Computer to Big Blue: Don't get your hopes up
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants calls a play against the Carolina Panthers during their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium. (Aug. 13, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
Well, it’s better than nothing. But only just literally.
Predictionmachine.com—a website that simulates the NFL season 50,000 times in order to figure out likely outcomes—has the Giants’ chances at winning the Super Bowl at only two percent. They have just a five percent chance of making the big game, and are projected to finish third in the NFC East, behind the Eagles and Cowboys.
In reality, it’s not quite as bad as it sounds. There are 18 other teams projected to have a two percent or less chance of winning the Super Bowl, with the most likely champs being the Chargers (18 percent), Steelers (17 percent), Patriots (16 percent), Packers (13 percent), Ravens (11 percent) and Eagles (10 percent). The Jets have a nine percent chance, according to the simulation.
The game-by-game outcomes have the Giants victorious in nine contests, and winning six of their first seven games. However, starting with the Week 9 game against the Patriots, Big Blue is slated to finish 3-6. Both Eagles games are also predicted to be losses.
Of course, it is only August and this is only a computer simulation.
A year simulated 50,000 times is an interesting discussion point, but there’s only one playing of the season that really counts.
