0:32 Barkley was impossible to defend at times in his rookie year
This season, with Odell Beckham Jr long gone to the Cleveland Browns, Barkley could lead the Giants in rushing yards, receiving yards, attempts, receptions, touchdowns, the lot. If the New York attack goes, it will go through him.
Major additions: The most-talked-about addition is definitely sixth overall draft pick Daniel Jones. The QB from Duke was viewed as the long-term future by the Giants, but a ‘reach’ by the rest of the NFL world. It does not appear he will see the field any time soon, but his name will be brought up with every Eli Manning misfire.
Golden Tate, after serving a four-game suspension, will be a starter. The ‘other’ first-round rookies outside Jones – Dexter Lawrence (DT) and DeAndre Baker (CB) – will see the field early and often too. New York will also have two new starting o-linemen (Mike Remmers and Kevin Zeitler) and safeties (Antoine Bethea and Jabrill Peppers).
Last season: They improved on their worst-ever finish of 3-13 the year before, and were technically still in the playoff hunt until quite late in the season despite a 1-7 start. But the Giants ultimately fell to 5-11 and fourth place for the second year running.
Prospects: While the Giants remained competitive last season, losing eight games by seven points or fewer, they were inept offensively and it is hard to imagine they take a big leap forward with Manning still at the helm and having dismissed their best vertical threat. However, they retained enough of last year’s core that the floor does not seem too low.
Prediction: 3rd (8-8)
Washington Redskins
Head coach: Jay Gruden
Key man: He’s a new addition, but safety Landon Collins could be a game-changer in Washington. The three-time Pro Bowler and 2016 first-team All-Pro was let go by the Giants, and the 25-year-old signed a massive six-year, $84m deal in free agency with Washington.
- NFL’s highest-paid players
Collins has said he will make the Giants regret not placing the franchise tag on him, and not only will New York feel his wrath, but he will be hugely important for a Washington defense that finished in the middle of the pack in 2018.
Major additions: Collins is the big one, but more rests on the shoulders of Case Keenum, who was recently announced as the team’s Week One starter. Washington thought they had their short-term QB in Alex Smith, but with his career in jeopardy after a leg injury last season, they acquired Keenum after a mediocre year in Denver.
Keenum is the starter for now, but first-round pick Dwayne Haskins will be hot on his heels. The big-armed former Ohio State Buckeye has a ton of talent, and like with the Manning-Jones situation, fans will be calling for the 22-year-old if the veteran falters.
Pass rusher Montez Sweat could contribute immediately, and another welcome addition is the return of second-year running back Derrius Guice, who missed 2018 with a torn ACL. If fully healthy, he could be the team’s new bell-cow back.
Last season: With a 7-9 finish, Washington matched their record from the year before and missed the playoffs for a third straight season. They had a strong 6-3 start, but Smith’s injury ultimately cost them the season.
Prospects: Jay Gruden is entering his sixth year with the Redskins. He has 35-44-1 record, one playoff appearance (one loss), and has never recorded more than nine wins in a season. If Washington fail to make the postseason for the fourth time in a row, it may cost him his job, but it’s hard to imagine Case Keenum dramatically improving this team.
Prediction: 4th (5-11)
Sourse: skysports.com
