Why the Giants WILL Start the Season 1-0

The Giants enter the season facing off against the Washington Commanders, a team that notably made it all the way to the NFC Championship last year. Many experts and fans alike are pegging New York as the underdog, giving them little chance to come away with a win in this matchup. But I’m here to tell you—don’t buy into the odds you’re seeing everywhere. Today, I’m going to break down exactly why the Giants WILL upset the Commanders in Week 1 and start their season on the right foot.

Let’s begin by examining last season’s results. The Giants lost two closely contested games to the Commanders, with the total margin between them being just eight points. Washington may be a playoff team, but they’re also the oldest team in the league by a significant margin. This offseason and summer, they’ve dealt with injuries to key players on their offensive line and in their receiving corps, leading to inconsistent performance and chemistry issues. I believe this makes them particularly vulnerable up front.

This is where the Giants’ pass rush will be crucial. Jayden Daniels, the Commanders’ quarterback, is going to have a hard time dealing with the pressure coming from New York’s defensive front. With formidable pass rushers like Dexter Lawrence, Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux lining up, the Giants will be able to apply relentless pressure. Even with Washington’s additions of two new tackles—Laremy Tunsil and rookie Josh Conerly Jr.—I expect New York’s defensive front to dominate, especially through the middle, creating havoc and disrupting the Commanders’ rhythm.

On the offensive side, the Giants are poised to stretch the field more effectively than last season with the arrival of Russell Wilson at quarterback. Wilson’s experience and ability to extend plays should open up opportunities downfield that were previously difficult to create. Take Malik Nabers, for example—in his rookie debut last year against Washington, Nabers torched the Commanders for 10 catches, 127 yards, and a touchdown despite the team’s narrow loss. This season, with improved QB play behind him, Nabers should have a much easier time making big plays. That, in turn, will open up space underneath for targets like Wan’Dale Robinson and others, diversifying the Giants’ offensive attack and keeping Washington’s defense off balance.

All in all, while the numbers may suggest otherwise, the Giants have the tools, the talent, and the tactical advantages to pull off a surprising upset in Week 1. Don’t count them out just yet—this is going to be one exciting season kickoff.