This season has had it's share of ups and downs for the New York Giants, especially when it comes to injuries. Even with the injuries to the likes of quarterback Jaxson Dart, defensive lineman Brian Burns, and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, the Giants still find themselves in the driver' seat of the NFC East. Credit can be given to head coach John Harbaugh for getting the most out of his players, who have seemingly all bought in to him and the rest of the coaching staff. Why should they be considered favorites for the NFC East title? That's because the rest of the division is a disaster, as proven in Week 8, when the Giants were on a bye.
The Dallas Cowboys were probably the Giants' biggest threat to win the division, even though they carried huge question marks. On Sunday, the Cowboys blew a 24-10 lead to lose 33-30 in overtime to the Arizona Cardinals. Later that night, the then one-win Washington Commanders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10. Because of this, the Giants still have a cushion for first place, without even having to play a game.
Given the state of the rest of the NFC East, the Giants could take significant steps to ensure the championship is theirs.
Giants face off against Eagles and Commanders on short week after bye
The Giants' first opponents in their return from the bye week will be against the Eagles. This is not the normal roster of Eagles players, as they are dealing with a variety of injurie. Their largest absence is starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is out for the season due to a blood clot issue. The Eagles have had to rely on Tanner McKee as their starter, but he doesn't have the skillset to carry an injured team to a win.
Then, the Giants go on short rest to take on the Commanders on Thursday Night Football. The two teams met earlier this season, resulting in a 27-27 tie after overtime. While quarterback Jayden Daniels has returned, the team is without star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who is out for the season due to a knee injury. Plus, we can't forget about the Commanders' game management skills could come into play, much like they did back in Week 5.
If the Giants were to pick up wins against both teams, they would be 6-2-1 on the season, and have a more substantial cushion for first place. It only helps that the Eagles and Commanders would be tallied with an additional loss ot their record.
State of NFC East should have Giants making push for huge splash at trade deadline
This is perhaps the Giants' easiest path to a playoff spot in recent memory. All three of their rivals are struggling mightily. As long as the Giants keep at their current pace, they should be fine in terms of clinching the division by season's end.
Because of this, the Giants can't waste the open window. And based on reporting, it sounds like the Giants are going to be doing that with a big move by the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
The most recent buzz has been that the Giants are linked to Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. While the Colts want a lot in return, most likely a Christian McCaffrey type return (a second-round pick, a third-round pick, a fourth-round pick, and a fifth-round pick). The Giants don't have too many draft picks at their disposal, especially for 2027. But with Harbaugh, he could make that push for a star to help not only improve their rushing attack further, but also help their chances of winning games.
Harbaugh already tried to swing big after he called Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk about trading for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Harbaugh was denied, and watched as the Titans traded Simmons to the Chicago Bears for two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder. We'll see if there is another move the Giants could make, but it appears Harbaugh is all-in on trying to improve his chances of bringing them back to the playoffs.
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