The New York Giants will play their seventh road game of the season on Sunday when they travel to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions. Both teams enter this NFC matchup following losses.
The Lions (6-4) represent the seventh opponent in the Giants’ last eight games to hold a winning record. Detroit opened as significant favorites and remains so heading into Week 12.
The Giants are reeling from their fifth consecutive defeat, having squandered another fourth-quarter lead in last week’s narrow loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Although New York faces a formidable challenge against Detroit, here are three reasons for cautious optimism.
Kafka’s first game in rearview mirror
Mike Kafka had fewer than seven days to prepare for his debut as interim head coach following Brian Daboll’s dismissal. With a full week of preparation and his initial game experience behind him, Kafka should be better equipped to lead the team on Sunday.
Stability at quarterback
The Giants were without rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart last week due to a concussion. The team is optimistic about his availability for Sunday. Even if Dart is unable to play, the offense benefits from continuity with Jameis Winston under center, as he nearly engineered an upset victory in last week’s start.
Signs of life from Giants’ offensive weapons
The Giants’ rushing attack showed marked improvement last week, establishing the tone early and creating opportunities in the play-action passing game. The team also received an immediate boost from the re-addition of wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins. With a full week of practice to build chemistry with both potential starting quarterbacks, Hodgins should be even more integrated into the offense. New York will need sustained production from both the running game and a passing attack bolstered by Hodgins to have any chance of matching the Lions’ high-powered scoring offense.