NFL Detroit LionsNew York Giants

Predicting The Top 5 Performers From New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions

Fresh Videos

By @teapester725

Predicting The Top 5 Performers From New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions

Eli Manning vs Detroit Lions
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants and Detroit Lions will be facing off Week 1 on Monday Night Football. Both teams have weaknesses where the other has strengths, and some big time matchups that will make for an entertaining game. Here are some predictions for the top five performers from the matchup between the Giants and Lions Week 1.

5. WR Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson Lions
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

5. WR Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson Lions1
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will have the first crack this season at attempting to slow down Calvin Johnson. Johnson has been one of, if not the best, WR in the NFL over the past couple of seasons and is a matchup nightmare for whoever lines up across from him. The Lions plan on moving him around the formation throughout the night, and Matthew Stafford will target him time and time again, putting him on track to be a top performer in the game.

4. RB Rashad Jennings

Rashad Jennings Giants
The Star-Ledger-USA TODAY Sports

4. RB Rashad Jennings

Rashad Jennings Giants
The Star-Ledger-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants' passing game is not yet in sync, putting the onus of the Giants' offense on the shoulders of Rashad Jennings. The Giants should ride Jennings early and often, as he is the key component to their offense in the early going. In the preseason he was the lone bright spot for the first team offense. He is also a capable weapon in the passing game, making him a dual-threat and a candidate to rack up well over 100 total yards.

3. DT Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh Lions
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

3. DT Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh Lions
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants' offensive line is a mess thanks to a number of injuries in the preseason. Ndamukong Suh is not the player you want to face in the first real game action of the season with so many question marks. With a new emphasis on the blitz, the Lions' defense could get Suh in 1-on-1 situations. That could spell trouble for Eli Manning and the Giants' offense as Suh is more than capable of dominating double teams and looks poised for a big game.

2. QB Eli Manning

Eli Manning Giants
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

2. QB Eli Manning

Eli Manning Giants
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

After the preseason struggles, Eli Manning may be a surprising name to see on this list. But Manning and the Giants couldn't have asked for much better of a matchup in their first game of the season. The Lions' defensive backfield isn't very strong and should provide Manning with plenty of opportunities to pick them apart. The new scheme to get the ball out of Manning’s hand as quick as possible should also help negate the Lions' defensive front.

1. WR Victor Cruz

Victor Cruz Giants
The Star-Ledger-USA TODAY Sports

1. WR Victor Cruz

Victor Cruz Giants
The Star-Ledger-USA TODAY Sports

If Manning is going to have a strong game, someone needs to catch the passes from him. The player to be his go-to target is Victor Cruz. Cruz has turned into arguably the best slot receiver in the NFL and should be able to dominate an underwhelming Lions secondary if Manning gets him the ball. The Giants should be lining Cruz up all over the field, making him a difficult player to keep track. He will lead the Giants in targets by a wide margin.

Kenneth Teape is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @teapester725 or join his Google network.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on