Giants vs. Commanders: Week 15 staff picks and predictions
The New York Giants (7-5-1) will take on the Washington Commanders (7-5-1) this Sunday night at FedEx Field in a game with significant playoff ramifications.
Experts are leaning heavily toward Washington this week — 9:1 — with most expecting a one-score game.
How does the Giants Wire staff see this Week 15 battle shaking out? Here’s a look at our picks and score predictions:
Dan Benton: Commanders 27, Giants 23
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If the Giants had come into this game with any level of health, I’d feel a lot more optimistic about their chances. But since they’ve gone in the opposite direction on the injury report, it’s hard to believe they’re going to be able to overcome all of that on the road. And while Daniel Jones has typically played very well at FedEx Field, he’s also 0-9 in his career in primetime. As a team, the Giants haven’t won in primetime in 11 straight contests. Even with their playoff lives on the line, I don’t think they get it done. Washington also has the advantage based on the scheduling quirk.
John Fennelly: Commanders 24, Giants 19
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Close but no cigar again for the Giants, who are in free fall right now. They have been giving up way too many points and big plays on defense and have done little to fight back on offense. Washington has lost only once in their last eight games — a 20-17 defeat against Minnesota on November 6 — and whoever plays them has to be ready for a battle. The Giants should have won the first meeting two weeks ago and were lucky to get out with a tie. That was at home, though. Now they go on the road plus the game is on national TV, where the Giants have not won in their last 11 tries. They might play better this week but to predict and upset here is a reach.
Tyler Henry: Giants 21, Commanders 17
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A few weeks ago, the Giants left plenty of opportunities on the table to put the Commanders away.
The Giants have been unsuccessful in recent memory in primetime but hopefully, with the new coaching staff in place, they are now prepared Sunday night. If the Giants can avoid putting themselves in an early deficit I think they can come out of this game with a win and take a massive step toward a playoff berth.
Close games have been a trademark for this Giants team this season, and that will continue but I think they do enough to get the job done under the lights.
Kevin Hickey: N/A
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N/A
Jeevan Kirkland: Giants 27, Commanders 24
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
In a rematch of two teams who previously tied, this one should be highly competitive. There is a lot on the table for these two division rivals as they battle for a playoff spot. However, New York has had the upper hand in this series in recent history and this should continue on Sunday. Big Blue matches up well with Washington and this should be a game where Saquon Barkley can have his late-season revival.
Serena Burks: Commanders 24, Giants 20
AP Photo/Steve Luciano
The Commanders are heavy favorites this week, but being favored doesn’t always mean much in this league. Washington is coming off of a bye, so the last team they played was the Giants and they’ve been able to focus on this team for three weeks.
The Giants, on the other hand, faced the Eagles last week, a tall task for any team this season, and they are also riddled with injuries. I don’t think it’s going to be as lopsided as others, but the Commanders certainly have an advantage with the schedule, and they get to play at home.
As much as I would love to see the Giants win, I’m just not sure they can overcome the odds this week.
