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NFL power rankings: 32-team post-preseason breakdown ahead of Week 1

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball as Emmanuel Ogbah #90 of the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter during their preseason game on August 9,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball as Emmanuel Ogbah #90 of the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter during their preseason game on August 9,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

31. . . Previous: . New York Giants. 19. team

Yes, the New York Giants climb a few spots up the ladder despite some notable injury concerns to wide receiver Russell Shepard (finger), tight end Evan Engram (concussion) and rookie running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring).

None of the injuries figure to be serious, though, which spells good things for New York’s offense.

Besides, anyone who saw Barkley’s electric run against the Browns earlier this preseason can attest to how much a game changer he’ll be for the G-Men’s defense.

If Barkley is able to live up to the hype (we believe he will), New York’s offense could end up being prolific this season, helping turn the page on what was a most-forgettable campaign last year. Combined with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.’s record-setting extension, there’s plenty of motivation for the Giants to get back into the NFC East mix this season.

The Giants offensive line should be better, and the secondary should be pretty good too.

Overall, we’ll see if New York’s defense can return to the kind of form it displayed prior to 2017. But for now, the Giants are trending in the right direction.