Giants Enter Final Stretch with Questions, Hopes, and a Glimmer of Momentum
The New York Giants are heading into the final four games of their 2025 season with a mix of cautious optimism, roster shakeups, and looming long-term decisions. And yes - believe it or not - they’re actually favored this week against the Washington Commanders. That’s not a typo.
Let’s break down what’s happening in East Rutherford as the Giants come off their bye week and look to finish strong - or at least finish with some answers heading into a pivotal offseason.
A Favorable Matchup? Giants Favored Over Washington
The Giants are favored to beat the Commanders in Week 15 - a rare position for a team that’s struggled to find consistency all season. But after Washington’s 31-0 collapse against the Vikings, it’s not hard to see why the oddsmakers are leaning blue.
The Commanders’ offense was anemic, barely cracking 100 yards through the air and turning the ball over twice between Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. Their run game flashed briefly but was underutilized, and now they’re down veteran tight end Zach Ertz, who’s out for the season with a torn ACL.
Washington’s defense didn’t help matters either. Their secondary was shredded by J.J.
McCarthy, who took advantage of soft zone coverage and a pass rush that never got home. The result?
Three touchdown passes and a 98-yard scoring drive that broke the game wide open.
If there’s ever a time for the Giants to steal a win, it’s now.
Winston’s Bold Prediction: Four Straight Wins?
Jameis Winston, never one to shy away from a bold statement, made a holiday-season prediction that Giants fans would love to see come true.
“I heard there’s a possibility that the East Coast is going to experience one of the coldest winters we’ve had,” Winston said. “The New York Football Giants have a possibility to win four games in a row after this bye.”
That’s a tall order, but not out of the question. The Giants’ final four games are against the Commanders (3-10), Vikings (5-8), Raiders (2-11), and Cowboys (6-6-1).
Aside from Dallas, none of those teams are exactly juggernauts. Still, the Giants have to prove they can string together consistent performances - something they’ve struggled with all year.
Injury Update: Thomas Fidone II Out for the Season
Rookie tight end Thomas Fidone II is done for the year after undergoing surgery on his left foot. The injury, which involved a sprain between his first and second metatarsal, had been nagging him for some time. Fidone initially tried to play through it but ultimately opted for surgery after multiple medical opinions.
It’s not considered as severe as a full Lisfranc injury - like the one linebacker Micah McFadden dealt with earlier this season - but it was enough to warrant a screw and a shutdown. The hope is that Fidone’s early decision to address the issue will put him on track for a healthy 2026.
Darius Alexander: A Rookie to Watch
One player the Giants will be watching closely down the stretch is rookie defensive lineman Darius Alexander. The third-round pick out of Toledo missed crucial development time in the spring and summer, which slowed his early-season impact. But he’s starting to carve out a role.
So far, Alexander has logged 81 run defense snaps with 13 total tackles and three tackles for loss. That’s a start, but the Giants need more from him - especially as they look to build a long-term pairing with Dexter Lawrence. With a full offseason in an NFL weight program and (hopefully) a more effective defensive scheme in 2026, Alexander could be one of the team’s breakout candidates next season.
Run Defense Still a Major Concern
If there’s one issue that continues to haunt the Giants, it’s their run defense. The unit has been porous all season, and it’s a problem that general manager Joe Schoen will have to address head-on this offseason.
Whether it’s a schematic overhaul or personnel upgrades, something has to change. Opponents have consistently found success on the ground, and it’s made life harder for the entire defense - especially in games where the offense can’t stay on the field.
Draft Implications: Week 17 Could Be Crucial
If the Giants lose out, they’re in serious contention for the No. 1 overall pick - something that’s only happened twice in franchise history (1951 and 1965). Their current strength of schedule sits at .537, compared to the Raiders’ .551 and the Titans’ .571.
That Week 17 matchup against the Raiders in Las Vegas looms large. Both teams are in the quarterback market, and both could be jockeying for draft position. A win in that game could cost the Giants a shot at the top pick - and potentially a franchise-altering player.
Coaching Carousel: Giants in the Market
The Giants are one of only two teams (along with the Titans) currently without a head coach. But that number is expected to grow, with several franchises - including the Falcons, Browns, Cardinals, Bengals, and Raiders - under scrutiny.
Some names to watch in the upcoming coaching cycle include Chiefs OC Matt Nagy, 49ers DC Robert Saleh, Colts DC Lou Anarumo, and Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver. The Giants will have options, but they’ll need to act decisively if they want to land one of the top candidates.
Pro Bowl Voting: Brian Burns Leading the Way
Amid the chaos, one bright spot has been edge rusher Brian Burns, who currently leads all Pro Bowl vote-getters at his position. Burns has been a force off the edge and a consistent disruptor, even when the defense around him has struggled.
His presence gives the Giants a building block on defense - and a reason for fans to tune in when Pro Bowl rosters are announced.
Casey Rogers Re-Signs
The Giants have re-signed undrafted defensive tackle Casey Rogers, a move that adds depth to the defensive front. Rogers has shown flashes of potential and gives the team another developmental piece to work with heading into 2026.
Mock Draft Watch: WR Carnell Tate to the Giants?
In a recent mock draft, the Giants were projected to trade down and select Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. Tate’s clean route-running and reliable hands could make him a perfect complement to Malik Nabers, giving the Giants a legitimate 1-2 punch at receiver - something they’ve lacked for years.
What’s Next
The Giants have four games left to answer some big questions. Can they find a spark and build momentum heading into 2026?
Can young players like Darius Alexander take a leap? Will the defense tighten up, or will the offseason bring sweeping changes?
It all starts this week against a reeling Commanders team. If Winston's prediction is going to come true, the Giants need to start stacking wins - now.