New York Giants predicted to suffer massive drop-off in 2023

The New York Giants were one of the darlings of the NFL last year. Unfortunately for them, the 2023 NFL scriptwriters may have taken the Screenwriting 101 lesson of "kill your darlings" to heart.

USA Today's Nate Davis predicts the Giants to finish 6-11 in 2023, a massive drop-off from their 9-7-1 season last year in which they advanced to the NFC divisional round.

That would be a hugely disappointing outcome for the franchise after it invested substantial money into its core this offseason. However, it wouldn't be all that shocking.

Davis points to New York's schedule, which pits it against teams in the NFC West and AFC West. Per Pro Football Network, the Giants have the toughest strength of schedule in the league this season.

For the Giants to avoid taking a step back, Daniel Jones, whom the team inked to a four-year, $160 million extension this offseason, will need to continue showing improvement. He had his best season last year by going 317-of-472 (67.2 percent) for 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. His interception rate (1.1 percent) was the lowest in the NFL.

He finished tied for sixth in QBR (60.8) with Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith and was particularly dangerous as a runner. He ranked fourth in expected points added (EPA) on rushing plays, only trailing Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts, Buffalo's Josh Allen and Chicago's Justin Fields. He was 13th in pass EPA, sandwiched between Hurts and Dallas QB Dak Prescott.

New York upgraded at tight end by trading for Darren Waller this offseason, but other than him, the Giants receivers don't pose much of a threat. The offense will likely heavily rely on running back Saquon Barkley, who was healthy last year but only played in 15 games from 2020-21.

Davis isn't the only one down on the Giants in 2023. Per the Analyst, the Giants have a 23.5 percent chance of reaching the postseason and are projected to finish 7-10. Bettors aren't any more kind to them. Per Oddschecker, the Giants are +850 to win the NFC East with implied odds of 10.5 percent.

ESPN is slightly more optimistic, projecting the Giants to finish 8-9 with a 41.3 percent chance of reaching the playoffs.