The New York Giants return home this week to face the Indianapolis Colts. Drew Lock will resume his starting quarterback duties for Big Blue, aiming to secure the Giants’ first win since Week 5 against the Seahawks. The team sits at 2-13 following last week’s 34-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
While rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is a game-time decision, he has a chance to make history by breaking the NFL rookie record of 105 receptions set by Puka Nacua last season. Nabers needs nine more catches to break the record, but Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers, with 101 receptions, could beat him to it. Last week, Nabers broke the Giants’ rookie receptions record, previously held by Odell Beckham Jr.
Giants owner John Mara is undoubtedly eager to see the season end, and his frustration has been palpable. Cameras caught his reaction in his suite last week in Atlanta, a moment that seemed to signal significant changes are coming.
Giants fans have creatively expressed their discontent with ownership all season, including flyovers over MetLife Stadium with banners voicing their frustrations during the team’s last two home games. It’s hard to imagine Mara appreciating those planes flying over his stadium.
The Giants’ injury-riddled defense will face the Colts’ backup quarterback, Joe Flacco, as Indianapolis turns to the veteran after starter Anthony Richardson was downgraded to out with back and foot injuries on Saturday. The Colts’ offense will likely be led by running back Jonathan Taylor, who is coming off a 218-yard game last week. With the Giants allowing 142.6 rushing yards per game (31st in the league), Taylor is poised for another big performance.
The Giants, meanwhile, will again focus on restoring pride during their centennial season—a campaign that has been nothing short of disastrous for Mara and the franchise. A home win would go a long way toward giving fans hope for the future, with several backups filling in for injured starters. The team hopes Lock can ignite the offense and end the franchise-record 10-game losing streak.
Announcers for Giants vs. Colts
- Network: FOX
- Play-by-play: Kenny Albert
- Color commentary: Jonathan Vilma
- Sideline reporter: Megan Olivi
FOX’s broadcast team features Kenny Albert on play-by-play, with Super Bowl 44 champion and former linebacker Jonathan Vilma providing analysis as the color commentator. Megan Olivi will report from the sidelines, delivering stories and interviews throughout the game.
Referee crew for Giants vs. Colts
- Referee: Bill Vinovich
- Umpire: Scott Walker
- Down Judge: Dale Keller
- Line Judge: Tripp Sutter
- Field Judge: Aaron Santi
- Side Judge: Jimmy Buchanan
- Back Judge: Todd Prukop
The last time Bill Vinovich and his officiating crew called a Giants game was on November 13, 2022, when Big Blue defeated the Houston Texans 24-16 at MetLife Stadium. That game saw 12 penalties called for a total of 64 yards between the two teams.
During that matchup, Saquon Barkley rushed 35 times for 152 yards and scored a two-yard touchdown in the third quarter. The Giants dominated on the ground and in the air, with Daniel Jones throwing for 197 yards and two touchdowns while completing 13 of 17 passes. Defensively, the Giants forced two red-zone turnovers in the fourth quarter, including a Jaylon Smith fumble recovery and a Dane Belton interception.
Time & channel for Giants vs. Colts
- Home: New York Giants (2-13)
- Away: Indianapolis Colts (7-8)
- Venue: MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, NJ
- Date: Sunday, December 29, 2024
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Sunday’s matchup will be the 18th meeting between the two teams, with the Colts holding a 10-7 series lead. However, the Giants won their last meeting two seasons ago in East Rutherford and will aim to replicate that success.
The last meeting between these two teams occurred in Week 17 of the 2022 season, with the Giants securing a 38-10 win at MetLife Stadium. That victory marked the first time since 2016 that New York clinched a playoff berth.
Injury updates for Giants vs. Colts
- Giants: Raheem Layne (out), Micah McFadden (out), Malik Nabers (questionable), John Michael Schmitz (out), Greg Stroman (out), Armon Watts (questionable), Austin Schlottmann (questionable), Dee Williams (questionable)
- Colts: Mo Alie-Cox (questionable), Jaylon Carlies (questionable), Anthony Richardson (out), E.J. Speed (questionable), Julius Brents (questionable), Quenton Nelson (questionable)
The Giants hope to snap their franchise-record 10-game losing streak, while the Colts aim to secure a spot in this year’s playoff picture. Indianapolis sits behind the Houston Texans in the AFC South, making this Week 17 matchup one to watch.