We conclude Week 2 with a matchup in the Meadowlands between the New York Giants and Detroit Lions. Eli Manning struggled mightily against the Dallas Cowboys defense in Week 1, while Matthew Stafford teamed up with Kenny Golladay for two touchdowns and Golden Tate gained 107 yards against the Arizona Cardinals.
In Week 1, Janoris Jenkins and the Giants secondary allowed just 43 yards to Dez Bryant, the number one receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. It could be a tough matchup for Tate, Marvin Jones Jr., and Golladay. Since Week 7 of last season Jenkins has allowed only 19 receptions on 49 attempts (38.8 percent), best in the NFL. While Stafford has many targets to choose from, the Giants defense allowed a passer rating of just 75.8 to quarterbacks last season, second best in the NFL.
If Stafford struggles through the air, the Lions could try turning to the running game, but they will find the Giants also posses a stingy ground defense. The Giants defense has allowed 967 rushing yards since Week 7 last season, second fewest in the NFL. Additionally, opposing running backs have averaged only 3.7 yards per carry since the start of the 2016 season.
Eli Manning completed 29 of 38 passes last week, but many of them were near the line of scrimmage. The Giants desperately need Odell Beckham Jr. to return to the lineup against the Lions, but that doesn’t seem likely. Here’s what the Giants stand to miss with him out of the lineup:
- Odell Beckham has 47 receptions in 7 games (6.7 per game) since week 11 of last season — third best among WRs. Detroit allowed 13.6 receptions per game to WRs (seventh worst in NFL).
- He has averaged 85.4 Receiving Yards per game (1,367/16) since the start of the 2016 season (NFL Rank: 5th best of 51 Qualified WRs; League Avg: 35.8)
- Beckham has been targeted 23 times in the Red Zone since the start of last season (NFL Rank: 3rd among WRs), while Detroit allowed 17 receiving touchdowns to WRs in the Red Zone last season (most in NFL).
If Beckham does end up playing it will be an interesting storyline to follow throughout the game. He is a star player, but people question how dynamic he can be if he plays on his injured ankle.
The Lions defense struggled against the pass last season, allowing the highest completion percentage in the league at 72.7 percent. Eli Manning had a minuscule amount of time to throw the ball in Week 1, but he might have less pressure from the Lions defense. The Lions have sacked the opposing QB once every 40.6 pass attempts since Week 11 last season, worst in the NFL.
The Giants had trouble running the ball in Week 1. That can be attributed to the offensive line losing the battle at the line of scrimmage. If the Giants get close the goal line, they may have a tough time punching it in this week. The Lions defense allowed only eight rushing touchdowns last season, second best in the NFL.
Here are some more matchups to look out for on Monday Night Football:
- Matthew Stafford (DET) has averaged just 1.2 TDs per Interception since week 11 of last season — eighth worst among qualified QBs. New York allowed just 0.9 TDs per Interception last season (NFL Rank: second best among teams).
- Eric Ebron (NYG) has 330 receiving yards since week 11 of last season (NFL Rank: 6th among TEs). Detroit allowed 1,052 receiving yards to TE last season (NFL Rank: fourth most).
- Golden Tate (DET) is averaging 6.8 yards after catch, ranking 1st among WRs since the start of last season. New York allowed 4.8 YAC to WRs last season (NFL Rank: 29th of 32).
- Eli Manning (NYG) has thrown for 9 touchdowns in the Red Zone since week 11 of last season (NFL Rank: 6th among QBs). Detroit allowed 28 passing touchdowns in the Red Zone last season (most in the NFL).
- Brandon Marshall (NYG) has been targeted 21 times in the Red Zone since the start of last season (NFL Rank: 8th among WRs). Detroit allowed 17 receiving touchdowns to WRs in the Red Zone last season (most in the NFL).
Can the Giants overcome a bad offensive performance like the one they had last week? Can Stafford overcome the strong secondary play of the Giants?
Stay tuned tonight!
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