Can the Dallas Cowboys repeat as NFC East champs?
By Tyrone Starr
New York Giants
2016 Record/Finish: 11-5, 2nd in NFC East
Offensive Ranks (2016): 29th (scoring), 25th (total yards), 17th (passing), 26th (rushing)
Defensive Ranks (2016): 2nd (scoring), 10th (total yards), 23rd (passing), 3rd (rushing)
Free agent additions: WR Brandon Marshall (NYJ), G D.J. Fluker (LAC)
Free agent losses: DT Johnathan Hankins (IND)
Key draft picks: TE Evan Engram
Toughest multi-game stretch: Weeks 4-7 (at TB, vs. SD, at DEN, vs. SEA)
Vegas Over/Under for wins: 9
Projected 2016 record: 9-7
The Giants were the only divisional foe to beat Dallas last year and they did so twice. The main reason was due to the Giants capability of keeping the Cowboys out of the end zone. While Dallas had an average of over 26 points per game, they scored 26 total in two games against New York.
That stout defense returns all of their key players from last season which is a huge bonus for New York. They’ll need that defense as the offense appears to have similar struggles from last year too.
While they did add receiver Brandon Marshall to the mix, he is 33 and battling injuries heading into 2017. In fact, in two of his past three years, he’s produced his worst years since his rookie campaign. The key to their offense is their other receiver, Odell Beckham, Jr. The problem is he is sort of a one man gang. Keep Odell in check and you can limit this team.
With no free agents or draft picks that will immediately boost this team, I think you can expect a slight regression. The Giants will contend for a division title and playoff spot but could fall short of both with a poor offense.