Fansided

NFL: Five teams prepped for a late season surge

By Luke Dahlgren

Nov 15, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass against the New England Patriots in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass against the New England Patriots in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Giants (5-5)

It is foretold. Once every four years, like February 29th, the passing of a presidential election cycle or a Joyce Carol Oates novel, the New York Giants play the New England Patriots in the regular season. The game is destined to be a classic, dwarfed only by the Super Bowl game they will play the next February. Last week’s game between the two teams has already been one of the best of the season, with Tom Brady leading the team on a last-minute drive to set up Stephen Gostkowski’s game-winning 54-yard field goal. 27-26 New England.

The Patriots look unbeatable. The Giants are starting to hit their groove. The first requirement – the tight regular season matchup – has been met. Prepare to see a Super Bowl where Rueben Randle makes a spectacular last-drive catch while doing a handstand.

The Giants have their obvious flaws. The pass defense is among the worst in the league, with the team giving up 309.9 yards/game and allowing 39 plays of 20 yards or more. The team lacks a consistent presence in the running game, certainly an overrated quality but not insignificant when the team sits at 26th in rushing yards per game (95) and 27th in yards per carry (3.8).

They also have their strengths. The same pass defense that allows the league’s most yards per game is also tied for the league lead in interceptions (the undefeated Carolina Panthers also have 14), and Eli Manning has quietly enjoyed a strong season, with 270 yards per game, a 21-6 TD:INT ratio and a QB rating of 96.9.

With the NFC East appearing to be its usual slugfest, the Giants look set to be another fourth-seeded divisional champion. The team’s remaining schedule has a tough gig hosting the aforementioned Panthers, followed by a (winnable) game against the 7-2 Minnesota Vikings. Otherwise, the Giants schedule looks like @ WAS, v. NYJ, @ MIA, and the final game of the season v. PHI. 4-2 is the most likely scenario here for the Giants, setting up a potential playoff run for the Tom Coughlin-led squad.

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