In a season where many “experts” forecasted “The Dream Team” Eagles to take The NFC East by storm the real focus has been not on who’s been dominate, but rather who can survive.. The Eagles struggled early starting off 4-8 before reeling off three straight wins, The Cowboys all but had the division in Week 14 until Eli Manning took over and scored 2 TD’s in the final 3:14 to stun the Boys’; The Giants proceeded to lose to The Redskins the next week… O what a long, strange year it’s been for The NFC East.
Although it hasn’t been pretty, it has produced awfully exciting football and this Sunday Nights Matchup with The Division Title on the line should be more of the same. The Cowboys and Giants don’t like each other, they are archrivals after all and I full heartedly expect a bloodbath out there, no holds barred. The significance of this game should not be overlooked by the rest of the league who see two struggling teams limping into the playoffs because as we’ve seen with many teams before, once the playoffs start it’s not about records it’s about skill. Both these teams are stacked with skill and that’s why I’m going to take a look at the 6 players that will make the biggest impact on this Sunday’s Showdown in The Meadowlands.
6.) Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys- The “lazy but talented” receiver has blossomed this season into a big play threat. Him and Romo have connected for 9 TD’s and is on pace for 1000 yards receiving. Since this game will be taken seriously (unlike many week 17 games) I would start Dez with confidence, He should give you good fantasy value as his speed is a game-changer.
5.)Giants Defense- I know the defense isn’t a player but The Giants D has been so atrocious this entire season that I hold the whole squad responsible (Except you Jason Pierre-Paul: You’re a beast see video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmtByXfMdvk). Last week vs. The Jets the defense did bend, but unlike most of the year they refused to break and kept Mark Sanchez uncomfortable all day long. If they can replicate that performance they’ll give Eli Manning and Co. a good shot at winning this game for The Giants.
4.) Victor Cruz,WR, New York Giants- Despite appearing to be lobbying for a spot on “Dancing With The Stars” the salsa dancing wideout has exploded onto the scene this year setting the Giants record for most yards for a receiver in a season (1358 yards with a game left). Look for Cruz to be a big target for Eli and if this week’s game is anything like the 37-34 game these two teams played last time expect Cruz to put up big fantasy points and make his mark on the final result.
3.)Tony Romo,QB, Dallas Cowboys- There’s been rumors spiraling that Romo and Head Coach Jason Garrett are on the hot seat, a lose in week 17 could mean a clearing of the house for a team with high expectations. Romo is struggling with an injured throwing hand so it’ll be interesting to see if he’s at 100% this weekend. If Romo doesn’t play well I don’t think the Cowboys will have a chance in this one, he has to deliver a big game to match the wits of Eli Manning.
2.) Demarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas Cowboys- The pass-rushing extraordinaire could be the game changer in this one. If he’s able to pressure Eli and keep him from getting settled in the pocket this could decide the outcome. Ware has 18 sacks on the year (2nd in the NFL), expect him to get a few this week and maybe put a shot or two on Eli, if he’s effective this could alter Eli for the entire game, Ware’s presence alone could drastically change the environment of the passing game for The Giants.
1.) Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants- In “The Year of the QB” Eli has been stellar. Eli has single handedly won the Giants countless games this year with his late game heroics and expect more of that this week. In the biggest games shine the biggest stars and I expect Eli to take this game over and win it for his team. If your league is still running he’s a lock for fantasy points and is a must start.
My Prediction: Giants 31-Cowboys 21
A big day for The Giants offense overcomes errors by their secondary and The Home team walks away with the division title.
Agree? Disagree? Let me Know!
-Glen G
