The overall criticism surrounding the Giants’ 6-10 finish in 2004 was that first year Head Coach Tom Coughlin may have sacrificed the season in favor of the future by granting QB Eli Manning playing time. The team was 5-4 behind Kurt Warner but the offense was sputtering and there were signs that it needed a spark. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen under Manning as New York went 1-6 behind their top draft pick, beating only Dallas in a thrilling season finale. Overall, the team improved by two wins from 2003, but it was still a disappointing year considering the fast start. Statistically, they were improved on defense, finishing ranked 14th in the league in yardage allowed. Of offense, RB Tiki Barber had a monster campaign, running for 1,518 yards and 13 TD’s. but the passing game never clicked, so much to the point where neither starting wide receiver caught a touchdown pass.

There are a lot of names on the subtractions list on this year’s transactions, but the good news is that none of the players there were considered vital to resign. Warner is gone, as is Ike Hilliard, but the Giants were able to land prize WR Plaxico Burress on the free agent market. Between Barber, Burress, WR Amani Toomer, and TE Jeremy Shockey, Manning may be supported by one of the best sets of skill position players in the NFL. The addition of NT Kendrick Clancy and LB Antonio Pierce through free agency, as well as the drafting of CB Corey Webster of LSU should help on defense. However, the biggest thing going for New York on that side of the ball will be the return of DE Michael Strahan, who missed more that half of 2004 with a torn pectoral muscle.

New York has an offensive quintet that stacks up with any other team in the league if Manning plays well. The problem is that he seemed almost overmatched at times on the field last season. Plus, there were some issues last season between Coughlin and his players that obviously spilled out onto the field. The Giants, and Manning will have to overcome these obstacles if they are to turn things around in 2005.

2005 Key Information

StatFox Power Rating: 15(27 of 32)

2005 Schedule Rating: (16 toughest of 32)

2004::(SU 6-10)(ATS 8-8)

L3 years:(SU 20-29)(ATS 21-26-2)

Coach Tom Coughlin: (SU 6-10)(ATS 8-8)

Trends by month

September

New York is 4-12 ATS as home favorite (9/11)

Giants lost 45-7 at New Orleans as 7-point dogs in 2002 (9/18)

G-Men 5-1 ATS as away dogs of SU & ATS loss (? 9/25)

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October

New York is 3-7 ATS hosting St. Louis (10/2)

Giants are 1-10 ATS home in October vs. non-division (10/23)

Favorite in Redskins contest is 1-6 ATS (10/30)

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November

New York is 4-1 ATS vs. Minnesota (11/13)

Coughlin's crew is 7-20 ATS with revenge in November (11/20)

Giants are 7-19 ATS in road games weeks 10-13 (11/27)

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December

New York has not won a game in December since 2002

Coach Coughlin is 7-0 ATS off B2B losses (? 12/4)

Giants are 1-9 ATS at home before 2 straight road games (12/17)

Top Teaser Angle:

New York is 7-0 vs. 6-pt. teaser after a loss by 3 or less points

Top Money Line Angle:

New York is 0-10 (-22.6 units) against ML vs. teams averaging less then 285 YPG

Top Totals Angle:

New York is 12-3 OVER vs. teams with 51%-60% win percentage

Pre-Season O/U wins:

OVER 6.5 -120 @www.BetCris.com

Fantasy Player Must: Plaxico Burress

Fantasy Player Bust: Amani Toomer