Giants vs. Commanders Preview (9-4-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
LANDOVER, MD – Football is back for the Washington Commanders, as they play host to their NFC East division rivals, the New York Giants. Let’s look at what we can expect in week one….
Betting Odds
According to ESPN BET SPORTSBOOK, the Commanders are favored to win over the Giants with odds of -115 and cover the point spread of -6.5.
Injury Report
New York
● WR Malik Nabers: Back (but he’s recently stated how it will not be an issue)
● T Andrew Thomas: Foot
Washington
● QB Marcus Mariota: Lower leg (achilles tendinitis)
● WR Noah Brown: Knee
● DE Dorance Armstrong: Knee
● CB Jonthan Jones: Hamstring
How to watch the game?
Location: Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland
Start time: 1:00 p.m.
Where can I watch: Fox
Players to watch
● New York Giants: Brian Burns: The two-time Pro Bowler, Outside linebacker, is arguably the best player on the defense, although you can make a strong case for his fellow defensive lineman teammate, Dexter Lawrence II. Burns is a force who can disrupt plays in the backfield with his athletic ability, which sees him use his speed, length, and a collection of pass rush moves that make lineman scratch their heads.
● Washington Commanders: Laremy Tunsil: It’s only fitting that I counter with a player brought in this offseason to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels. Tunsil, one of today’s top three left tackles in the league, will be a huge staple for the Washington O-line in preventing a young-talented New York D-line featuring Burns, Lawrence II, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter. The protection will be key in establishing the run and allowing Daniels time to review his reads and make plays.
History vs. New York Giants
I. This will be the 187th meeting between the two historic NFC East rivals; Washington took the season series last season.
II. New York is 5-1-4 in the past 10 matchups against Washington.
III. Zach Shelby of the Commanders wrote that Washington is 12-16 in week one against division opponents in franchise history.
How can the Commanders open the season with a victory?
Washington’s key to opening the 2025 season with a division rival win is its ability to run the ball consistently. The offensive line must seal the edges from the Giants’ elite edge play, generating some explosive plays outside the gaps and down the sidelines. Daniels enters year two with lofty expectations, but I believe Sunday will cement another reason why people should not be worried about his play. I want to see his continued connection with the receiving core and who can make plays outside of receiver Terry McLaurin. Deebo Samuel is the first thought, but rookie Jaylin Layne, veterans Zach Ertz, Noah Brown, and Austin Ekeler will be names to expect.
Defensively, Washington will need to make veteran quarterback Russell Wilson uncomfortable in the backfield, generating pressure, especially with New York’s star tackle, Andrew Thomas, carrying the questionable tag. Von Miller, Frankie Luvu, Daron Payne, and Javon Kinlaw need to disrupt and be physical. Neutralizing the explosive plays down the field will make New York’s offense one-dimensional and allow Washington to sit and play underneath.
The big matchup I’m looking at is Malik Nabers vs. Marshon Lattimore.
