Football is finally back. Ever since the Super Bowl ended, millions have anticipated this moment. Each week I will give my predictions for each game and my fantasy studs. But with just one game tonight, I will just be giving a preview of the showdown between the Giants and Redskins tonight. Here's to a great season of football!
The Giants are coming off one of the greatest Super Bowl wins in history and with lots of key losses due to retirement, free agency and injuries, it will be hard to repeat again. The offense should be very effective though as if Eli Manning plays anything like he did in the playoffs, the Giants should be in good shape to win. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw should attack with the Redskins defense with an affective 1-2 punch at running back. After Jacobs softens the defense with his bruising running style, Bradshaw should have plenty of holes to run through. Plaxico Burress also had a great postseason but his ankle is still bothering him. Burress is still Manning's go-to-guy though and should have a big game. Even with the loss of Osi Umenyiora for the season, the defense is still in good shape. Justin Tuck is turning into one of the premiere pass rushers in the league and Antonio Pierce is still a force at linebacker. Look for rookie Kenny Phillips to have a big impact at safety as he showed why he was worthy of a first round pick in the preseason.
The Redskins surprised lots of people last year and ended up getting into the 2nd round of the playoffs. Jason Campbell was improving before his season ending injury and should continue to develop in Jim Zorn's new offense. Clinton Portis is the team's workhorse and is one of the most consistent backs in the league. If the Redskins don't establish Portis, it will be very hard for them to win tonight. Santana Moss has also been inconsistent at receiver and will need to step up if the run game is struggling. Chris Cooley is one of the most consistent tight ends in the league and is my fantasy stud of the game. If the Giants pass rush gets to Campbell, Cooley will be thrown to early and often. Jason Taylor was a big offseason acquisition but most likely won't be playing tonight. London Fletcher is one of the most consistent linebackers in the league though and will need to play that much harder to replace the loss of Taylor. The secondary was very effective last year as Carlos Rogers and LaRon Landry showed last year that the future is bright. Look for them to both have big impacts tonight.
The Redskins have the ability to play with the Giants but the game will be won at the line of scrimmage and that favors the Giants. My prediction is Redskins 14 Giants 23.
