After going 9-7-1 in 2022 and making the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season, New York spent over $251M on free agents, the second-highest number in the NFL, per OverTheCap.
The improvements are probably not enough to win the NFC East, but with a few breaks, the Giants should be in playoff contention again.
Here’s our best guess at the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Giants in 2023:
Ceiling: 9-8
Head coach Brian Daboll increased New York’s win total by five games in his first year with the team, so matching last year’s win total seems like a reasonable expectation. New York lost both games to Philadelphia last season, but with two of its last three games against the Eagles in 2023, there’s a good chance that at least one of those games won’t matter for Philly.
The Giants went undefeated against the Commanders last season (albeit with a tie), and with inexperienced Sam Howell expected to start for Washington at QB, defensive players such as Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux could feast and get New York another win.
On offense, QB Daniel Jones received a huge contract in the offseason. Assuming RB Saquon Barkley signs his franchise tender, both stand to benefit from another year in Daboll’s system. Factor in a healthy Wan’Dale Robinson at wideout and the addition of rookie WR Jalin Hyatt, a former star at Tennessee, and nine wins seem reasonable for 2023.
Floor: 6-11
When it comes to opposing defenses, the Giants won’t have it easy in 2023. In terms of points per game allowed, they’ll face only five teams without a top-10 defense in 2022. Buffalo, Dallas, San Francisco and Washington, all of which have imposing defenses, are scheduled before the team’s Week 13 bye. (Complete schedule analysis here).
Also on tap are a bunch of talented quarterbacks. This season, the defense will see 10 top-20 signal callers from last season, including five inside the top 10. Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts had New York’s number in three meetings last season and Dallas’ Dak Prescott beat the Giants twice.
Of course, the opposition won’t matter much if Barkley (1,312 yards rushing last season) can’t stay healthy, as he did in 2022. His health may have been the biggest reason for the team’s success last season. If he misses more than a game or two in 2023, even six wins could be difficult.
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