The New York Giants (2-12, 4th NFC East) are set to travel to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Sunday for a match against the Atlanta Falcons (7-7, 2nd NFC South). With three games left in their season, the Giants are facing a disappointing end, having lost 12 of their last 14 games, including a recent defeat by the Baltimore Ravens, who won 35-14. The Giants will see Drew Lock take the helm as the starting quarterback this week amidst a series of injuries. Meanwhile, the Falcons are just one game behind the NFC South leaders after a narrow 15-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. Atlanta has also made a quarterback shift, with Michael Penix stepping in for Kirk Cousins. Both rosters are dealing with injuries, leading to several players listed as questionable for the game.
Let’s break down the upcoming game between the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons.
Giants Struggling on Both Ends of the Field
The New York Giants are facing challenges on offense, averaging 14.9 points and 296.4 yards per game, ranking 29th and 21st in the league, respectively. Their rushing game, averaging 111.3 yards (18th), is overshadowed by a weak passing game at 185.1 yards (30th). Defensively, the Giants allow 23.4 points and 344.1 yards per game, placing them 20th and 21st. They struggle particularly against the run, giving up an average of 143.7 yards (31st), while they rank 7th in pass defense, allowing 200.4 yards.
Drew Lock, the new starting quarterback for New York, has thrown for 414 yards with two interceptions. Leading the ground game is Tyrone Tracy Jr., who has accumulated 695 yards and five touchdowns, though he is listed as questionable. Malik Nabers tops the receiving charts with 901 yards and four touchdowns, but he is also questionable. On defense, Micah McFadden leads with 102 tackles, while Dexter Lawrence, with nine sacks, is currently on injured reserve. Brian Burns, with eight sacks, is also a question mark for this week. New York’s defense has managed only two interceptions this season.
Atlanta Aiming for a Playoff Spot
The Atlanta Falcons are in a critical position, sitting just one game behind the NFC South leaders and needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Falcons have been more productive, averaging 20.9 points and 363.1 yards per game, which ranks them 12th and 9th in the league. Their rushing attack, averaging 124.2 yards (21st), is bolstered by a strong passing game, which averages 238.9 yards (6th). However, they allow 24.4 points and 342.6 yards per game, placing them 25th and 20th defensively. On the ground, they allow 116.9 yards (13th) while their pass defense struggles, allowing 225.9 yards (24th).
New quarterback Michael Penix has only seen limited action, with just 38 yards passing in two games. Bijan Robinson leads the Falcons in rushing with 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns, while Drake London is their top receiver with 919 yards and seven touchdown catches. Kaden Elliss leads the defense with 124 tackles. On the defensive front, two players have recorded four sacks each, and Jessie Bates III has secured three interceptions to lead the team.
