With the NFL regular season rapidly approaching, the New York Football Giants are gearing up to celebrate their 100th year. The team faces pivotal decisions, with Daniel Jones entering his sixth and most crucial season. Saquon Barkley now in Philadelphia, and the Giants coming off a disappointing 6-11 record after a playoff win the previous year. This season, Giants fans hope to see clarity on Daniel Jones’s potential. The team has an improved offensive line and receiving corps, including first-round pick Malik Nabers, as well as the team’s overall identity.
With a solid defense led by Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence, and new addition Brian Burns, a running game featuring Devin Singletary and Eric Gray, tight ends Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger, and a revamped offensive line with free-agent signings like Jermaine Elumenour, Greg Van Roten, and John Runyan, it’s time for the Giants to accelerate their rebuild and vie for a playoff spot. Here are the top five games that will shape the Giants’ season.
September 8th- New York Giants vs Minnesota Vikings
Photo Cred: New York Times
The season opener is crucial for setting the tone, and this year is no exception. The Giants defeated the Vikings in Wild Card Weekend during the 2022 season, but both teams have changed since then. With rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy out for the year, the Vikings are turning to Sam Darnold to stabilize the position.
Featuring a high-powered offense with Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones, along with a solid defense including Stephon Gilmore and Harrison Smith, the Vikings will be a challenge. However, the Giants have a chance to start strong at home with their new-look offense and formidable defense, particularly their front seven. Against an inexperienced Darnold making his debut with a new team, the Giants should aim for an opening victory and a 2-0 start before tougher matches lie ahead.
October 13th- New York Giants vs Cincinnati Bengals
Photo Cred: big blue View
After facing the Browns, Cowboys, and Seahawks, the Giants return home from Seattle to face the Bengals in a primetime Sunday Night Football game. Joe Burrow returns for the Bengals with star receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase and running back Joe Mixon. The Giants’ defense and revamped offense will need to step up. Can Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, and the run game match the Bengals’ offense? While it won’t be easy, the Giants need at least one win in this tough four-game stretch. A potentially weaker Bengals defense might give the Giants a chance to surprise and secure a crucial win.
October 20th- New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles
Photo Cred: USA Today
A key game in the Giants’ season will be their divisional matchup against the Eagles one week after the Bengals. This rivalry game gains extra significance with former Giants running back Saquon Barkley now on the Eagles. The crowd will be electric, with Giants fans eager to see Barkley return and a strong contingent from Philadelphia backing their team. The Eagles, bolstered by receivers A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson, as well as a revamped secondary, will be tough opponents. The Giants will need to disrupt Jalen Hurts and Barkley to stay competitive. This game will test the Giants’ ability to challenge division favorites and keep their playoff hopes alive.
November 10th- New York Giants vs Washington Commanders
Photo Cred: Hog Heaven
Another crucial late-season game will be the rematch against the Washington Commanders. Despite past struggles, the Giants have generally fared well against Washington, leading the decade series 5-2-1. Daniel Jones has often excelled against them, and the Giants will need him to continue this trend. A
fter a tough midseason, the Giants will look to rebound with games against Washington and the Carolina Panthers, who had the NFL’s worst record last season. The Commanders will be led by #2 overall pick Jayden Daniels, and while his inexperience might show early, they will be formidable by this point in the season. Both teams feature strong defenses, likely making for a low-scoring game where the Giants must secure the home win to stay in the Wild Card race.
December 22nd- New York Giants @ Atlanta Falcons
Photo Cred: Giants
This late-season matchup could have significant playoff implications for both teams. The Giants will aim to remain in the Wild Card hunt. While the Falcons are expected to contend for the NFC South. They have added Kirk Cousins and key offensive weapons like Drake London and Bijan Robinson. The Falcons’ defense has improved with the addition of Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons.
With the Eagles and Cowboys likely ahead in the division standings, the Giants may need a win to reach the sixth or seventh seed. A victory over the Falcons could propel the Giants into a strong finish. And potentially setting up a final game against the Eagles with playoff stakes. The Falcons game will be crucial in determining if the Giants rise to the occasion or falter in their playoff pursuit.
