3 bold predictions for the NY Giants taking on the Bucs at MetLife Stadium

The New York Giants will look a lot different coming out of their bye week. On Friday morning, the organization released veteran quarterback Daniel Jones, and Tommy DeVito was named the team's starter ahead of Big Blue's Week 12 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Giants are hoping Tommy Cutlets can carry over some of the success he showed as a rookie last season and lead New York to their first home victory of the year. While the Giants’ centennial season has not unfolded the way Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen envisioned, there is reason for optimism this Sunday with DeVito under center, which could provide a boost for offensive playmakers like Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr.

It is also worth noting that Kayvon Thibodeaux is set to return from wrist surgery. Here are three bold predictions for the Giants against the Buccaneers in Week 12.

3 bold predictions for the NY Giants taking on the Bucs at MetLife Stadium

3: Dexter Lawrence has two sacks on Baker Mayfield

Despite the team’s 2 and 8 record coming off the bye week, the Giants’ pass-rushing unit featuring Dexter Lawrence II, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux has been one of the best in the league, recording the second most sacks with 36. "Sexy Dexy" has been a cornerstone of New York’s pass-rushing success, leading the team with nine sacks this season, the third most in the NFL behind Trey Hendrickson and Myles Garrett.

While Lawrence has not recorded a sack in his last three games, he's overdue for a breakout performance and deserves to be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield ranks 12th among quarterbacks in sacks taken this year. The 29-year-old signal-caller has been sacked 24 times this season, including four times in the last two weeks. It would not be surprising to see Dexter Lawrence II and the Giants' defensive line get to the former Heisman Trophy winner. "Sexy Dexy" is due for a big week, and with the personnel changes off the field for the Giants this week, we could see the team captain step up in a big way.

2: Malik Nabers has a 100-yd game for the third time this year

One of the few bright spots for the Giants this year has been Malik Nabers, who has recorded 61 receptions, 607 yards, and three touchdowns in just eight games. Although the 2024 first-round pick missed two games due to a concussion, he has delivered a strong rookie campaign and has stepped up impressively as the team’s WR1. The 21-year-old started the season strong, scoring all three of his touchdowns in two of his first three games and surpassing 100 receiving yards twice in his first four appearances.

Nabers has slowed down recently due to the team’s offensive struggles with Jones under center, but there is optimism now that DeVito will be the starting quarterback moving forward. Nabers also has a favorable matchup against Tampa Bay’s secondary, which ranks 27th against wide receivers this season. It would not be surprising if the rookie becomes the Giants’ most targeted weapon on Sunday, potentially leading to his third 100-yard game of the year.

1: Tommy DeVito throws for 200 yards and two touchdowns

Sometimes, change is necessary, and for the New York Giants, this one should have happened sooner. The team needed a fresh face at quarterback. While DeVito may not be the long-term solution, he has the potential to get the job done in the short term and provide a spark to New York's struggling offense for the rest of the season. Although the Giants are 2 and 8 and out of playoff contention, Tommy Cutlets will aim to keep the team competitive in the weeks ahead.

Last year, DeVito stepped up when both Daniel Jones and backup Tyrod Taylor were sidelined with injuries. In 2023, he posted a passer rating of 89.2 with 1,101 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions across nine games. The Giants went 3 and 3 in his starts, including a memorable Monday Night Football victory over the Green Bay Packers at home in Week 14.

Now facing a Buccaneers defense ranked last in the league against quarterbacks, DeVito has a crucial opportunity to make an impact and lead Big Blue to a home win, giving fans a reason for optimism. A standout performance, something like 200 plus passing yards and two touchdowns, could reignite hope for the Giants offense. If DeVito can bring some life to the unit on Sunday, there may finally be a light at the end of the tunnel for this team.

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