New York Giants: Game-By-Game Predictions

With the Giants opening their season at home to the Carolina Panthers this Sunday, I would like to share my predictions for the upcoming season. Though I'm a die-hard Giants' fan, I will be as realistic as possible and explain myself in some gray areas.

I will solely focus on the regular season for now and only on the Giants, not any other team in the division or the league.

The Giants have a few question marks leading into the season, but with hard-nosed play and strong leadership from Eli Manning, I see no reason why the Giants cannot compete for a Division Title and at least a Wild Card berth.

Good Luck to the Big Blue this season on your quest back to Super Bowl glory!

Giants Vs. Panthers

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 27: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers rushes against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on December 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Last season, in a game the Giants desperately needed to keep their playoff hopes alive, the team came out flat and were embarrassed by the Carolina Panthers on their home turf.

This year, the Giants get an early shot at revenge, hosting the Panthers in the season opener.

I believe that Giants will come out looking strong. They do have to contain Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, who ran wild on Big Blue's defense last year.

Matt Moore looked like Joe Montana against the Giants last year, but don't expect that to be the trend.

Eli and company should lead a balanced attack against the Panthers en route to their first win of the season.

Predicted outcome: Giants 27, Panthers 17

Giants at Colts

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 10: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants (L) congratulates his brother quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts on his 26-21 victory on September 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford,

Manning vs. Manning: Round Two.

Peyton bested his brother in their first matchup, and expect a similar outcome this time around.

The Colts possess too much fire-power for the Giants to handle, especially early in the season. Playing on the road at Indy doesn't help the Giants' cause either.

I believe Eli will play well on the Sunday-night stage but may come up short in this one.

We should see a hard fought battle on both ends with lots of scoring. But Peyton still has the edge over Eli...for now.

Predicted outcome: Colts 31, Giants 24

Giants Vs. Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants calls out signals against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on November 26, 2006 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Giants 24-21. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Ima

Though the Titans appear to have improved for the upcoming season,  Vince Young still has to prove himself as a leader in this league.

If the Giants can do even a mediocre job of containing Chris Johnson, I see the Big Blue winning this game.

Eli should be able to pick apart the Titans' secondary en route to a victory. That being said, I think this will be a close game, just because of the potential that Chris Johnson has to change the complexion of a game.

Predicted outcome: Giants 21, Titans 17

Giants Vs. Bears

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 22: Adewale Ogunleye #93 of the Chicago Bears forces a fumble from Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants during a pre-season game on August 22, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Giants 17-3. (Photo by Jon

On paper, the Bears appear to be one of the weaker teams in NFC. They play in a division with the Packers and Vikings, both of whom have Super Bowl aspirations.

It may be a tough year for the Bears, with Lovie Smith's job in jeopardy.

I think the Bears will put up a good fight but ultimately fall to the Giants. The Bears' defense is not what it used to be, and there are significant question marks surrounding Jay Cutler, who had an abysmal season last year.

The Giants would improve to 3-1 through their first four games with a victory.

Predicted outcome: Giants 31, Bears 20

Giants at Texans

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NEW YORK -NOVEMBER 5: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants yells at the line of scrimmage during the NFL game against the Houston Texans on November 5, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. ( Photo by: Al Bello/Getty Images

I have already picked the Houston Texans to be my surprise team of the year.

They have logged the necessary experience to be a competitive team in this league. Andre Johnson is a top five receiver and is only getting better.

This game will go down to the wire, but ultimately I see the Texans prevailing on a late drive orchestrated by Matt Schaub.

Unless the Giants can establish the running game against the Texans' defense, Houston will earn the victory.

Predicted outcome: Texans 21, Giants 17

Giants Vs. Lions

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DETROIT , MI - AUGUST 07: Rookies Kevin Smith #34 of the Detroit Lions and Kenny Phillips #21 of the New York Giants walk off the field together after a preseason game on August 7, 2008 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Domenic Centofanti/Ge

I like what the Lions have done this offseason. Adding defensive line help and a strong running back will do wonders for this franchise.

That being said, they are still a ways away from being a contender.

Manning and company should not have too much of a problem securing the win against Detroit. I expect Matthew Stafford to have a big year and a big day against the G-Men.

But ultimately, let's be serious: they're still the Lions.

Predicted outcome: Giants 34, Lions 24

Giants at Cowboys

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 06: Terrell Thomas #24 of the New York Giants reacts to a play against the Dallas Cowboys on December 6, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

This will be the first game against a division rival all season. And of course, it's in Big-D.

The Giants have to prove that they can beat Dallas to be considered NFC contenders. Though they lost both regular season games three years ago, Big Blue beat Dallas when it counted: the playoffs.

I'm predicting a split this year with Dallas, with each respective team winning at home.

So that means the Giants will drop this game but hopefully put up a strong fight to make Dallas know they mean business.

Predicted outcome: Cowboys 24, Giants 17

Giants at Seahawks

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 05: David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants plays against Julian Peterson #98 of the Seattle Seahawks during their game on October 5, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Giants have never had luck playing in Seattle.

This year will be different however. Coming off a loss to Dallas and their bye week, the Giants will be hungry to get back on the winning track.

