New York Giants 2009 Schedule: Early Prediction

The schedules were released today, and the following article is a premature prediction regarding the New York Giants expected win-loss total.

I believe the Giants have a tough schedule this year, but that is to be expected, as they have to play all the division winners in the NFC from last season, as well as the tough AFC South division.

9/13, 4:15 Washington - W

This is a very tough game, as the Redskins have really stacked their defense with the signing of Albert Haynesworth. That being said, I believe the Giants can handle the Redskins D-line with their great running game.

The Redskins and Giants will split the series, so since this is the home game, this one goes to the Giants.

9/20, 8:20 @ Dallas - W

This may be due to my absolute hatred of the Cowboys, but I see the Giants sweeping the series against Dallas. I just don't trust Wade Phillips as a head coach. He is way too lenient with the players, and that obviously doesn't work for his current roster.

The Giants should have no problems stopping the Dallas offense as T.O. was a major factor in this match-up, so without him things will only get better.

Giants pick up a victory here.

9/27, 1:00 @ Tampa -W

This is a very winnable game for New York; Eli loves the warm weather cities. It doesn't hurt that Tampa Bay doesn't have a quarterback, although they did sign Byron Leftwich, I don't see that as a viable solution . Tampa has just hired the youngest coach in the league and this could be a blow out.

10/4, 1:00 @ Kansas City - L

This is an intriguing game. The Chiefs had a fantastic draft in 2008, and hired Scott Pioli to turn the team around for 2009. He responded by taking emerging star QB Matt Cassel, and veteran linebackers in Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas. He only had to give up two second round picks for the trio.

Seeing as how this game is in Aarowhead Stadium, I give this to the Chiefs.

10/11, 1:00 Oakland - W

Oakland Raiders. That's all I got. Chalk up the 'W.'

10/18, 1:00 @ New Orleans - L

Another difficult game to predict. The Giants have the potential to be one of the best defenses in the NFL with the personnel changes they've made, but with Steve Spagnuolo leaving, it could prove difficult to stop the league's best offense in their home stadium.

Give this one to the Cajuns.

10/25, 8:20 Arizona - W

Arizona was 3-7 against opponents outside of their division last season, and 0-5 on the road against those same opponents.

That's all the info I need. Another 'W' for Big Blue.

11/1, 4:15 @ Philadelphia - W

The Giants always seem to be able to go into Philadelphia and win. I don't expect much different this season. The Eagles lost Brian Dawkins and Lito Sheppard, they will suffer on defense and have not gotten the caliber of receiver they need to move the ball.

Another sweep for the Giants this year.

11/8, 4:15 San Diego - W

Tough one to call because it is unclear which Charger defense will show up; 2007 or 2008. With Shawn Merriman coming back they will improve defensively, but they will suffer on offense with no running game. I don't trust Darren Sproles as far as I can throw him.

Giants pick up this one and head into the bye week 7-2.

11/15 ---- BYE

Hey fans, remember what it is like not to have a bye in week four????

11/22, 1:00 Atlanta - L

This is where things get tricky for the boys in blue. Coughlin almost never wins games after bye weeks with the Giants. I was surprised even when they beat Seattle (yes I know...). One of the youngest teams in the NFL, Atlanta will be one of the team's to beat next season.

Let's not forget Eli's troubles in the swirling New York winds.

11/26 8:20 @ Denver - W

Denver is in rebuilding mode and will not be a factor until next season. Giants get the easy win on Turkey-Day (or Night).

12/6 4:15 Dallas - W

As I said before, the Giants will sweep the Cowboys for the first time in a while this season. The Cowboys are going to be a good team, but I just don't think they will have enough to move the ball.

12/13 8:20 Philadelphia - W

Like I said, season sweep against the Eagles. This could change if they steal Braylon Edwards from the Browns.

12/21 8:30 @Washington - L

For the third straight season the NFL scheduled three straight division games for the Giants. What are they trying to do?

Anyways, the Giants will lose this one on the road to a Washington team that will be competing for the division crown. The teams will split the season series, so naturally I give the home teams the victories.

12/27 1:00 Carolina - W

I think Carolina caught lightning in a bottle last season. They are a .500 team at best if they let go of Julius Peppers; Giants should have no trouble with this game unless they somehow hold on to him.

1/3 1:00 @Minnesota* - W/L

I think this is the year the Giants finally beat Minnesota. It should be noted that last year's week 17 match-up did not count because the Giants rested their starters for the entire second half.

The reason I have the 'W/L' as my pick is this could change if the Giants have managed to lock up any sort of positioning or home field advantage. While 11 wins probably will not win the NFC, they could have locked up at least the No. 2 or No. 3 seed and have nothing to play for.

Prediction - 12-4/11-5 (depending on the Playoff situation)

More than likely they will have to play the game against Minnesota to get a bye week, in which case the Giants would win that game and finish 12-4.

Obviously this is very premature since the draft is little more than a week away, but it is never a bad time to tell people Big Blue is winning 12 games.