Giants vs. Lions 2014 game preview: Matthew Stafford, Eli Manning set to face off in opener

The New York Giants weren't exactly expected to take a stranglehold on the NFC East a season ago, but an 0-6 start to the season wasn't on the top of the list either. Likewise, the Detroit Lions weren't expected to take the league by storm or anything, but dropping six of their last eight games wasn't considered likely. Both teams struggled in areas they shouldn't have and both finished with mediocre 7-9 records.

Neither team is in a division that is particularly dominated by another team, though the Philadelphia Eagles are now the clear front-runners in the NFC East, while the Lions have to contend with both the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, two teams that look much better on paper at the moment.

With an offense that features Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, there's really no excuse for a lack of performance. Johnson is easily the best wide receiver in the NFL, and Stafford has been among the top quarterbacks in production since entering the league. They certainly throw the football as much as any other team, and you can expect more of the same this season. Detroit fielded the NFL's third-ranked passing offense in 2013-14.

With Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and Ziggy Ansah, the Lions' defensive front is just as formidable as ever. Fortunately, they face a favorable matchup on Monday in New York's struggling offensive line.

The Giants tried to revamp that offensive line this offseason, but free agent addition Geoff Schwartz will miss the first seven games of the season with a dislocated toe. Beyond Schwartz, there's Brandon Mosley, the starter at right guard, who is injured and may not be 100 percent for the game. Will Beatty, the starting left tackle, is also dealing with injuries sustained last season, and starting center J.D. Walton is playing his first significant game in two years.

So yeah, there's some issues along the offensive line. That line will need to play better as a whole to give Eli Manning any chance at all for improvement. Then again, Manning was so bad last season, it's hard to imagine him having a worse year after putting up 27 interceptions. He didn't look good throwing to Victor Cruz and the preseason didn't quell any doubts, either. This is the first time Manning has had to learn a new offense in a long, long time as former offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride retired and Ben McAdoo, a first-time offensive coordinator, was brought i.

One positive on offense appears to be the running game. Rashad Jennings looked solid in the preseason, and he might be one of the more underrated free agency pickups around the league. He'll get plenty of opportunities to take some of the heat off of Manning, and there's also fourth-round pick Andre Williams to consider as well.

For the Giants, rookie first-round pick Odell Beckham is the biggest name. He missed most of training camp and the preseason with a hamstring injury that has head coach Tom Coughlin frustrated. It looks like he's not going to be able to play on Monday. Fortunately, linebacker Jon Beason returned to practice this past week and seems on track to play on Monday, though it's unclear if he'll play as much as he'd usually be expected to play.

Safeties James Ihedigbo and Don Carey are both dealing with injuries for the Lions. Ihedigbo has knee and neck injuries, but he returned to practice on Thursday and was a limited participant. It's likely he'll be active on Monday, but Carey, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, seems likely to miss the game. That means guys like Isa Abdul-Quddus and Jerome Couplin could see some playing time.

The Lions will hit the road to take on the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 14. The Giants will host the Arizona Cardinals in their home opener on the same day.