The Washington Commanders and New York Giants are set to clash once again this Sunday at MetLife Stadium, but this Week 15 matchup comes with a very different vibe than their season opener. Back in Week 1, Washington rolled to a 21-6 win - a clean, confident performance that now feels like a distant memory for both squads.
Fast forward to mid-December, and these NFC East rivals are both deep in the trenches of tough seasons, each carrying long losing streaks into this game. Washington has dropped eight straight, while New York has lost seven in a row.
Injuries have been a major storyline for both teams throughout the year, and that continues heading into this matchup. The Commanders will once again be without rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who reinjured his elbow last week in a shutout loss to Minnesota.
It was Daniels’ first game back since dislocating that same elbow in Week 9, but the return was short-lived. While the team isn’t concerned about long-term damage, they’re playing it safe - and that means Marcus Mariota will be back under center this week.
Daniels headlines Washington’s inactive list for Week 15, which also includes key depth pieces on both sides of the ball. Tackles George Fant and Trent Scott are out, which could test the Commanders’ already thin offensive line. Cornerback Jonathan Jones and rookie running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. will also sit, along with defensive end Drake Jackson.
Here’s the full list of Washington’s inactives:
- QB Jayden Daniels
- T George Fant
- T Trent Scott
- CB Jonathan Jones
- RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
- DE Drake Jackson
On the Giants’ side, they’ll be without one of their most disruptive defenders, as outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux is inactive. That’s a big blow for a defense that has struggled to generate consistent pressure during this losing streak. New York will also be down a few other contributors, including wideouts Ryan Miller and Gunner Olszewski, punter Jamie Gillan, and defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr.
Here’s New York’s inactive list:
- OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
- QB Russell Wilson (3rd QB)
- WR Ryan Miller
- P Jamie Gillan
- T James Hudson III
- WR Gunner Olszewski
- DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr.
With both teams limping toward the finish line of a tough season, Sunday’s game won’t have playoff implications - but that doesn’t mean it’s without stakes. For players fighting for future roles and coaches looking to evaluate their rosters, these final weeks are critical.
And in a rivalry like this, pride still matters. Expect a gritty, hard-fought battle between two teams trying to find something positive to carry into the offseason.