Game Overview ::
By >> Mike johnson
- This game features the two teams tied for the worst record in the league, which results in a situation where the loser will likely “win” the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- The Giants are likely to be without three starting offensive linemen in this game.
- New York threw only 13 passes in last week’s loss to the Vikings while running the ball 30 times.
- The Raiders sent tight end Brock Bowers to injured reserve on Tuesday, which leaves WR Tre Tucker and TE Michael Mayer in line for expanded roles.
- Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty is coming off his best game of the season and now faces the league’s worst run defense.
JM’S JOURNAL ::
Find JM’s Journal on Friday in The Scroll. If you are an Inner Circle member, you can read JM’s Journal on Thursday in Discord.
How new york Will Try To Win ::
The Giants appear to be playing out the string on a lost season and are coming off a game in which they never led yet attempted only 13 passes against the Vikings. After seeing the Lions offense get destroyed by Minnesota’s defense on Christmas, however, it is a little easier to understand how and why that was the gameplan for the Giants in that spot. Regardless, the Giants are 31st in pass rate over expectation in the last month as they have focused on keeping rookie QB Jaxson Dart healthy and out of harm’s way as much as they can. The team has basically scrapped the designed run plays for Dart that made him so dynamic and basically a fantasy football cheat code earlier this season, instead opting for a more traditional running game that involves both Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. The Giants offensive line has been average to slightly below average this season in adjusted line yards per carry and PFF run blocking grade and this week that performance could slip. They are likely to be without three starters this week as the season takes its toll and the team looks towards 2026. This will likely have a tangible impact on their rushing efficiency against a Raiders defense that has been solid most of the season despite opponents racking up a high volume of rush attempts as Las Vegas has played most of the season from behind.
When Dart does throw the ball, his primary targets are likely to be slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, tight end Theo Johnson, and his running backs. Dart has not been as aggressive throwing the ball recently as the team schemes the quick passing game to get the ball out of his hands. Given their focus on keeping Dart healthy, the injuries on the offensive line, and the better than advertised Raiders pass rush we can expect him to once again be getting rid of the ball quickly and his primary targets to be those short area and intermediate options. Ultimately, we are likely to see a similar approach from the Giants offense this week to what we saw against the Vikings, although probably not quite to that extreme. Tyrone Tracy Jr. is a strong candidate for upwards of 20 touches, while Devin Singletary will be involved once again. Robinson and Johnson should each see a handful of targets, while a few downfield shots may be mixed in here and there. Ultimately the goal for New York in this one will be evaluating their younger players and getting Dart out in one piece.
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