3 bold predictions for the Giants-Commanders Week 9 matchup

In what has been another frustrating 2024 season for the New York Giants, they now have to get ready to take on another tough opponent in the Washington Commanders. The Commanders have been on the league's feel-good stories this season as after just four wins a season ago, they are sitting atop the NFC East at 6-2 with second-overall pick, Jayden Daniels leading the way.

It is not going to be an easy matchup for Big Blue as they took on this very same Washington back in Week 2 and despite not scoring any touchdowns, they defeated the Giants 21-18 thanks to seven field goals by Austin Seibert. If the Giants want to keep their slim playoff hopes on the line, it'll be because of these three bold predictions.

3 bold predictions for the NY Giants clash against the Washington Commanders

3. Tyrone Tracy Jr. continues to impress with another 100-yard game

With rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. no longer in concussion protocol, he is now expected to suit up this weekend, which is huge for this Giants offense. Tracy, drafted in the fifth round in this past NFL Draft, has turned into New York's new number-one running back, despite signing veteran running back Devin Singletary to a three-year deal. And after his latest 100-yard game, that will continue.

Tracy was a bright spot for the Giants in their Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Monday as he rushed for 145 yards on 20 carries, including a 45-yard touchdown run. The 24-year-old has rushed for over 100 yards twice over his last four games. He has 376 yards on 73 carries for the season, averaging over five yards a carry.

If he is a full go this weekend against Washington, there's no doubt Tracy can't continue to build off his excellent rookie season so far. If Tracy suits up, he'll have another breakout game.

2. Daniel Jones finally throws a home touchdown pass

Will this finally be the game? It's been almost two years since Daniel Jones threw a touchdown pass in front of the Giants faithful. The last time he threw one was January 1, 2023, against the Indianapolis Colts. After six home games dating back to the 2023 season, it will finally happen this Sunday against Washington.

Despite not throwing a touchdown pass, throwing an interception, and fumbling in their loss to the Steelers, Jones, statistically, didn’t have a terrible game. The signal-caller threw for a season-high 264 yards and completed over 60% of his passes. Plus, Jones has posted good numbers in his career against the Commanders.

In eight starts, Jones has gone 5-2-1 with 12 touchdowns, just three interceptions, and a passer rating of 98.3. If there’s any game this season where Jones will finally throw a touchdown pass at MetLife Stadium, it’s this one against the Commanders.

1. Darius Slayton plays his last game as a Giant

With the NFL trade deadline approaching on November 5, the Giants are looking more like potential sellers. While they aren’t entirely out of the playoff race yet, things don’t look promising for Big Blue to make a return to the postseason. That’s why their longest-tenured wide receiver may be on the move after this Week 9 game.

Wide receiver Darius Slayton a savvy fifth-round pick from the 2019 draft, has become one of Jones’ favorite targets. Despite putting up a career-high 700 receiving yards last season and coming off a 108-yard game against the Steelers, it wouldn’t be a shock if he’s traded after Sunday’s game. For one, Slayton agreed to rework his two-year, $12 million contract this past offseason after a standoff with the Giants’ front office - a move that often signals an impending departure. More importantly, with the Giants sitting at 2-6, it doesn’t seem to make much sense to keep him around.

As the deadline approaches, plenty of contenders will be looking for wide receiver help. Slayton has been a valuable player for the Giants over his five years, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Sunday’s game against Washington is his last in a Giants uniform.

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