The Giants season starts with a brutal seven-game stretch that includes not just the opener against the Jaguars but games against playoff teams such as the Saints, Panthers, Falcons and Super Bowl champion Eagles. In fact, the combined 2017 record of the Giants’ first seven opponents was 68-44. If they can survive that start anywhere close to .500, there are seemingly winnable games on the back end that could be enough to keep them in postseason contention.
Need of a pass rush
Successful Giants defenses of the past have always been predicated on pass-rushes. If that is to continue this season, the Giants will need a break-out performance from somebody.