New York Giants 2011 Predictions: Predicting the Starting Lineups for Week 1

The start of the NFL season is right around the corner, and the G-Men are preparing for another exciting season.

It has been an interesting offseason for the Big Blue, and as training camp begins there are still some question marks surrounding the roster.

As the clock starts to wind down, Tom Coughlin will be forced to make some critical decisions regarding the starting lineups this season.

Here are predictions of how the starting lineup will look when Week 1 rolls around.

Quarterback: Eli Manning

This one is a no-brainer.

Eli Manning has started every Week 1 game for the G-Men since 2005, and that will not be changing this season.

He is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, and is ready for another big year in New York.

Eli will be the Week 1 starter for this season and many more to come.

Running Back: Ahmad Bradshaw

After all of the commotion, Ahmad Bradshaw has finally been signed.

Bradshaw will obviously be splitting time with fellow back Brandon Jacobs, but he is likely to receive a majority of the carries.

He is one of the Giants biggest offensive weapons, and all Giant fans are happy to see him back.

Fullback: Bear Pascoe

With the departure of Madison Hedgecock, this job belongs to Bear Pascoe.

The second year player out of Fresno State is an excellent blocker who can also catch a pass or two.

Pascoe will likely get some time on special teams this season as well.

Wide Receivers: Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham

It is unclear at this point whether or not the Giants are going to re-sign Steve Smith, but even if he is signed he os unlikely to be ready for Week 1.

Nicks and Manningham both had career seasons in 2010, and are looking to duplicate that.

There has been talk that the Giants will make another move at wide receiver before the season begins, but if they decide to go with Smith these two guys will be atop the depth chart.

Tight End: Kevin Boss

Boss is still a free agent, but my gut feeling tells me that he will remain in New York.

He is familiar with the Giants offense, but he will likely have to get paid less than he is hoping if he wants to play for the G-Men.

Boss has been a Giant his whole career, and theres a chance he signs with another team, but it is likely he will be back in blue for Week 1.

Center: David Baas

After many years of having Shaun O'Hara snap the ball, David Baas will now be taking his place.

Baas is a smart, hard-nosed player who seems like he will be a good fit in New York.

Last season was his first at center, but it was a successful one.

He has experience in new offenses, having played for six different offensive coordinators in the past six years in San Francisco.

Tackles: Will Beatty & Kareem McKenzie

It has been a very interesting offseason for the Giants at offensive line.

The departures of Shaun O'Hara and Rich Seubert have given others the opportunity to start, like Will Beatty for example.

Beatty will start at left tackle, and former left tackle David Diehl will move over to left guard.

Beatty gets a chance to show what he can do, while Kareem McKenzie will be opposite him doing what he has always done; successfully protect Eli.

Guards: David Diehl & Chris Snee

Dealing with the losses of Shaun O'Hara and Rich Seubert will be tough for these two to adjust to, but they were fortunate enough to keep their jobs.

The Giants kept these two guys around for a reason, and they will be on the line blocking for Eli Manning in Week 1.

There is really no question that these two will be the starters when the season begins.

Defensive Ends: Justin Tuck & Mathias Kiwanuka

I think it is very doubtful that Osi Umenyiora will return to the Giants for 2011.

Luckily for the Giants, they have depth when it comes to defensive line.

Tuck and Kiwanuka are the real deal, and if Kiwanuka is to move to linebacker at some point, Jason Pierre-Paul will be there waiting.

I believe that it will be these two starting on opening day for the G-Men.

Defensive Tackles: Chris Canty & Marvin Austin

The departure of Barry Cofield has left the Giants a little short handed at defensive tackle.

Chris Canty is a guaranteed starter, but Marvin Austin is a young rookie who I believe will earn this job in training camp.

It is unclear as to who else would fill this spot, so for now Austin is the guy.

Outside Linebackers: Clint Sintim & Michael Boley

Both of these guys have been practicing with the first team in training camp, and it appears that they will be playing with the first team Week 1.

If Sintim can stay healthy, he has the potential to be an above average linebacker.

Boley has already proved that he is effective, and will likely remain the starter for the entirety of 2011.

Middle Linebacker: Jonathan Goff

Goff started all 16 games last season, and is in line to do the same this year.

He had an excellent season for the G-Men in 2010, excelling in both the pass and the run game.

Goff does a good job of making the calls and commanding the huddle, and Giants fans should be happy having him in the middle.

Cornerbacks: Corey Webster & Terrell Thomas

This is where it gets easy.

Webster and Thomas are going to be the two starting corners at the beginning of the season without a question.

Aaron Ross, who tried his luck out at safety last season, has stated that he would like to move back to corner, which gives the Giants some depth.

The G-Men also drafted Prince Amukamara with their first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, so they are pretty deep when it comes to cornerbacks.

Safeties: Antrel Rolle & Kenny Phillips

Kenny Phillips claims that his knee injury is finally behind him, which is great news for the Giants.

When he is at full health, Phillips can be a game changer and create headaches for offensive coordinators.

Antrel Rolle made an immediate impact on the Giants defense when he joined last season, and the two time Pro Bowler has the starting spot locked up.