East Rutherford, N.J. – The New York Giants are looking to strengthen their grip on the NFC East when they host the Washington Commanders on Thursday night. The game carries extra significance as rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy makes his first home start since being acquired from Minnesota in September.
Giants coach Joe Harbaugh emphasized the importance of the matchup, calling it a “tiebreaker” after the teams tied in their previous meeting. Wide receiver Malik Nabers echoed the sentiment, noting the Giants want to turn the tie into a win and move to 2-0 in the series.
Key storylines
The Giants sit at 5-2-1 and lead the division, while the Commanders sit at 2-5-1 and are fighting to keep playoff hopes alive. Washington offensive lineman Sam Cosmi described the game as a “must‑win” for his team, warning that any loss would deepen their struggles.
McCarthy, who missed most of his rookie season in 2024 with a torn meniscus and dealt with multiple injuries last year, said his priority is to be on the field and help his teammates succeed. He injured his right hip in the previous game against Philadelphia but returned to finish that contest.
Injuries and matchups
Both teams are coping with notable absences. The Giants are without quarterback Jaxson Dart and linebacker Brian Burns. Washington’s defense ranks near the bottom against the pass, giving the Giants a potential advantage.
Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil, a former Michigan teammate of McCarthy, said the Giants will need to study film carefully to counter Washington’s schemes.
What to watch
Giants running back Cam Skattebo returns after missing time with a hamstring injury and could be a key factor against a Commanders rush defense that ranks 12th in the league. The weather forecast calls for rain, which may affect ball handling.
Washington’s recent Thursday night record is modest, with their last win on a Thursday coming in 2022.
Game details
- When/where: Thursday, 8:15 p.m. EST, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
- Broadcast: Amazon Prime
- Latest odds: Giants favored by 2½ points
- Recent form: Giants beat the Eagles 19‑11; Commanders lost to the Rams 20‑13
The Giants lead the all‑time series 108‑75‑6, with the most recent meeting ending in a 27‑27 tie on Oct. 11.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
