Opinon: 5 Teams That Cannot Afford To Lose In Week Two

Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks up after an incomplete pass during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

5. New York Giants

The New York football Giants are in a tough spot this week against the Arizona Cardinals. New York is certainly one of the few teams in the NFL that are legitimately in a must-win situation in week two. In week one they were dismantled by the Detroit Lions 35-14, showing little on both offense and defense. Eli Manning certainly didn’t begin the year like he had hoped. Against the Lions he was 18 for 33 for only 163 yards, but what was most concerning were his two interceptions versus only one touchdown. In 2013 Manning had his worst season as a pro as far as interceptions (27) and it seems as though he hasn’t fixed that problem in 2014. Against the Cardinals he will certainly be looking to build some confidence early.

The Cardinals had an impressive fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers and seem to be every bit as complete of a team they were a year ago. Last season the Cards finished 10-6 in an extremely tough division. Arizona’s defense is very strong and held Phillip Rivers to only 238 yards passing in week one. The Giants will be hard-pressed to get much going against in the air against the Cardinals, but they’ll have to it they want to avoid an 0-2 start. The Philadelphia Eagles look to be the division’s top team and if the Giants want to keep pace, beating the Cardinals is essential. If they don’t their season is very much in question.