There is some optimism that the New York Giants are heading in the right direction after their offseason moves, but ESPN's projections beg to differ.
While no one is expecting a deep playoff run for the G-Men, they are just one season removed from a playoff appearance in the divisional round. Still, coming off their dismal 6-11 campaign in 2023 is difficult to forget.
It's more of the same according to ESPN's Football Power Index, defined as "a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season."
ESPN projects the Giants to hold the No. 6 pick yet again in 2025 while holding a 6% chance to earn the No. 1 overall pick and a 32% chance of holding a pick in the top five.
The Giants' 12.8% chance of making the playoffs, according to projections, ranks sixth-lowest in the NFL. Only the Washington Commanders (12.5%), Tennessee Titans (10%), Denver Broncos (4.9%), Carolina Panthers (4.5%) and New England Patriots (1.6%) have lower percentages.
The Giants made some impressive improvements to the roster this offseason. The acquisition of Brian Burns should go a long way for the defense while the addition of Malik Nabers and Tyler Nubin should help on both sides of the ball.
Still, there are some major question marks on the offensive line and in the secondary. Those are two areas that could doom the Giants for the second season in a row if they don't improve.
It's still extremely early, and none of it truly matters until the season starts, but ESPN isn't too bullish on the Giants returning to the playoffs.
For more Giants coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
