2007 Previews: New York Giants

Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.

Last year: 9-7 (second in NFC East)

Best addition: Reuben Droughns (RB, Browns)

Key personnel loss: Tiki Barber (RB, retired)

2007 outlook: The Giants are going to be hard pressed to replace Barber, who appeared to retire with a couple of good years still left in him. Trading for Droughns makes sense but the combination of him and Brandon Jacobs may not be enough if Eli Manning struggles once again this season. Manning has enough weapons to at least be successful in New York but his own mistakes have cost him.

On defense, key players like Michael Strahan and Sam Madison continue to get older while the young talent the team has brought in struggles to live up to expectations. If the young talent can show it is finally ready to make an impact, the Giants may have enough to challenge for the NFC East title again this season.

Key to success: How Jacobs and Droughns fare early on in replacing Barber will tell us what kind of team this year's squad will be. If they make the fans of New York forget Barber, then the Giants are surely a playoff team. However, if they struggle early on defenses will be able to concentrate on stopping the passing game which could lead to the exit of Manning if things get really bad.

Against Washington: Washington will obviously take on the Giants twice this season, the first game during Week 3 in Washington while the second is the third to last week in the season in New York. The Giants have had the Skins number of late but a majority of those wins have been because Barber ran roughshod over the Washington defense. Obvioulsy his retirement changes New York's dominance though.

Fantasy sleeper: Amani Toomer. Before rupturing his ACL last season, Toomer was quickly becoming the go-to guy for Manning and if he can come back healthy this year there is no reason he shouldn't return to his role this year. The biggest concern is when (or maybe even if) he'll return but if he does, keep him in mind once he finally gets back to full speed.