Fansided

5 NFL teams that will surprise in 2018

By Matt Verderame

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: Eli Manning
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: Eli Manning /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants in action against the Washington Redskins on December 31, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 18-10. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants in action against the Washington Redskins on December 31, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 18-10. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

1. New York Giants

The Giants are the easiest pick for this list, because there are so many obvious factors to parse through. For starters, New York has added a dynamic running back in Saquon Barkley to an already talented offense that includes Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard. The offensive line, which has stunk for years, should also be improved with Nate Solder and Will Hernandez coming into the mix.

The defense has some issues, but there’s little reason to believe it can’t improve. Last year, the group was a mess from top to bottom, but talent is there with Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison, Janoris Jenkins and Landon Collins. Should the unit improve to even middling, the Giants have a chance to compete for a playoff spot.

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The main question is whether Manning can stop his decline for even a year. The veteran has been able to stay away from the injury bug throughout his illustrious career, but the Giants need him to perform. If Manning can give New York something along the lines of 4,200 yards with 25 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, it will be in business.