The NFL is preparing to drop the 2022 schedule, and the New York Giants are expected to have a bit of a lighter group of opponents compared to 2021.
HOME:
- Dallas Cowboys
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Football Team
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Carolina Panthers
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Baltimore Ravens
AWAY:
- Dallas Cowboys
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Football Team
- Green Bay Packers (London)
- Minnesota Vikings
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- Seattle Seahawks
- Giants’ rumored trade package for 3rd overall pick is hefty
- Mel Kiper’s final 2024 NFL Draft board sees elite QB fall to Giants’ first-round slot
- Giants reportedly negotiating with Patriots for No. 3 pick in the draft
On paper, the Giants have a fairly light schedule given their opponents. Facing off against multiple rebuilding squads, including the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Seattle Seahawks, would suggest that Big Blue has a good chance at walking away with some wins in 2022.
However, having a tougher schedule would be more beneficial for the Giants, allowing them to properly evaluate Daniel Jones and the progress he can make. Having Jones dominate against lesser squads does not suggest he can win in a playoff atmosphere against teams that are considered above average. Gaining false hope he can develop into an elite quarterback could hurt the Giants significantly in the financial department.
A tough schedule would not only give the team more information on Jones’s potential ceiling, but if he fails, it would likely guarantee GM Joe Schoen a top pick in the 2023 NFL draft, which could end up becoming their next quarterback.
There are always a few surprise teams that make significant strides in the second year of a rebuild, and while the Giants have plenty of easy teams on the schedule, I wouldn’t underestimate them just yet.
The Lions could end up becoming a decent team, having shown signs of development last year. There’s no telling how much better Justin fields could look in his second season, and the Bears have a stout defensive unit. The NFC East is always competitive with one another; the Giants have struggled considerably to overcome them in the past.
Another variable to consider is that the Giants still have an unproven roster and team, so any schedule, no matter what it looks like on paper, should be considered difficult until proven otherwise.