Heading into Week 15, the New York Giants are in a rare spot - not just playing at home, but actually favored to win. Yes, the same Giants who sit at 2-11 and have dropped seven straight are 2.5-point favorites over the Washington Commanders, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. It’s only the second time this season the Giants have been favored in a game, and the last time didn’t exactly go to plan.
Back in Week 5, the Giants were favored against the Saints and jumped out to a promising 14-3 lead. But then came a stretch of five straight turnovers, and what looked like a statement win quickly unraveled into a 26-14 loss. That game was a snapshot of the season: flashes of potential, undone by critical mistakes.
This week’s matchup will be played at MetLife Stadium - the site of both of New York’s wins this season. If there’s any place this team has found a rhythm, it’s been at home. And while the record isn’t pretty, the Giants are coming off a bye week, giving them a rare chance to reset and regroup.
Across the field, Washington’s season has followed a similar downward spiral. The Commanders, who took the NFC East crown just a season ago, have fallen hard.
They’re 3-10 and riding an eight-game losing streak of their own. Injuries have only added to the frustration.
Second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, who’s shown flashes of promise when healthy, has played in just seven games this year due to injury. On Sunday, during a 31-0 blowout loss to the Vikings, Daniels aggravated his left elbow and exited the game.
His status for Week 15 is up in the air. Washington also lost veteran tight end Zach Ertz to a serious right knee injury in that same game - a blow to both their depth and leadership on offense.
The Giants, meanwhile, find themselves in pole position for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft - a spot they claimed after the Titans knocked off the Browns on Sunday. That adds another layer to this matchup. While both teams are battling through rough seasons, draft implications are very much in play.
Of course, the Commanders had the upper hand in the first meeting between these teams. Back in Week 1, Washington rolled to a 21-6 win.
Daniels was efficient, going 19-for-30 with 233 yards and a touchdown. The ground game was dominant, too - Washington ran for 220 yards in that one, controlling the clock and the tempo from start to finish.
But that was then. A lot has changed since Week 1.
Injuries, losing streaks, and shifting expectations have turned this into a battle between two teams searching for answers. And for once, the Giants - despite all the struggles - are walking into Sunday with a slight edge.
Whether they can capitalize on it is another question. But in a season that’s offered few bright spots, Week 15 presents a rare opportunity for New York to flip the script, even if just for a week.