Over one quarter of the NFL season has officially passed and football is fully underway in the Meadowlands. The New York Giants are returning to MetLife Stadium this Sunday, Oct. 18, to play the New Orleans Saints, where the team looks to maintain a perfect home record on the season. The Jets will be heading to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots, one of the team’s most notable rivals. Both teams will be taking the field at 1 p.m. this upcoming Sunday.
New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m.
The Giants have played three games at MetLife Stadium this season, winning all of them to currently possess an undefeated home record. This Sunday, the team will look to keep that streak going as they face Tyler Shough and the New Orleans Saints, who are currently on a three game losing streak.
As Jameis Winston has slotted in well to his position as the Giants’ starting quarterback, the team’s offense has been catching fire. In their most recent game against the Commanders, Winston threw for 326 passing yards and three touchdowns, two of which were caught by tight end Isaiah Likely. The Giants’ biggest receiving target, however, has been wide receiver Malik Nabers, who is continuing to establish himself as one of the league’s best at his position. Nabers caught 11 passes for 121 receiving yards and a touchdown in the team’s most recent game.
This week, the Giants will be playing a Saints defense that has given up 361 yards per game so far this season, which ranks at 25th in the league. The Saints also give up the third most rushing yards per game of any team in the league this season, which could provide an opportunity for Giants running back Cam Skattebo to have a big game.
The Giants’ defense has also been playing well this season, with great contributions from rookie linebacker Arvell Reese and second-year linebacker Abdul Carter. The Saints will pose a challenge to the team, with Shough currently sitting at 7th in the league in passing yards, though the team’s defense has proven that it can pose a threat to any opposing offense.
New York Jets vs. New England Patriots, 1 p.m.
The Jets are on the road this week, as they take on one of their biggest rivals, the New England Patriots. The Jets are currently riding the momentum of a 17-15 win and are looking to move their winning percentage to .500.
Behind the leadership of Aaron Glenn, the Jets’ defense has been among the league’s best, allowing just 293 yards per game, which is the 4th fewest in the NFL. The team’s second overall pick, defensive end David Bailey, had a breakout game in the team’s latest game, recording three sacks.
The Jets’ offense will also be getting a significant boost as first-round wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is expected to return after being sidelined with an injury for the past four weeks, pairing up with the team’s main target, Garrett Wilson.
The Jets and Patriots will face off twice this season, as they do every year. The Jets last defeated the Patriots in 2024 in a dominant win, now with a new head coach, new starting quarterback and many new young players, the team is looking to stay in the win column.
