The New York Giants (0-1, 0-1 ATS, 0-1 O/U) are set to face the Washington Commanders (0-1, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 O/U) in a key NFC East match-up this Sunday afternoon. After finishing 6-11 last season, the Giants started the year poorly with a 28-6 defeat against the Minnesota Vikings. The Commanders, who ended last year with a disappointing 4-13 record, also stumbled in their opener, losing 37-20 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Notably, the Giants won both meetings against Washington last season.
When it comes to NFL Picks, this matchup is drawing significant attention!
Giants Struggle in Season Opener
The New York Giants entered the new season with numerous uncertainties. Their previous playoff victory in 2023 feels far away as they kicked off this season with a disappointing performance. Their opener against the Vikings was marked by a lackluster showing, where they fell at home as one-point underdogs. With a challenging schedule looming, this game against the Commanders is one they desperately need.
Quarterback Daniel Jones, who battled injuries last season, is under pressure to perform. In the opener, he completed just 21 of 40 passes for 186 yards, resulting in two interceptions. Critics are already vocal about his performance, adding to the weight of expectations on his shoulders.
With the departure of star running back Saquon Barkley, the Giants have brought in Devin Singletary, a seasoned player who previously excelled with the Buffalo Bills. Although Singletary gained only 38 yards last week, the team is hoping for a turnaround. Rookie receiver Malik Nabers, their first-round draft pick, made an impression in his debut, catching five passes for 66 yards. However, Darius Slayton’s status remains uncertain, and the Giants’ offense struggled overall, accumulating just 240 total yards.
Defensively, the Giants faced challenges last season, ranking 19th against the pass and 29th against the run. They made a significant move by signing linebacker Bobby Burns, who previously shone with the Panthers. Despite adding talent, the Giants’ defense allowed 312 total yards in their first game.
Last season, New York averaged a mere 15.6 points per game, placing them 30th in the league, while they surrendered an average of 23.9 points, ranking 26th.
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Young Talent Shines for Washington
The Washington Commanders are navigating through a rebuilding phase, now under new ownership and coaching staff, including head coach Dan Quinn. There is a buzz surrounding the team, particularly with quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm. Although the playoffs seem out of reach this year, the Commanders could surprise opponents. They faced a tough loss against the Buccaneers, ending with a score of 37-20.
Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick in this year’s draft, showed promise during his debut, throwing for 184 yards and completing 70% of his passes while adding 88 rushing yards. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. leads the backfield but had a quiet opener, managing only 40 yards on 12 carries.
Receiver Terry McLaurin is a standout in the passing game, having recorded over 1,000 yards in each of the last four seasons. Last year against the Giants, he had 133 receiving yards, but he was held to just 17 yards in the opener. The Commanders’ offense produced 299 total yards last week, showing flashes of potential.
Defensively, Washington is still a work in progress. They ranked 32nd against the pass and 27th against the run last season. With last year’s sack leader Montez Sweat now with the Bears, the team is looking for new leaders in their secondary. Cornerbacks Benjamin St-Juste and Michael Davis struggled last week, allowing 392 total yards against Tampa Bay.
Last season, the Commanders averaged 19.4 points, ranking them 25th, while they allowed an average of 30.5 points, placing them at the bottom of the league.
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Best Bets for Giants vs. Commanders
The New York Giants had a rough start last week, but this game presents an opportunity for redemption. Despite their struggles last season, they managed to sweep the Commanders. Washington is in a significant rebuilding phase, focusing on player development, and they faced a significant defeat last week.
Moreover, Daniel Jones is likely feeling the heat from critics, and this matchup against a weak pass defense could be the perfect chance for him to bounce back. Jayden Daniels has potential, but his inexperience might be a disadvantage. Giants’ running back Devin Singletary could find success against a struggling rushing defense, which finished last in the league last year. This game is pivotal for the Giants; a loss could spark calls for changes, but they are expected to respond positively with a win on the road.