New head coach Pete Carroll is inheriting a mess in Seattle. Question marks surround both the receiving corps and Matt Hasselbeck. Though they play in a weak division, don't expect Seattle to wow you this year.

The noise may be tough in Seattle, but Manning has dealt with it before. He will lead the charge and earn the Giants a win.

Predicted outcome: Giants 28, Seahawks 14

Giants Vs. Cowboys

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 06: Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at Giants Stadium on December 6, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 31-24. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Luckily for the Giants, they will have a great chance to rebound against Dallas soon after their first matchup.

Like I said, I think the Giants will make the necessary adjustments and beat Dallas at home.

They will need strong performances from their offense and defense. Brandon Jacobs will have to be the bruiser that he is and punish the Cowboys' defense.

This will be another tight game, but I expect the Giants to prevail.

My guess is that this will not be the last matchup against these two teams.

Predicted outcome: Giants 20, Cowboys 17

Giants at Eagles

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 13: LeSean McCoy #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by Corey Webster #23 of the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on December 13, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Even without Donovan McNabb, the Eagles will act as a thorn in the Giants' side.

No one knows what to expect from Kevin Kolb, but knowing the Giants, they will make Kolb look like Brett Favre.

Along the same lines as Dallas, I think the Giants will split with the Eagles, with both teams winning at home.

So the Giants will drop this first matchup to Philly, but Big Blue will be ready the next time around.

Predicted outcome: Eagles 31, Giants 24

Giants Vs. Jaguars

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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning dodges the pass rush of the Jacksonville Jaguars on ESPN Monday Night Football Nov. 20, 2006 in Jacksonville. The Jaguars won 26 - 10. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Besides Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jaguars do not seem to have many bright spots for the upcoming season.

I expect the G-Men to roll over Jacksonville; they will need to after a tough loss to Philadelphia.

I think the Giants' offense will have a career day, and the defense won't be too shabby either.

Predicted outcome: Giants 34, Jaguars 10

Giants Vs. Redskins

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 21: Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants in action against Carlos Rogers #22, Rocky McIntosh #52, and Reed Doughty #37 of the Washington Redskins during their game on December 21, 2009 at Fedex Field in Landover, Maryland. (Ph

With Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb, the Redskins could be dangerous this year. The only thing hurting them is that they play in a tough division, where simple mistakes can cost you games.

McNabb should be a pain for the Giants but not enough to win close games. The Redskins will be competive but ultimately will wind up at the bottom of the pack in the NFC East.

Jacobs and Bradshaw will need to pound the ball against Washington and attack them up front, especially with the uncertain future of Albert Haynesworth.

Predicted outcome: Giants 20, Redskins 14

Giants at Vikings

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MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 03: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball as Michael Johnson #20 and Jonathan Goff #54 of the New York Giants defend on January 3, 2010 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings d

The Vikings pounded the Giants in a meaningless game to close out the regular season last year. Brett Favre is a man on a mission this year and will not settle for anything less than a Super Bowl win.

He will be without Sidney Rice for half the season, but by this game against the G-Men, Rice should be back healthy.

The Vikings will lead a formidable offensive attack against the Giants and emerge victorious in this battle. Hopefully, the Giants can send the Vikings a message that if they meet again, the outcome will be different (similar to the Giants' performance against the Patriots in the last game of the 2007 regular season).

Predicted outcome: Vikings 34, Giants 28

Giants Vs.Eagles

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 13: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at Giants Stadium on December 13, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

As previously mentioned, the Giants will win at home against the Eagles.

These teams are too evenly matched for one to pull off the season sweep.

Predicted outcome: Giants 27, Eagles 20

Giants at Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 20: Lineman Chris Snee #76 of the New York Giants lines up in the NFC championship game against the Green Bay Packers on January 20, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Giants defeated the Packers 23-20 in overtime t

The Packers appear to be one of the favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Though the Giants pulled off some magic the last time they visited Lambeau Field, don't expect a similar outcome.

Aaron Rodgers is surrounded by too many weapons to falter against the Giants' defense.

Once again, the Giants must make a statement (even in a loss) that they can't be taken lightly come the playoffs.

Predicted outcome: Packers 31, Giants 20

Giants at Redskins

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 21: Wide receiver Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants catches a pass for a touchdown against Justin Tryon #20 the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on December 21, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. The Giants won the game 45-12. (P

The Giants close out the regular season on the road against the Redskins.

This game will most likely have huge implications, assuming my other predictions are correct.

I think the Giants will rise to the occasion and defeat Washington soundly. The Giants will not let another late season collapse ruin their playoff hopes.

It won't be a complete rout, but the Giants will send the rest of the league a message: watch out for us in the playoffs!

Predicted outcome: Giants 30, Redskins 17

Conclusion

If these predictions were to stick, the Giants would finish the regular season at 10-6.

That should be good enough for a playoff berth, most likely as one of the two Wild Card spots in the NFC.

Naturally, as a Giants' fans, I would like the team to win every game. But I believe I provided a realistic outlook for the upcoming season. They may blow a game to a bad team, but they also may upset a better team to maintain a balance.

Consistency will be the key for this team. They have a solid core of players and should be fun to watch this year.

Go Giants!