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5 Opponents the New York Giants Need To Beat In 2015

5 Opponents the New York Giants Need To Beat In 2015

Eli Manning New York Giants
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

There were plenty of close games that didn’t go the way of the New York Giants in 2014. By no means were they a good team, but perhaps they were a slightly better team than their 6-10 record suggests. They aim to reach a record over .500 with hopes of making it back into the playoffs in 2015. In order for that to happen, though, they will need to beat these five teams.

5. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton Carolina Panthers
Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

5. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton Carolina Panthers
Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

2014 record: 7-8-1

Although the Panthers finished 2014 with a sub-.500 record, they still won the NFC South. For the Giants to take a big step up from their 6-10 record, they need to beat divisional leaders. In addition, mobile quarterbacks have given them complete fits in recent years; Cam Newton will be a big test. Both teams will look to improve their record, and New York must take care of Carolina at home.

4. New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees New Orleans Saints
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4. New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees New Orleans Saints
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2014 record: 7-9

Finishing with their worst record under Sean Payton, the Saints will likely have a bounce-back year in 2015. Their offense was as potent as ever, but their defense let them down more than usual en route to a 3-5 record at the Superdome. With the Giants traveling to New Orleans, they’ll need to beat a still very good home team in the Saints.

3. New York Jets

Sheldon Richardson New York Jets
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

3. New York Jets

Sheldon Richardson New York Jets
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

2014 record: 4-12

Despite the Jets finishing in the basement of the AFC East and as an inter-conference game having the least effect on playoff positioning, this one means everything within New York City. The regular-season Snoopy Bowl will be a home game for the Giants, and they need to prove that they’re still the top team in New York. This game is all about bragging rights.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

LeSean McCoy Philadelphia Eagles
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

2. Philadelphia Eagles

LeSean McCoy Philadelphia Eagles
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

2014 record: 10-6

The Eagles were looked at as the favorites to win the NFC last season, and they looked that way for most of the season. A flat finish left them in second place, however. Nevertheless, they still topped the Giants twice, and in order for New York to reach the playoffs, they’ll need to win their divisional games.

1. Dallas Cowboys

Murray Bryant Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

1. Dallas Cowboys

Murray Bryant Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2014 record: 12-4

No one is more important than the reigning divisional champions. The Cowboys surprised everyone outside of Dallas last season, and so long as they bring back DeMarco Murray and/or Dez Bryant, they’ll remain the team to beat. The Giants played them well in both games last year but fell short each time. Defeating the Cowboys is the No. 1 way to turn the Giants’ franchise around.

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