10 NFC predictions for Week 1 of 2018 NFL season

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 24: New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during warm ups prior to the National Football League game between the New York Jets and the New York Giants on August 24, 2018, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Eli Manning will be exposed as a weakness

The 2017 New York Giants stumbled face-first, and hardly any of the blame deserved to go on quarterback Eli Manning. Manning was surrounded by one of the worst offensive depth charts in the league, and former head coach Ben McAdoo lost his knack for well-timed playcalls and designs over his tenure. But the 2018 version has been uplifted, and Manning will still be unable to perform at a level high enough.

Now 37 years old, Manning’s physical decline has been noticeable over the last two years. the explosive plays have shrunk, and the reliance on everything else around him has grown. Yes, the additions of Nate Solder, Will Hernandez, Saquon Barkley and a healthy Odell Beckham will help, but Manning’s a subpar quarterback at this stage.

There’s not a worse matchup than their Week 1 foe in Jacksonville across the league except Minnesota that Manning could face. The Jaguars have speed at every level of their defense, and can stifle Beckham with A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey. Expect a turnover or two and limited points from the Giants this week.