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Quarterback Eli Manning and the Giants are in for a rebound season according to ESPN Insider KC Joyner.

(Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)

After 25 offseason moves to date, the Giants appear improved, enough for some to predict a jump into this year's playoffs.

ESPN Insider KC Joyner is one of the first to completely buy into the Giants' rebuild-on-the-fly strategy. He's predicting a playoff appearance following a hollow 7-9 campaign.

Joyner's argument is based on six key points:

1. Major turnaround in Eli Manning's turnovers

2. Improved health

3. Offensive line improvement

4. Running back upgrade

5. Better at sustaining drives

6. Greatly improved cornerbacks

Joyner, known as the "Football Scientist," uses lots of empirical data to backup his argument. Included are a Bad Decision Rate (BDR) for quarterback Eli Manning and an Adjusted Games Lost (AGL) metric to measure the Giants' injuries in 2013.

Manning's BDR last season was lower than in 2012, according to Joyner. Translation: His errors were more a product of other's errors than his own. That and luck alone (which Joyner somehow lumped miscommunication in there with) should lead to a much better season for the Giants quarterback.

Luck also factors into the AGL, where the Giants' score of 144.6 is the highest Joyner ever recorded in Football Outsiders' injury database, which tracks to 2000. The team that finished last in AGL has averaged being ranked 17th the following season. For the Giants, that would mean a lot fewer games lost to injury this upcoming season.

There are also several free-agent moves that Joyner praises. He raves about the addition of running back Rashad Jennings, saying "he may turn out to be one of the most significant free-agent signings in the NFL this offseason."

In particular, Joyner notes Jennings' ability to do damage as a pass receiver out of the backfield after the Giants finished next-to-last in receiving yards by running backs (370) last season.

The article considers the signings of cornerbacks Walter Thurmond and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as strong moves. But, even more surprising, is the idea of offensive tackle Charles Brown and guard John Jerry being quality additions.

Former NFL general manager Bill Polian had Brown and Jerry graded out among the top players at their position this offseason. In fact, Brown received a significantly higher mark than offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz, who is generally considered the Giants' biggest addition on the offensive line this offseason.

Put it all together and Joyner sees the Giants being a playoff team in 2014.

His bottom line:

Already we have the Giants making the playoffs and Jerrel Jernigan being one of the best third receivers in the league. It must be spring, when optimism runs wild in every NFL city.