A Giant Look Ahead: New York's Most Intriguing Games of 2009

Every season there are those select few games in the schedule that get a little more attention than others. Division rivalries are always fun but the intriguing games are not the ones that fans get to see every year.

Last season the New York Giants played one of the most difficult and interesting schedules in the NFL. Six of the 16 teams (Eagles twice) the Giants played last season made it to the postseason in which New York finished 5-2 against. Ironically enough the Giants defeated both participants in last years Super Bowl, Pittsburgh and Arizona.

Looking ahead to the 2009 season the Giants have three games that carry some extra baggage to make for some exciting and intriguing pandemonium.

New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints

Sunday, Oct. 18 – Week 6

Jeremy Shockey did a lot of watching last season. He watched Kevin Boss take his spot, he watched the New York Giants win the Super Bowl, and he watched his former team celebrate down the New York City streets during the parade; how bad do you think he wants this game? 

While Shockey did not seem happy towards the end of his Giants career, he has to feel some sense of joy knowing he has the chance to stick it to his former club. With all the trash talking he did in his six years with the Giants, expect the bashing to start early and continue throughout the game.

The Saints should also prove to be a good measuring stick to see where the Giants are and how far they’ve come from the beginning of the season. Although the Saints missed the playoffs last season, they did have the number one offense in the league last year.

San Diego Chargers @ New York Giants

Sunday, Nov. 8 – Week 9

Eli Manning vs. Philip Rivers, is the jury still out on this one?

That question may never be answered, or perhaps it already has. None the less the two athletes were traded on draft day, and the two franchises have not been the same since. While Eli has a ring, Rivers has posted very impressive numbers, and has helped make the Chargers into an elite team in the NFL.

This game comes right before the Giants bye week this season. The last time the Giants had a late bye week was in 2007, which occurred in week 9 after their win over the Dolphins in London. The Giants went on to win the Super Bowl that year.  

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants

Sunday, Dec. 13 - Week 14

This is an intense and captivating game in and of itself, but this one is a little extra special.

The last time the Eagles came to East Rutherford they ended the dreams of a repeat championship; Giants fans haven’t forgotten.

Given the timing, this game may have huge division and playoff implications for both teams. Last season the two squads split the regular season series, each winning in the other teams house. It’s going to be cold, brutal, and NFC East intensified. 

This will be the second time the Giants will play the Eagles; the first will come in Week Eight on Nov. 1.