The Washington Commanders (0-1) host the New York Giants (0-1) in a critical early-season NFC East matchup on Sunday in Landover, Maryland.
The Commanders and Giants each lost decisively in Week 1, and a loss on Sunday will have the losing team in an early 0-2 hole. These franchises feel like they’re heading in different directions. While the Commanders aren’t expected to compete for a playoff spot in 2024, a new owner, GM, coach and promising young quarterback have fans believing good times are around the corner.
Meanwhile, the Giants are at a crossroads. It’s difficult to believe they went to playoffs two years ago in GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll’s first season. That season helped quarterback Daniel Jones earn a lucrative four-year extension, but things haven’t gone well since.
Who wins on Sunday?
It’s time for Commanders Wire staff predictions:
Bryan Manning
The Commanders will beat the Giants at some point. It should happen on Sunday. While these teams are similar talent-wise—both rosters need plenty of work—the tables are set for Washington to finally beat New York. Yes, the Commanders have struggled to defend Jones recently, but head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. have enjoyed plenty of success against Jones.
This game comes down to limiting Malik Nabers’ big plays and protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels. If the Commanders can do those things, they will win on Sunday.
We think Washington’s defense gets enough pressure on Jones to frustrate him and Daniels hits a couple of big plays in the passing game to put the Commanders over the top.
Commanders 20, Giants 16
Ivan Lambert
Though the Commanders’ roster has been greatly overhauled, it is worth remembering that the Giants have continued a frustrating mastery of Washington. The Giants have not lost in the last four games the teams have met, and we have to go back to the 2021 season finale to find the Commanders beating the Giants 22-7 at MetLife in New Jersey.
Playing their NFC East rivals in a home-and-home set of games each year, it is hard to fathom that Washington has not even beaten the Giants at home in Landover since 2017.
Last week, both the Commanders and the Giants were clearly outplayed. The Giants lost to the Vikings 28-6, while the Commanders fell to the Buccaneers 37-20. Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux have outplayed the Commanders up front in recent meetings. Now, the Giants have added a quick pass rusher in Brian Burns to the mix.
Can the Commanders generate a running game, taking pressure off Jayden Daniels? Will the Commanders secondary correct the gaping holes in their secondary from Week 1? Austin Seibert is the new kicker, having made 17 of 24 kicks from 40-49 yards and 2 of 6 50–59 yards.
Commanders 20, Giants 17