What it means
The victory vaults the Giants into a first place tie in the NFC East race, where they’ll sit atop the standings until at least Monday night.
Depending on Jones’ health, the Giants have to be considered a favorite.
Because the Giants swept the season-series against the Washington Football Team, the Giants own that tiebreaker. If the Philadelphia Eagles lose to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night, the Giants will be in sole possession of first place for the first time since Week 14 of the 2015 season.
The Giants have one more game remaining against a division opponent, the beleaguered Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 at MetLife Stadium. Sunday’s victory over the Bengals positions the the Giants to have a chance to clinch the division championship — and a home playoff game that day.
First things first, though, the now 4-7 Giants return to action next Sunday against Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.
Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.