2026 Washington Commanders Opponent Preview: New York Giants

After taking a look at early season matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts, we dive into the Washington Commanders' week five opponent when they host the John Harbaugh-led New York Giants

2025 Record: 4-13, 4th in NFC East

Key Players: Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, Cam Skattebo, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Andrew Thomas

Key Losses: Wan’dale Robinson, Cardale Flott, Daniel Bellinger, DJ Davidson, Dexter Lawrence

Key Additions: Isaiah Likely, Tremaine Edmunds, Patrick Ricard, Darnell Mooney, ArDarius Washington, Juju Smith-Schuster, DJ Reader 

How They Fared:

With a 4-13 record in 2025, the Giants have finished with double-digit losses for the last three seasons. Head Coach Brian Daboll was fired after a 2-8 start, and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka finished out the season as the interim. At quarterback, Russell Wilson started the first three games before giving way to rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart. Dart played well in his rookie year, although a concussion cost him two games that Jameis Winston took control under center in. Injuries also limited 2024 sixth overall pick Malik Nabers to just four games last year. Wan’Dale Robinson was the only receiver to have at least 50 catches in 2025, but he left in free agency for the Titans. In the run game, New York was fifth in yards and fourth in touchdowns. This came without rookie Cam Skattebo for half the season due to a dislocated ankle. Defensively, the Giants gave up the second-most yards on the ground and traded away defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the tenth overall pick in this year’s draft. Brian Burns had 16.5 of the team’s 38 sacks, with the next closest to him only reaching 4. 2025 was another long season for the Giants and the team and fans are hoping new head coach John Harbaugh will help turn things around quickly.

Key Matchup: Giants WRs vs Commanders DBs:

The biggest storyline in the Giants' receiving core will be Malik Nabers' health. After catching 92 passes for 1204 yards in his rookie year, a torn ACL knocked him out after four games in 2025. When he is back on the field, whether he will return to form remains to be seen. With Nabers’ status unknown and last year’s leading receiver, Wan’Dale Robinson, now in Tennessee, others will have to step up early. Long-time Giant Darius Slayton returns, while Odell Beckham is back with the team for the first time since being traded to the Browns back in 2019. The team also signed Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin, and Juju Smith-Schuster and spent a third-round pick in this year’s draft on Malachi Fields. While the Giants look to get the passing offense in sync, the Commanders’ secondary will do everything to prevent that from happening. By the time week five rolls around, fans will have an idea of the impact that newcomers Nick Cross, Amik Robertson, and Rasul Douglas have brought to the unit. Projected starting outside corners Mike Sainristill and Trey Amos will team up and hopefully learn from the veteran Douglas, with Robertson in the slot. Cross, Will Harris, Quan Martin, and Jeremy Reaves man the safety spots. Whoever gets the best of this matchup could determine the outcome of this game.

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