they have a new general manager in Dave Gettleman and head coach in Pat Shurmur. Quarterback Eli Manning, who is 37, was benched last season and the team considered trading its best player, but things seem to be changing with the new faces in the front office and on the sidelines. Manning’s current contract expires following the 2019 season and it appears the team wants to make a run for glory between this season and next. Last season top receiver Odell Beckham Jr. injured an ankle and the offense stagnated. Fully healed from ankle surgery Beckham is back and should become a major threat once again for the G-Men. Sterling Shepard in the slot takes pressure of Beckham and Evan Engram at tight end gives Manning a host of choices at receiver. However, it was the drafting of Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 overall pick that could be the difference maker for the Giants. The Giants running game has not been strong since their title run during the 2011 postseason. The former running back with Penn State was college football’s most electrifying player last season and the Giants hope that transitions to the NFL.

Veteran rusher Jonathan Stewart was signed to help Barkley learn what life is like in the NFL and given him a breather or two each game. If Barkley can find holes and accumulate yards on the ground Manning’s life in the pocket will be made easier when he drops back to pass. The Giants also signed Nate Solder from New England to help shore up pass protection and open running lanes.

The Giants in 2016 had one of the league’s best defenses, but in 2017 it quickly become one of the worst. Three members of the secondary were suspended at one point and one player described another as “a cancer” adding to the misery. The defense will become a 3-4 under James Bettcher at defensive coordinator.

Change started with the trading of Jason Pierre-Paul at defensive end. The Giants then brought in Kareem Martin to be a designated pass rusher. Alec Ogletree was acquired in a trade to shore up the linebacker corps and bring leadership to the locker room. The defenses should be more aggressive and blitz often so they could come up big or get burned.