Things have changed since I last saw the Giants.

It was a cold Thursday night in Soldier Field. The lights were on, the air was chilled and the stadium invited fans from Chicago and New York alike. The Bears had lost two straight games and were hosting the winless Giants at home, but an incompatible mesh of optimism and doubt made the atmosphere tense.

On the third play of the opening drive, Eli Manning threw an interception to Zack Bowman — a discouraging mistake that was righted when the defense held the Bears on 4th-and-2 to reclaim the ball for the offense.

The tensions held for the next four plays until Giants fans finally let their guard down. Two rushes for 21 yards loosened them up; one pass for 20 had them on their feet. They were hopeful, they were happy and much like the first quarter last week, they believed.

The very next play was picked off and returned for a touchdown, giving the Bears a lead they would never surrender. 

These were the Giants we had gotten know to this season. They were the winless team that had fallen from Super Bowl grace, with a poor defense averaging 34.8 points allowed per game and an unwatchable quarterback who had already thrown 15 picks. But something even stranger has happened entering Week 9.

The Giants still have a chance to make the playoffs.

After two straight wins, the Giants are just two games out of first place in the NFC East, sitting behind the 4-4 Cowboys, the 3-5 Eagles and the 2-5 Redskins. While half the season is yet to come, they are starting to look like a different team — a better team.

Playoffs are a long shot at best for the Giants, but that’s what the Giants are best at. Remember, they were 7-7 at Week 15 in 2011, and they went on to win the Super Bowl. What’s important to know is that the Giants aren’t done fighting, and that could be great news for fantasy owners.

With only eight games left, the Giants can’t just be good. They need to be great, and so do their players. So for those of you with Eli on your bench, have faith. If you’re looking at new running backs, don’t be afraid to pluck Brandon Jacobs or Peyton Hillis from the waiver wire. Whatever you do, don’t count on the Giants to bow out. They’ll keeping fight, because it’s what they do best.

No major fantasy players went down for the count in Week 8, but that doesn’t mean your fantasy doctor isn’t here for you with Week 9 pickups and drops.

Bye Weeks: Arizona, Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, New York Giants, San Francisco

PICKUPS

Andy Dalton (quarterback, Bengals, 43.5 percent owned in ESPN leagues) — The fact that Dalton isn’t owned in more than 50 percent of leagues surprised me the most. Aside from two bad games, Dalton has scored 13 points or more every week (the last three 24 points or higher). He averages two touchdowns per game and has yet to throw for fewer than 200 yards in a game this season. The only drawback to Dalton is his interceptions, seven in eight games, but is that really a reason not to pick him up? I think not. Pick him up.

Kenny Stills (wide receiver, Saints, 1.1 percent) — Stills is getting opportune looks from Drew Brees, which is something that should be sending all fantasy owners to the waivers. With a mere three catches, Stills showcased his talent by breaking out for 129 yards and two touchdowns. For some reason, Brees seems to have developed a connection with Stills, and it’s churning out great numbers. Add the low-ranked Jets passing defense into the mix and Stills becomes one of the week’s hottest options.

DROPS

Jared Cook (tight end, Rams, 81.4 percent) — The Rams haven’t proven to have a consistent passing game, especially one that includes a tight end. Sam Bradford is gone for the season, which transitions the Rams pass production from bad to abysmal. They also play two of the better pass defenses in the next two weeks (Tennessee and Indianapolis). But everything else aside, Cook just doesn’t get the job done. He’s managed no higher than four points for seven straight weeks. If you still think he’s good for your team, you may as well assume your roster’s tight end spot a wash.

Brandon Meriweather (safety, Redskins, who cares?) — OK, so maybe you can’t actually drop Meriweather. But if you could, you should. This isn’t based on Bears pride or his public shots at Brandon Marshall; it’s based on his bad attitude, poor play style and disrespect for the game. Changes to the rules were made to help keep players safer, not to encourage defensive players to operate under the mindset that they’ve “gotta end people’s careers,” as he was reported saying. I know it would just be symbolic, but drop Meriweather.

J.J. is a sophomore in Media. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Wilsonable07.