The New York Giants will open the 2025 regular season on Sunday afternoon against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.

In years past, the Giants were all but guaranteed at least one win over the Commanders, but that changed in 2024 as rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels took them to a different level, ultimately leading his team to the NFC Championship Game. They dropped Big Blue twice, shifting the balance of power in the NFC East.

While expectations remain understandably low for the Giants, there is reason to believe they could turn a corner in 2025. That would, theoretically, begin on Sunday against their divisional rivals.

Here are three matchups to watch on Sunday that could ultimately decide the outcome of the game.

Giants pass rush vs. Josh Conerly

Commanders right tackle Josh Conerly may have a first-round pedigree, but he’s still a 21-year-old rookie making his NFL debut. Not only will there be nerves, but he’ll be drinking from a firehose once the bullets start flying.

Coming out of college, the knock on Conerly was that he oversets and struggles with speed-to-power rushers. And while he played well against Abdul Carter last year, it’s a style of play that could expose him. Throw in veterans Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Conerly could be in for a long day.

The Giants should focus heavily on attacking the right side of Washington’s offensive line.

Malik Nabers vs. Marshon Lattimore

Expectations are high for wide receiver Malik Nabers entering his second season, and an improved quarterback room should help. His first test is a Washington team he fared well against as a rookie, and a veteran cornerback in Marshon Lattimore, who dealt with hamstring issues last year and over the summer.

If the Commanders dare to leave Nabers one-on-one with Lattimore, it would be considered a plus-matchup for the Giants. Any time that happens, the opportunity for a Russell Wilson moonball will be there, and big plays are something New York must add to the repertoire this season.

None of that is a knock on Lattimore, but Nabers is simply a different animal.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs. Washington front seven

While the Commanders are explosive offensively, they are somewhat suspect defensively. Perhaps most notably, they were not a good team against the run in 2024 and could struggle in that area again in 2025.

Enter second-year running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and a potentially healthy Giants offensive line (Andrew Thomas notwithstanding).

Everyone wants to see the Giants air it out, and at times, they will, but they must establish dominance on the ground by attacking Washington’s weakness. If Tracy can gain some early momentum and start moving the chains, it will allow New York to take control of the time of possession, potentially get out to a lead, and benefit from Wilson’s play-action, which remains a strength for the veteran.

That all begins with Tracy and the offensive line taking it to the Commanders’ front seven.