New York Giant's 2009 Schedule: An Analysis

Most Giants writers out there are looking ahead to training camp, worrying over Boley's surgery, and fretting over the WR corps; among other things.

Not me.

Yes, all of those things are relevant, but I'm confident Coughlin and Easy E can wrangle the team together for an outstanding season. So instead of breaking new I've decided to do a pre-training camp analysis of the year ahead.

Week One: vs. Washington

Starting out of the gate week one expect a few hiccups. You might think the GMen would be raring to go but with brand new WR targets and an extensive injury list heading into training camp expect a few bumps along the road. (Million dollar man above)

Prediction: L 24-17

Week Two: @ Dallas

Being the Dallas' home opener, especially in the new stadium, expect a lot of energy in Texas. Wouldn't it be great to spoil Jerry's fun? The GMen can do it easily enough if they stick to their D and give Eli enough chances. Expect it close and high scoring (Tony Romo above).

Prediction: W 34-28

Week Three: @ Tampa Bay

Going to visit their first of many "old pals" this season, this time Derrick Ward the 1,000+ yard rusher from last season. With Tampa's QB situation up in the air and the rest of the team seemingly floating around expect and easy win for Big Blue (Ward above; he looks better in blue).

Prediction: W 24-10

Week Four: @ Kansas City

On the road for the third straight week the Giants will have had about enough traveling but they won't be worn out enough to give one away to this one away easily (Larry Johnson above).

Prediction: W 17-14

Week Five: vs. Oakland

I'm sure the team will appreciate being home again, especially against a push over like Oakland. That is assuming that Al Davis really was crazy for pick Hayward-Bay and guessing the Russel will still have issues.

Prediction: W 28-10

Week Six: @ New Orleans

"On the road again, Oh we just can't wait to get on the road again", I bet the GMen will want to call whoever wrote that song a big fat liar. They head back on the road to face a tough New Orleans team with outstanding passer Drew Brees and old friend Jeremy Shockey.

Expect a shoot-out in the Superdome, assuming the Giants' offense can keep up.

Prediction: L 35-28

Week Seven: vs. Arizona

Next the team heads home and the desert comes to town, to face almost Giant Anquan Boldin and the Cardinals. The Giant's D should have enough power to slow down Arizona's speed machine of a team long enough for Eli to put it away.

Prediction: W 21-14

Week Eight: @ Philedelphia

Ahh Philly, we meet again! In a rematch of last seasons playoff debacle Big Blue should be pumped and better be ready for a hard fought game.

I guarantee every player on either team has this one circled already in fact the trash talking has already been reported. Should be interesting.

Prediction: W 28-17

Week Nine: vs. San Diego

Hopefully being close to home will help in this one. Its bound to be a shoot out. Former fourth pick Phillip Rivers comes to town for the first time and the two QBs get to once and for all hash out who's the best of the best (Phillip Rivers).

Prediction: W 35-28

Week 10: Bye

The bye week couldn't come at a better time being so late in the season. Expect the men in blue to need a much-deserved week off and hopefully it will help them freshen up for a postseason run.

Week 11: vs. Atlanta

Another game close to home might be just what the doctor ordered. Playing Matt Ryan and the Falcons may be nice too. Sure, they have a great run game, but I don't think there D is good enough to win this one.

Prediction: W 28-17

Week 12: @ Denver

Headed out to Denver might have been trouble in the past but with a ton of question marks, a new coach, a lost QB and an upset WR don't expect big things out of Denver this season.

Prediction: W 35-17

Week 13: vs. Dallas

Dallas comes to town and everyone knows what high-intensity games those are. Expect the same with a low defensive score.

Prediction: L 17-14

Week 14: vs. Philadelphia

Philly is back again and don't expect them to be easy. Remember they will be in the playoff hunt at this point, too.

Prediction: L 17-10

Week 15: @ Washington

Heading down to the nations capital is usually a successful trip and even though I don't expect Washington to be in the playoff hunt they will do anything to spoil Big Blue's chances.

Prediction: W 28-24

Week 16: vs. Carolina

If Carolina is anything like they were last year, expect another great game between two playoff bound teams. It will be close and hard, so you'll definitely want to circle this one on your calender.

Prediction: W 42-35

Week 17: @ Minesota

The Big Blue Wrecking Crew probably won't need this one for a playoff berth. But I think Tom has learned his lesson about benching starters and knows how important momentum is so expect them to play hard but loose to a team who wants it more.

Prediction: L 31-24

Summary

Expect the Giants to be up and down at times but still finish in the area of 11-5. They have a lot to prove this year, most notably that their Super Bowl wasn't fluke and they can win without Plax.

Expect second seed in the playoffs with a first rd. bye but not home field advantage throughout. Good luck this season GMen!