The winless New Orleans Saints host a 1-3 New York Giants team on Sunday. The Giants won their first game of the season last week in a 21-18 victory against the then undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. 

There are several key offensive players in this game for both teams. One X-factor on offense that will not be active, however, is second-year star wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers left Week 4’s game early with what would later be diagnosed as an ACL tear, causing him to miss the rest of the season and possibly the start of next season. The following offensive players will be responsible for their team winning or losing.

The Giants decided last week to bench 14-year veteran quarterback Russell Wilson in favor of first-round rookie Jaxson Dart. Despite losing his top WR to injury, Dart led the Giants to their first victory and handed the Chargers their first loss of the year. New York capitalized on their first possession of the game, driving 89 yards down the field in four minutes. Dart finished the drive with a 15-yard TD scramble and emphatic celebration. The Giants lacked fire and Dart provided a much-needed spark. 

Dart, a gunslinger out of Ole Miss, was selected No. 25 overall by New York in the 2025 NFL Draft. There was much criticism of the selection during draft night, but Dart quickly shut down any concerns with a strong preseason performance. In addition to showing off his plus arm talent and impressive athleticism, Dart impressed many around the league with his ability to go through his progressions and throw to his checkdown when the big play was not there.

Jaxson Dart will likely be playing with a chip on his shoulder in this contest. As the draft drew near, rumors of the Saints selecting Dart with their first round pick grew loud. The Saints instead opted for offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. in Round 1, and chose to address their quarterback need in Round 2 with Tyler Shough. Dart will have extra motivation in this one.

New Orleans’ run game showed promise last week against Buffalo. The Saints tallied 189 rushing yards, averaged 5.6 yards per carry, and picked up 14 first downs on the ground. The Giants rank No. 29 in the NFL in run defense and No. 25 in PFF Run Defense grade. In what is expected to be a close game, New Orleans must establish the ground game.

New York possesses an elite pass rush with great depth among their edge rushers. Spencer Rattler will be forced to get rid of the ball quickly, and Alvin Kamara must provide a safety outlet for him. Kamara will need to turn back the clock and show the agility and tackle breaking prowess he once displayed for the Saints’ pass game to be relevant.

Slayton will be responsible for filling Malik Nabers’ role as the X receiver in the Giants’ offense. While Wan’Dale Robinson will likely lead the team in targets most weeks out of the slot, Slayton must be able to create separation on the boundaries to spread the field.

Slayton has shown talent throughout his career, but lacked production to back it up, never accruing more than 770 yards in a season. While poor quarterback play is a factor, Slayton has been a disappointment to New York Giants fans. He must step up in the absence of Malik Nabers to not only help the success of his team, but build the confidence in his young quarterback.