2013 Record: 7-9

2014 Las Vegas Season Win Total: 7.5

2014 Season Win Total Pick: 'Over'

This year could be somewhat of a last stand for Tom Coughlin. The 67-year-old coach has been running the Giants since 2004. He does have two Super Bowl rings to his name, but Coughlin's Giants have missed the playoffs in four of the past five seasons and are just 16-16 over the past two campaigns.

Coughlin made a rash of changes during the offseason. Bringing in several new coordinators, including new offensive mind Ben McAdoo, and a wagon full of new players on both sides of the ball. The moves have upgraded the talent. Now the question is whether or not it is enough to knock the Eagles off the East throne.

The Giants have holes on offense. They have an unsettled corps of running backs and receivers. The offensive line has been reshuffled. But it all comes down to improved play out of erratic Eli Manning. Defensively they have stocked the two-deep and upgraded a group that finished in the Top 10 in total yards last year.

New York does not have an easy schedule at all. Their status as a marquee franchise bought them five primetime games this year. That may be enjoyable for fans. But those games create physically trying short weeks as well as emotionally trying letdown situations.

The Giants have their toughest stretch of games in November. They play Indianapolis on Monday Night Football and then have to travel cross-country to Seattle on a short week. That's followed by home games against San Francisco and Dallas. Fortunately, three of those four games are at home but that's a daunting slate.

If the Giants can figure things out at the skill positions and if Eli Manning can rebound from a pathetic season then I think New York could be a factor in the NFC. The schedule is not without peril. But I think New York is the second-best team in the East and the runner-up in that division hasn't finished below .500 since 2004. Not coincidentally that is the last time the Giants failed to win at least eight games. They'll keep that streak alive and we'll play the Giants 'over'.

Giants Regular Season Schedule (All times Eastern)

Week 1: Monday, Sept. 8, at Detroit, 7:10 p.m.

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 14, Arizona, 1 p.m.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 21, Houston, 1 p.m.

Week 4: Thursday, Sept. 25, at Washington, 8:25 p.m.

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 5, Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 12, at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 19, at Dallas, 4:25 p.m.

Week 8: BYE

Week 9: Monday, Nov. 3, Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m.

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 9, at Seattle, 4:25 p.m.

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 16, San Francisco, 1 p.m.

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 23, Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Week 13: Sunday, Nov. 30, at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 7, at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 14, Washington, 1 p.m.

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 21, at St. Louis, 4:05 p.m.

Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 28, Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Robert will be releasing his 2014 NFL Futures Picks on Thursday, Aug. 14. Last year's top two picks (8-Unit Play on Arizona 'over' 5.5 wins and 6-Unit Play on Kansas City over 7.0 wins) both won easily and he has hit his top NFL Futures Play (rated 7.0 or higher) in four straight seasons. For more information visit his Insider's Page HERE.

Robert Ferringo is one of the best NFL handicappers in the world and is coming off one of the best football betting seasons in the 43-year history of Doc's Sports. Robert banked nearly $8,000 in profit for his football clients and won a stunning 62.1 percent of his NFL plays (95-58). Robert has won over 70 percent of his last 58 NFL side plays (41-17) and has posted six of seven winning NFL seasons. He has banked $17,400 in football profit, college and pro, over the last 20 months and he is excited about building on his staggering resume. Take advantage of our free, no-strings-attached $60 credit to use toward a purchase of Robert's football selections. You cannot afford to miss out on this great offer - click here.

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