Green Bay Packers 2019 opponent preview: New York Giants

The Green Bay Packers will play the New York Giants this season for the first time since the 2016 playoffs.

After trading away Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason, the New York Giants could be one of the worst teams in the NFC this year. But the Green Bay Packers will need to pick up the victory late in the season at MetLife Stadium.

Here’s a look at this matchup and the Giants’ offseason moves:

Last season

The Giants made a 1-7 start to the regular season, but did then win four of their next five. It was too little, too late, however, as New York finished the season with three straight defeats to end the year with a 5-11 record, tied for third-worst in the NFC.

When is the game?

This will be the Packers’ second road game in as many weeks after playing the 49ers in Week 12. It will also be the team’s fourth road game in five. The game takes place on Sunday, Dec. 1, which is in Week 13.

Offseason additions

Before we get on to the additions the Giants made to the roster, we first have to look at the players they lost. First, they traded away star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and they also lost Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins to a division rival in free agency. That’s not an ideal start. The Giants did sign Golden Tate in free agency. Tate isn’t Beckham, but he’s still an excellent player.

New York’s biggest offseason addition came in the draft when they used the sixth-overall pick to select quarterback Daniel Jones. Will he be the starting quarterback by Week 13?

The Giants went all defense with their next five picks, selecting defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, cornerback Deandre Baker, linebacker Oshane Ximines, cornerback Julian Love and linebacker Ryan Connelly.

But the long-term success of this franchise will depend on whether they made the right decision at quarterback.

Last meeting with Packers

Jan. 8, 2017: Packers won 38-13 at Lambeau Field in the wild-card round of the playoffs

Player to watch

Saquon Barkley: Barkley is the best player on the Giants offense, no matter who’s playing at quarterback. The 2018 NFL Rookie of the Year had 2,028 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns in his first season (1,307 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns, 721 yards receiving and four touchdowns). That’s incredible.

Even without Beckham drawing attention from defensive coordinators, Barkley should have another huge year for the Giants.

Green Bay will need to find a way to stop Barkley from dominating on the ground in this game. He will be the key for the Giants to get the win.