The New York Giants have been surprisingly good in 2026, especially given the circumstances. For whatever reason(s), though, they can't seem to shake the Washington Commanders, which could ultimately come back to haunt this group.
Versus all other opponents, the Giants are 5-2. Not too shabby, right? However, they're 0-1-1 against the Commanders, including an incredibly ill-timed, disappointing and self-inflicted 24-21 Thursday Night Football loss.
Poor special teams play, questionable late-game play-calling, a costly fumble by star wide receiver Malik Nabers — the list goes on. There's plenty of blame to go around, and New York has a lot to clean up. Their schedule is about to get a whole lot tougher, starting with a 6-2 Jacksonville Jaguars squad that has walloped teams this campaign.
Alas, the Jaguars' trip to MetLife Stadium is only the beginning of a brutal path ahead. Buckle up, because the ride is going to get bumpy. The upcoming slate made defeating an inferior Washington club at home in primetime a must for the G-Men, but they fell short.
Giants couldn't afford to let up vs. Commanders in the worst way
Holy cow.
First, it's Jacksonville, the NFL's leader in point differential by a solid margin (+108), and their new-look, post-trade-deadline defense, featuring a familiar foe. Then there is an interconference road clash with the rebuilding Indianapolis Colts that Big Blue absolutely needs to win. Hosting the high-powered San Francisco 49ers' offense before visiting the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks rounds out a terrifying stretch.
Talk about a murderers' row. Over the next month, the Giants will face three of the nine current betting favorites to hoist this year's Lombardi Trophy (h/t DraftKings Sportsbook). That makes softer matchups, like the one they just had with the Commanders, so crucial, particularly with the Dallas Cowboys lurking.
Finally, New York seemed to be widening the gap in the NFC East standings entering Week 10. They had a golden opportunity to pad the cushion by beating Washington, who were 2-5-1 entering the contest. Now the pressure is on the Giants to pull off at least one upset, and there will be no rest for the weary after Seattle.
Things won't get any easier for the Giants after date with Seahawks
Another meeting with the down-bad Philadelphia Eagles to cleanse the palate would be really nice following a trial by fire. Unfortunately, that isn't coming until Week 18. Guess who the Giants play fresh off their showdown with the Seahawks: the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.
Sitting at 5-4, the Browns aren't the laughingstock franchise they've been for much of the past ... well, ever. Their roster is full of young talent on both sides of the ball, and first-year head coach Todd Monken is pushing the right buttons. Overlook them at your own peril.
Detroit boasts what might be the league's most explosive scoring attack and a stop unit that has made some meaningful post-bye adjustments. They haven't allowed more than 17 points since their Week 6 break. Dynamic wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and do-it-all running back Jahmyr Gibbs continue to shine as perennial All-Pro candidates.
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