(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
In my opinion, Dallas will fall somewhere as an 8-10 win team in 2009. There are enough opportunities for them to pick up wins, but playing in such a tough division will hold them back from being elite in '09. In addition to their own division rivals, they face tough competition in Carolina, Atlanta, San Diego, and the always-potent New Orleans Saints' offense in New Orleans.
Personally, I would probably stay away from making a season win total bet with the Cowboys, but would lean to under nine wins.
New York Giants: 10
The Giants got off to a blazing start in 2008, winning their first four games and were far and away one of the league’s top teams through Week 13 with an 11-1 record.
The G-Men still finished the regular season as the NFC’s best team with a 12-4 record, but they stumbled badly down the stretch, losing three of their last four games and eventually made a quick exit during the NFC Divisional Playoff round with a 23-11 loss to the Eagles.
New York ranked high statistically in several major categories, as they boasted both a top-10 rush and pass defense. They were also fifth in sacks, which should continue to be a strength this year as well.
Getting things done through the air often posed problems for Eli Manning and company, as they only ranked 18th in passing yards. The absence of TE Jeremy Shockey, an injured David Tyree, and numerous distractions/injuries/suspensions which came with Plaxico Burress surely didn’t help matters.
When Plax was on the field though, he contributed and made opposing D’s respect the pass. In 2009 the Giants passing game could face even more struggles. Gone are Burress and Amani Toomer, and New York will now look for players like Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Sinorice Moss, Domenik Hixon, Tyree, and rookie Hakeem Nicks to step up and fill the void left by those veterans.
The run game should remain intact and a threat, assuming Brandon Jacobs stays healthy, as they’ll look to form a new version of their Earth, Wind, Fire rotation from 2008. Derrick Ward left via free agency for Tampa but Danny Ware will look to step up and join Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw to form a potent trio.
On D, the Giants will be breaking in a new defensive coordinator in Bill Sheridan, however, an already stacked lineup looks to have gotten stronger this offseason. With the return of Osi Umenyiora from injury and the additions of Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard, and Michael Boley to an already star-studded group of D-linemen and LBs, the Giants may have one of the most impressive front sevens in the league.
The secondary saw the departures of S Sammy Knight and CB Sam Madison, but the addition of ex-Texans SS C.C. Brown. FS Kenny Phillips will also look to build upon his impressive rookie year in 2008 as he looks to solidify a spot in the starting lineup.
New York’s schedule in 2009 will rank as the league’s 10th most difficult. They begin the year with a tough stretch of four their first six games being on the road, yet overall on the year, they will never have to travel farther than a trip to Denver in Week 12.
The Giants will also have the benefit of playing some weaker teams in the AFC West and will have the advantage of hosting three West Coast teams making the long trip across the country when they play Oakland, Arizona, and San Diego at Giants Stadium.
Getting enough production from their receiving corps could be a problem in 2009, however the Giants running game and D should continue to be huge strengths for them. Last year left a bitter taste in New York after what had been a fantastic season. I believe the opportunities should be there for a similar season this year and that the G-Men will go over their posted win total of 10.
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