The Indianapolis Colts will take their slim playoff hopes to New York on Sunday for a Week 17 matchup with the Giants.
However, it is possible that the Colts are eliminated from the playoffs before they even step foot on the field.
Of course, every year is different, but it’s not often that we see these two teams match up against each other. The two have met just three times since the 2014 season.
So, to help us preview this game between uncommon opponents, Dan Benton, the managing editor of Giants Wire, answered five of our questions to help provide us with some insights into this 2024 Giants team.
Even with inconsistency at QB, Malik Nabers is putting up big numbers. What can you tell us about the rookie’s season?
Benton: Nabers is a very talented player, don’t get me wrong, but his production is a bit misleading. He leads the NFL with 154 targets and his 97 receptions have yielded a 9.98 yards per catch average. It’s more quantity by necessity than it has been quality. Again, that’s not to say Nabers is entirely at fault for that. He’s made the best of a bad situation but has done it in abundance. We’ve still not seen the type of player he’s capable of being — certainly not down the field — and nagging injuries have only made matters worse.
Two wins are two wins, but is there any area where this Giants team has found some success?
Benton: To be blunt, no. Not as far as any team metrics go. Their offense is terrible, their defense is bad, their special teams unit is a mess, the coaching will lead to firings and the personnel management has directly contributed to several losses. The 2024 draft class has been impressive outside of their injuries but that’s really the only silver lining on this ugly season. In terms of on-field success, there’s nothing at all to praise. The Colts and their fans will be shocked at the bad football they see this Sunday.
Who is a player on offense to know and one on defense that should have the attention of Colts fans?
Benton: Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is certainly on an impressive trajectory. The converted wide receiver is one of the top rookie running backs in football and will likely go over 1,000 scrimmage yards on Sunday. He’s no Saquon Barkley (yet) and he needs to improve in pass protection, but he’s a very talented player with a bright future.
Defensively, linebacker Darius Muasau may be undersized but he’s a quick study and never makes the same mistake twice. He’s got the heart of a lion and has adapted well to the pro game. The more opportunities he gets, the better he plays. Again, the 2024 draft class he been the only thing worth celebrating this season.
The run defense of the Giants looks like an area the Colts’ offense could exploit–is that an area of concern for New York entering this game?
Benton: It makes no logical sense, but the Giants’ run defense has been much better over the past three games even if the final statistics don’t necessarily bear that out. Teams have been less inclined to pass after building big leads which contributes to bloated final numbers, but on a play-by-play basis, the front seven has played respectably against opposing running backs (we’re excluding Lamar Jackson). I would bet on them limiting Taylor on Sunday but I also wouldn’t be surprised if they make it a bit of a slog for him.
Who wins and why?
Benton: The Giants are not going to win again this season and I don’t even think they’ll keep it within one score, which has been a common theme for the Colts this year. The reality is, they’re a bad football team with major changes coming. The forecasted weather (rain, wind) certainly isn’t going to help the situation and when all is said and done, the Giants will become the first team in NFL history to go 0-9 at home in a single season. Colts 28, Giants 10.