The New York Giants are returning from their bye week, ready to bring the heat. Even this past week, Big Blue has remained NFC East leaders. They have several upcoming opportunities to create separation and reach the finish line in their 2026 postseason. They have two back-to-back games against their division rivals, and they may have a chance to make their lead go even further. New York will take on the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders in Weeks Nine and Ten.
In Week Nine, Big Blue takes on Philadelphia, who are already having a tough season. They have lost six straight matchups and are missing several key players, including Jalen Hurts, who is out for the season with blood clots in his lungs. The team has had Tanner McKee in, and now they are turning to another quarterback, Joe Milton III, to salvage late-season momentum, restore some confidence, and avoid ending an already challenging campaign without another win. They had two home opening wins earlier in the season, but since then, the team has been struggling. They can’t find ways to move the ball, and they get stopped every time they try to make a play. The Giants can take full advantage of this, however, to try to break Philadelphia's curse.
The Eagles have beaten the Giants in their last several matchups. However, if New York can break through their offensive line, they may have a shot at making the Eagles' job hard. Milton has limited season experience. He has a strong arm that can get the ball out vertically. This quarterback can also make explosive plays, but his accuracy and decision-making are inconsistent. If New York can capitalize on this, they may get the ball back multiple times, giving Big Blue the win they are looking to bring home.
The Giants also have a quick turnaround, playing the Washington Commanders four days after taking on Philadelphia. This game is another Prime-Time game for Big Blue. This Thursday Night Football Game can also be seen as payback for their tied game earlier this season. Right now, the Commanders are second-to-last in their division, but they previously beat the Eagles and sent them spiraling to the bottom of the NFC East. If New York can keep up, they may stay afloat a while longer.
The Commanders have proven that they can be a strong team. They have Jayden Daniels, who can get the ball moving when he needs to. However, it’s the coaches' division-making that causes Washington to fall. Washington has given up a lot of points this season. If the Giants can catch on, they may be able to win this game too. They need to act sooner instead of waiting until the last minute.
These wins are crucial because if Big Blue loses, they may find themselves in second or scrambling to find their spot in the playoffs. The Giants can’t rely on other teams; they have to pull off these wins. Head coach John Harbaugh has now made both sides of his team work together. They no longer depend on the defense to pull off wins, as they did at the start of the season after the team had to put in Jameis Winston.
The head coach has been encouraging New York this season to have faith in and trust in each other. This team has clearly brought their heart back, and it’s helping them stay on top of a division that has been falling apart nearly all season. Big Blue cannot clinch the NFC East in November, but it’ll take as many wins as possible to get there, especially if they are taking on their division rivals. Big Blue is making themselves known this season.
