Giants at Packers: Preview and Prediction

Giants fans will have to set their alarm clocks especially early this Sunday when Big Blue takes on the Green Bay Packers in London, England. Kickoff is set for 9:30 am eastern time, which means the outcome of this game will either ruin or brighten a greater percentage of Giants fans’ Sunday than normal.

For fans looking for a blissful Sunday incited by a Big Blue victory, they should hope quarterback Daniel Jones is healthy enough start after suffering a sprained ankle against the Chicago Bears last week. Jones’ backup, Tyrod Taylor, suffered a concussion shortly after filling in for Jones, so if Jones can’t go the quarterback duties would fall on practice squad call-up Davis Webb. Webb, ironically enough, was a third-round draft choice of the Giants back in 2017, and was thought to be a potential replacement for long-time starter Eli Manning. Of course, that designation eventually went to Jones, but Giants fans could witness a bizarre alternate reality if Webb starts on Sunday.

Around Full Press Coverage

NFL OPINION: Morten Andersen: The Toughest Place To Kick? For Me, It Was This Place

NFL: NFL 2022: Five Key Statistics for Week 2

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs Stock Report: Week 2 2022

FULL PRESS BETS: NFL MVP Odds: Patrick Mahomes Leapfrogs Josh Allen For Top Spot

FANTASY FOOTBALL: Fantasy Football Value Picks In Every Round

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 54: Chargers At Chiefs Preview

The Giants are dealing with injuries at quarterback at a rather inopportune time. Big Blue escaped from a relatively easy first four games with a solid 3-1 record, but Sunday’s game against the Packers marks the first of a three-game stretch against ostensibly tougher competition. The Packers have made the playoffs the last three seasons and have, save for the odd season or two, consistently been one the NFC’s true powerhouses. Reigning back-to-back NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers will be the best quarterback the Giants have faced so far by a mile.

If the Giants want to be taken seriously as a potential playoff team, a win against an established team like Green Bay could help validate their early-season success. If the Giants get blown out, it could be a humbling reality check for a rebuilding team.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Sunday’s game, followed by a prediction for the final score.

Where and When

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday at 9:30am EST/6:30am PST

Injuries (Players on Injured Reserve Not Listed)

New York: WR Wan’Dale Robinson (Questionable), WR Kadarius Toney (Questionable), QB Daniel Jones (Questionable), QB Tyrod Taylor (Questionable), WR Richie James (Questionable), OLB Azeez Ojulari (Questionable), CB Fabian Moreau (Questionable), S Julian Love (Questionable), DL Leonard Williams (Questionable), OT Evan Neal (Questionable), CB Cor’Dale Flott (Questionable), DL Henry Mondeaux (Questionable), CB Nick McCloud (Questionable), WR Kenny Golladay (Doubtful)

Green Bay: WR Allen Lazard (Questionable), DT Devonte Wyatt (Questionable), C Josh Myers (Questionable), OG Elgton Jenkins (Questionable), S Tariq Carpenter (Questionable), OT David Bakhtiari (Questionable), S Adrian Amos (Questionable)

Most Concerning Matchup: OLB Rashan Gary vs. OT Evan Neal

There are multiple reasons why the Giants’ passing game has barely gotten off the ground this season. Chief among them has been their unreliable pass protection. Despite left tackle Andrew Thomas playing at an All-Pro level, New York’s offensive line has still allowed Jones to get sacked 14 times on just 105 pass attempts. Rookie right tackle Evan Neal has been responsible for more than his fair share of those sacks. He was consistently victimized by the Dallas Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence two weeks ago, and he may face a stiffer test against Gary on Sunday.

Gary, selected 12th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, broke out with nine and a half sacks last year. He’s apparently making another leap towards superstardom this season, as he already has five sacks through four games. Unfortunately for Big Blue, he usually lines up over the right tackle, meaning he’ll primarily be Neal’s responsibility. Gary is one of the rare pass rushers that can beat you with either speed or power. Neal’s pass protection chops will be thoroughly tested. If he can’t hold up, Gary could feast on a physically limited Jones all day.

Most Promising Matchup: DT Dexter Lawrence vs. C Josh Myers

If running back Saquon Barkley has been the Giants’ offensice MVP so far, Lawrence would get the nod as their defensive MVP. The big man has been dominant through four games, truly living up to his first-round draft status. He registered his first two sacks last week, but he’s consistently getting into the backfield and making plays.

Lawrence should have a pretty tasty matchup on Sunday against Myers, who in his second year is still struggling to replace Corey Linsley, who left in free agency prior to last season. Lawrence should have Leonard Williams, his running mate along the defensive line, next to him on Sunday. It’ll be tough for Green Bay to double-team both of them. Lawrence should have a great opportunity to create some interior pressure on Rodgers.

Keys to Victory

On the face of it, “make Aaron Rodgers beat you”, sounds like the dumbest gameplan of all time. But the 2022 Packers are clearly a run-first team. They rank seventh in rushing yards per game and 16th in passing yards per game. Running backs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon are the best players (other than Rodgers), on this offense, so limiting them has to be defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s first priority.

Offensively, injuries to New York’s receivers means production will have to come from a superhuman performance from Barkley. Head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka need to craft a superb gameplan, too. As the far less talented team, Big Blue needs every marginal edge they can get.

Final Score Prediction: Giants 16 – Packers 24

New York has shown they can outperform their level of talent. Unfortunately, against a well-coached, established veteran team like Green Bay, they’ll simply be too outmatched to pull off the upset. Martindale’s blitzing ways won’t rattle Rodgers the way they have other quarterbacks. The Giants’ offensive injuries severely dampen their chances of keeping pace.

– Ryan Cuneo is the Managing Editor of Full Press Giants. He covers the New York Giants. Like and follow on Follow @ryan_cuneo Follow @FullPressGiants and Facebook.