The predicament 7: Finding the first ‘W’
LOOK, I know that the Giants’ season seems to be hanging by a thread. Also, you know that the Giants’ season seems to be hanging by a thread. And as the great football analyst Ralph Kramden might have put it: “You know that I know that you know that I know the Giants’ season is hanging by a thread.”
But today isn’t for such cynicism. There are seven games between now and Nov. 28, when the Giants will welcome the Eagles to MetLife Stadium three days after Thanksgiving. And from what we’ve seen of the Eagles, they are destined to spend the season in a similar strata to the Giants (even if they beat the Falcons) … (Sorry. A little cynicism just snuck in the column. Old habits and such.) … which is to say: that place on the NFL food chain where every week is a struggle. Right now, looking through the prism of an 0-3 start, the Eagles look like the next logical time the Giants will not only have a shot to win, but will likely be favored. That’s seven games from now. Will we really be looking at an 0-10 Giants record on Thanksgiving Day?
I say: NO!
I also admit: It’s going to take some work and some unique logic to make sure that’s so. So come with me on tour through the next eight weeks and seven games. And let’s try to look for the light, wherever possible …
1. Sunday, at New Orleans, 1 p.m.
Why you should feel hope:
Jameis Winston. If the Giants can stay close, there is always the chance Winston will revert to form and play free and loose with the ball. And one of these weeks the late-game breaks have to turn toward the blue, right?
Why you should feel ‘nope’: Goodness, did you not see how the Saints picked apart the Packers 38-3 in Week 1? Also: This week the Saints get to go back home again, to New Orleans, to the Superdome, to a rabid fan base, many still ravaged by Ida.
The dope: On a scale of 1 (no shot) to 10 (feeling good) — 2.
2. Oct. 10, at Dallas, 4:25 p.m.
Why you should feel hope:
Mike McCarthy is still the coach, and he may be the worst successful coach ever. The defense is banged up. And the Giants have had some fun in Texas through the years beating the Cowboys unexpectedly.
Why you should feel ‘nope’: Dak Prescott looks fantastic. Ezekiel Elliott is averaging 4.5 yards per carry. And the Cowboys sure look about three games better than anyone else in the division so far.
The dope: 3.
3. Oct. 17, vs. LA Rams, 1 p.m.
Why you should feel hope: (Trying to stay positive … trying to stay positive …) The game will be played at MetLife Stadium.
Why you should feel ‘nope’: I trust you’ve seen the Rams? I trust you’ve seen how Matthew Stafford, paroled from the Lions, has played?
The dope: 1 (rounded up from 0.46)
4. Oct. 24, vs. Carolina, 1 p.m.
Why you should feel hope:
Two words: Sam’s back! Also, while Christian McCaffrey has been spared injured reserve, who knows how close to 100 percent he’ll be? The Panthers are 3-0. Do you think they’re bound for 14-3? If not them, AT HOME … who?
Why you should feel ‘nope’: Four words: Sam is for real. Also, if McCaffrey is back and healthy, he is exactly the kind of player who has single-handedly punished the Giants for years. Also … what if the Panthers really are as good as they’ve looked?
The dope: 8.5.
5. Nov. 1, at Kansas City, 8:15 p.m.
Why you should feel hope:
The Chiefs haven’t looked this vulnerable since Patrick Mahomes was a freshman at Texas Tech. As great as they’ve been, they specialize in hyper-close games, and sometimes if you hang around long enough good stuff happens.
Why you should feel ‘nope’: Patrick Mahomes. Travis Kelce. Tyreek Hill. Arrowhead Stadium, at night no less.
The dope: 2.
6. Nov. 7, vs. Las Vegas, 1 p.m.
Why you should feel hope:
Much as the Giants are two plays from being 2-1, the Raiders are two plays from 1-2. West Coast teams and 1 o’clock ET kickoffs. Last time Vegas was at MetLife it needed an alltime break to escape the winless Jets.
Why you should feel ‘nope’: This really might be the year Jon Gruden and Derek Carr co-author something special. Team also seems to have terrific mojo.
The dope: 8. See kickoff, 1 o’clock, West Coast team.
7. Nov. 22, at Tampa Bay, 8:15 p.m.
Why you should feel hope: By rights the Giants should have won last year’s game, which they led 14-6 at the half. Everyone knows Brady’s history against the Giants.
Why you should feel ‘nope’: Bucs look a lot better than last year, and they will be collecting wins with an eye for home-field advantage. And Brady’s “history” against the Giants includes a 5-3 overall record. He isn’t exactly jinxed against them.
The dope: 4