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By Michael Stewart/@golferbad

Introduction: The Giants are now 1-6 and cemented in last place after losing to the Atlanta Falcons in a game that they could have won. The Giants must now gear it up and take on the division leading Washington Redskins (not a misprint) this Sunday at Metlife Stadium. The Giants are winless at home and have played equally as bad as they did in 2017. The Redskins are ranked 24th overall offensively and 5th overall defensively. They are lead offensively by quarterback Alex Smith through the air and a comeback player of the year candidate running back Adrian Peterson. On defense, the Redskins have excelled with linebacker Ryan Kerrigan leading the way. The Giants are actually ranked higher offensively in 20th place and 18th overall on defense. Running Back Saquon Barkley continues to play solid football and wide receivers Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard are coming off their best performance this season. They will be without defensive tackle Damon Harrison (traded to Detroit) and cornerback Eli Apple (traded to New Orleans), so it could play a part in the outcome of the game. Despite their positions in the standings, this will be a very physical and intense game between two division rivals.

Top 3 Matchups:

  1. 1. Josh Norman-vs-Odell Beckham: How can I not have this one as my top matchup as these two players have a history dating back when Norman was in Carolina. Norman will most likely play Beckham the same as he has in the past “very physical” and it will be up to Beckham to keep his composure and that fall victim to any unnecessary penalties.
  2. Giants offense-vs-Redskins defense: The Redskins are in first place mainly because of their defense. Their bend, but not break philosophy has gotten them to 4-2 thus far. The Giants need a blend of passing and running to offset the Redskins defensive attack with sustaining drives; which will keep the Redskins defense on the field longer than they want. The Giants must streak the field and give their playmakers a chance to make plays, however; this will not be easy for a team that has not shown enough offensively.
  3. Giants linebackers-vs-Adrian Peterson & Jordan Reed: The Giants linebackers will be tested not only against the run, but also in pass coverage. Peterson is not only producing on the ground, but also in the passing game with 8 receptions for 144 yards. Reed just might have his best game of the year this Sunday, if the Giants linebackers fail to contain him; especially after the catch.

Summary: Over the last 10 games between these two teams, the Giants have the edge winning seven of them. Last season, neither team scored 20 points as they split with both teams winning at home. I expect another close game between these two teams; which could result in a total of only 35 points or less. This game has a feel of an upset for the Giants, however; as much as I want to project an Giant victory; this team keeps disappointing me each week. Therefore; I’ll go with the Giants remaining winless at home and falling to 1-7 before their bye week to the hands of the Redskins.

Final Score: Redskins-17/Giants-13