The Washington Commanders (3-10) look to snap an eight-game losing streak in Week 15, when they face the New York Giants (2-11) at the Meadowlands. This is a rematch from Week 1, when the Commanders dominated the Giants 21-6. Much has changed for both teams over the past three months.
Injuries have been an issue for both franchises. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels has been in and out of the lineup with injuries and will miss Sunday’s game. Marcus Mariota will start in his place for the seventh time this season. For the first time, the Commanders will see Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Russell Wilson started for New York in Week 1. Dart has also been in and out of the lineup with injuries, but he’s shown that the Giants finally have a young quarterback to build around.
Heading into Week 15, the Giants currently hold the No. 1 overall spot in the 2026 NFL draft order. The Commanders are No. 6. A lot will change if New York wins. The Giants are battling their own misery, having lost seven in a row, but have been much more competitive than Washington.
What’s changed since Week 1? To gain more insight into the 2025 New York Giants, we interviewed Giants Wire managing editor Dan Benton. You can find Dan’s work here.
It’s been another tough year for the Giants. But the bright spot is Jaxson Dart. Are Giants fans encouraged about the future these days due to Dart’s presence?
Dart has certainly impressed beyond initial expectations. He — along with rookie running back Cam Skattebo pre-injury — has generated quite a buzz among Giants fans, but there is a lingering concern over his aggressive style. It’s endearing because it represents an old-school style of play, but worry is also attached, given his four concussion evaluations (and one concussion) this season. A player can only take so many big hits, and while it’s more sustainable on a younger body, it could be career-shortening on the back end. Still, it’s hard not to be excited about the team’s future with Dart under center.
What’s up with Abdul Carter?
Abdul Carter came out of Penn State with some character concerns, and those have proven legitimate, albeit somewhat overblown. That’s New York media for you. Still, he’s dealt with chronic tardiness this season, drawing fines from Brian Daboll before his firing and two benchings under Mike Kafka. By all early accounts, he did quite a bit of self-reflection during the bye week and has returned recommitted, arriving early, staying late, watching more film, etc. Time will tell if Carter stays on that path, but the Giants certainly hope he will. He has a ton of talent — game-changing talent — and can be as dominant as he allows himself to be.
Is Mike Kafka a candidate for the head coaching position? Where do you see the Giants going? Do you have a personal favorite pick?
Initially, I would have said Kafka was a legitimate candidate for the head coaching job — and he will draw an interview — but I think he’s done himself a disservice in recent weeks. Early on, he dealt with a lot of low-hanging fruit (see: firing Shane Bowen) that reflected well, but then came the team’s Monday night meltdown against the New England Patriots when his play-calling and clock management were called into question, followed by an extremely bizarre post-game press conference. Meanwhile, some of his changes have led to internal revolt, resulting in the recent firing of Bryan Cox over airplane seating. Ultimately, I don’t think he gets the job. However, he may land a head coaching job elsewhere.
What are your impressions of the Giants’ defense this season? Brian Burns looks like the clear MVP.
While Brian Burns has transformed into an elite talent, the rest of the defense has maddeningly underperformed. The front seven was supposed to be the strength of this team, but they’re dead last in run defense and are near the league lead in missed tackles. A lot of that also falls on the secondary, where safety Tyler Nubin has failed to take that next step, and cornerback Deonte Banks has established himself as a bust. Injuries have certainly played a role in that, but it’s hardly an excuse. The general manager has failed to establish depth, and the coaching staff, especially under the now-fired Shane Bowen, misused their personnel. The result on the field mirrors all of the ugly statistical and analytical data.
Prediction and why.
Here we are again… The Giants and Commanders are battling for the top of the draft order. It’s like deja vu, isn’t it? Who wants to win? Should they both strive to lose? Luckily (perhaps unluckily?) for Washington, they are starting a backup quarterback, which the Giants notoriously struggle against. There’s no reason to believe that will change on Sunday, especially against Washington’s stout rushing attack and with depleted reserves. Ultimately, the Commanders score the victory and lose in the process, while the Giants are defeated and actually win in the process. The NFL is wild sometimes. Commanders 23, Giants 21.