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Start for freeThe Media's Misguided View of the New York Giants
As we approach the 2025 NFL season, a concerning trend has emerged in the media's coverage of the New York Giants. Mock drafts consistently place the Giants in the top three picks for 2026, while power rankings from major sports outlets paint a grim picture:
- ESPN: Worst team in the NFL
- NFL.com: 30th best team
- The Athletic: 31st
- Sports Illustrated: 27th
- USA Today: 28th
- Fox Sports: 28th
- Bleacher Report: 30th
- CBS Sports: 30th
These rankings seem to ignore the significant improvements the Giants have made since the end of the 2024 season. Let's examine why these predictions might be off the mark and why the Giants could be poised for a much better season than many expect.
Comparing 2024 to 2025: A Tale of Two Rosters
The 2024 Season-Ending Roster
To understand the Giants' potential for 2025, we need to look back at their roster at the end of the 2024 season. In Week 17, when the Giants defeated the playoff-contending Indianapolis Colts, their lineup was significantly different from what we'll see in 2025:
- Wide Receivers: Darius Slayton, Juanell Robinson, Malik Neighbors
- Offensive Line: Evan Neal (RT), Aaron Stenny (LG), Germaine Aluminor (LT)
- Running Backs: Devin Singletary, Tyrone Tracy
- Tight End: Daniel Bellinger
- Quarterback: Drew Lock
This lineup was missing key players due to injuries and had to rely on backups in crucial positions.
The 2025 Projected Roster
Now, let's look at the projected 2025 roster:
Offense
- Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston
- Offensive Line: Andrew Thomas (LT), John Ren (LG), John Michael Schmitz (C), Greg Van Roten (RG), Germaine Aluminor (RT)
- Depth: Marcus Bo, James Hudson III, Stone Forsythe, Aaron Stenny, Jake Kubis, Evan Neal, Josh Ezeudu
The quarterback room has seen a significant upgrade with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The offensive line, if healthy, is much improved with the return of Andrew Thomas and John Ren, plus the addition of veteran Greg Van Roten.
Defense
- Defensive Line: Dexter Lawrence, Roy Robertson-Harris, Darius Alexander
- Edge Rushers: Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter, Chauncy Golston
- Linebackers: Bobby Okereke, Paulson Adebo
- Secondary: Deontae Banks, Javon Holland
The defense has undergone a major overhaul. The additions of Brian Burns and Abdul Carter significantly boost the pass rush. Javon Holland is a major upgrade at safety, while Paulson Adebo adds depth to the secondary.
Key Factors for the Giants' 2025 Potential
1. Roster Health
Many of the Giants' struggles in 2024 were due to injuries. Key players like Andrew Thomas, Bobby Okereke, and Dexter Lawrence missed significant time. A healthier roster in 2025 could make a substantial difference.
2. Coaching Stability
Brian Daboll enters his fourth year as head coach. His success in 2022, leading the team to the playoffs and winning a road playoff game, suggests he can maximize the potential of this improved roster.
3. Quarterback Upgrade
The addition of Russell Wilson provides a significant upgrade at the most important position. Even if Wilson isn't at his peak, he's likely to be more effective than the quarterback carousel the Giants endured in 2024.
4. Defensive Improvements
The Giants' defense looks poised for a major leap forward. The pass rush, in particular, could be one of the best in the league with Burns, Thibodeaux, and rookie sensation Abdul Carter.
5. Draft Impact
The Giants' 2025 draft class, headlined by Abdul Carter and Darius Alexander, looks promising. These rookies could make immediate contributions, especially on defense.
Analyzing the Giants' 2025 Schedule
While the NFC East always presents challenges, many of the Giants' opponents in 2025 seem beatable:
- Green Bay Packers: Beatable
- Minnesota Vikings: Beatable
- Kansas City Chiefs: Tough matchup
- Los Angeles Chargers: Challenging
- San Francisco 49ers: Beatable, but difficult
- Chicago Bears: Winnable
- Denver Broncos: Winnable
- Detroit Lions: Tough matchup
- Las Vegas Raiders: Favorable matchup
- New Orleans Saints: Favorable matchup
- New England Patriots: Winnable
Even a conservative estimate might see the Giants winning 7-9 games, far from the worst team in the league.
Comparing the Giants to Other "Bottom-Tier" Teams
When we look at teams ranked near the Giants in various power rankings, it's hard to justify placing New York at the bottom:
New Orleans Saints
With Tyler Shuck projected to start at quarterback in Week 1, the Saints face significant offensive challenges. It's difficult to argue they have a stronger roster than the Giants.
Chicago Bears
Justin Fields enters his fourth year in the NFL with his third team. While talented, his inconsistency and the Bears' overall roster don't clearly outshine the Giants.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders face uncertainty at quarterback and have holes across their roster. Their outlook for 2025 seems no brighter than the Giants'.
The Impact of Low Expectations
Low expectations can sometimes work in a team's favor. The Giants faced similar doubts before the 2022 season, only to surprise everyone with a playoff run. Could history repeat itself in 2025?
Motivation Factor
Being underestimated can serve as powerful motivation for players and coaches alike. The Giants might use these low rankings as bulletin board material to fuel their performance.
Reduced Pressure
With minimal external expectations, the Giants can focus on their game plan without the weight of heavy public scrutiny. This could lead to more relaxed and confident play on the field.
Potential Breakout Players for the 2025 Giants
Several Giants players could be poised for breakout seasons in 2025:
Abdul Carter
The rookie linebacker is already generating buzz as a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. His impact could be immediate and significant.
Darius Alexander
Another rookie, Alexander could become a key piece of the defensive line rotation, providing much-needed depth and playmaking ability.
John Michael Schmitz
Entering his third year, Schmitz could solidify his position as one of the league's top young centers, anchoring an improved offensive line.
Deontae Banks
Moving to CB2, Banks has the opportunity to establish himself as a reliable cornerback opposite the team's top cover man.
The Importance of Divisional Games
In the NFL, divisional games often define a team's season. The Giants play six games against NFC East opponents:
- Dallas Cowboys (2 games)
- Philadelphia Eagles (2 games)
- Washington Commanders (2 games)
Even a 2-4 or 3-3 record in these games would be a solid foundation for a competitive season. Given the improvements to their roster, the Giants could realistically achieve this.
Betting Implications
The low expectations for the Giants create interesting betting opportunities:
- The over/under for Giants wins is set at 5.5 by many sportsbooks.
- They have the second-best odds to win the fewest games in 2025.
For those confident in the Giants' improvements, betting the over on wins or taking alternate lines (such as over 7 wins) could provide value.
Conclusion: Are the Giants Really the Worst Team in the NFL?
While it's premature to declare the Giants a playoff lock or a 10-win team, labeling them as the worst team in the NFL seems shortsighted. The improvements to their roster, the potential for better health, and the proven coaching ability of Brian Daboll all suggest a team that could surprise many in 2025.
Conservative estimates might place the Giants as a 7-9 win team, far from the bottom of the league. While challenges remain, particularly in the competitive NFC East, the Giants appear poised to exceed the extremely low expectations set by many media outlets.
As the 2025 season approaches, it's worth remembering that NFL fortunes can change quickly. The Giants have made significant strides in improving their roster, and if key players stay healthy, they could be one of the surprise teams of the year.
For Giants fans, the message is clear: don't lose hope based on preseason rankings. The potential for a competitive and exciting 2025 season is there. As always in the NFL, the games are played on the field, not in power rankings or mock drafts.
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