Kickoff: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 – 1:00 PM ET – FOX
Location: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
Series History: 186 meetings (Giants lead 107–72–5; postseason 1–1)
Setting the Stage
The New York Giants open the 2025 regular season on the road against a familiar NFC East rival, the Washington Commanders. It’s the 187th all-time meeting between the two franchises, with New York looking to avenge a 27–22 loss in their last matchup on Nov. 3, 2024.
Head Coach Brian Daboll enters his fourth season with the Giants, emphasizing a fresh start and faster opening pace after slow starts have plagued the team the past two years. “Our focus is on this year,” Daboll said. “It’ll ultimately come down to performance on Sundays.”
The Commanders, led by second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, come off an NFC Championship appearance and carry lofty expectations. This matchup provides an immediate measuring stick for a Giants roster that underwent major changes this offseason, highlighted by the arrival of quarterback Russell Wilson.
Injury Report & Availability
The biggest question mark for New York is tackle Andrew Thomas, who has been battling a foot injury. He was limited in practice Friday and is officially listed as doubtful. “We’ll sit down after practice and talk to the trainers,” Daboll said, noting that if Thomas plays, it won’t be on a “pitch count.”
Rookie star Malik Nabers (back tightness) did not practice Friday but is expected to play. Daboll downplayed the issue: “He’ll be alright.”
For Washington, the injury list is shorter, but cornerback Jonathan Jones (hamstring) and receiver Noah Brown (knee) both missed Friday’s session, putting their Week 1 status in doubt.
Offensive Storylines
Russell Wilson’s Debut
This game marks Wilson’s 200th career start and his first in Giants blue. The 14-year veteran brings stability and championship pedigree to a team seeking offensive consistency.
“Russ has been doing that all camp,” Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka said. “We need his leadership and consistency, just go play quarterback and do your job.”
Wilson praised the chemistry with his new teammates:
“The bonding, the time in San Diego, the time with the O-line, the dinners, the film work… we’re locked in and ready to play some football.”
Malik Nabers Ready to Lead
After a 1,000-yard rookie season, Nabers steps into Year 2 determined to be Wilson’s go-to weapon. “It starts now,” Nabers said. “We’ve got to come out and get this win first. We’re building something great here.”
Nabers spent much of camp in the QB room, working on timing with Wilson. “When you know what your quarterback is looking at, it gives you a plan for how to run your route,” he explained.
Jaxson Dart & QB Depth
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart impressed in the preseason and is slotted as Wilson’s backup, with veteran Jameis Winston in the No. 3 role. Daboll stressed that all backups must be prepared: “That’s why they’re on the team.”
Defensive Matchups
Stopping Jayden Daniels
Washington’s Daniels is a dual-threat nightmare, rushing for 800 yards as a rookie. Defensive Coordinator Shane Bowen highlighted the challenge:
“We’ve got to make sure we’re coordinated. If you go too aggressive, he can burn you. He’s a tough tackle in space.”
Defensive captain Dexter Lawrence echoed the urgency:
“Guys like him, we’ve got to get our hands up, not let him drift out, and be aggressive every play.”
Abdul Carter’s Debut
First-round pick Abdul Carter makes his NFL debut, bringing explosiveness to the pass rush. Bowen admitted the rookie exceeded expectations:
“There’s a violence to him… more than I was expecting, to be honest. He’s done everything we’ve asked.”
Nabers, who faced Carter in camp, added: “He’s going to show everybody why we picked him that high.”
News & Notes
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Series Advantage: Giants lead all-time 107–72–5, including postseason.
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First Game: Commanders 14, Giants 6 (Oct. 9, 1932).
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Last Game: Commanders 27, Giants 22 (Nov. 3, 2024).
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Fast Start Needed: Daboll acknowledged the importance of Week 1 after past struggles: “We’re doing the best we can to get off to a fast start.”
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Culture Shift: Wilson praised Daboll’s accountability: “He’s competitive. He loves his players. He’s a tremendous coach and man.”
What to Watch For
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Offensive Line Stability – Can the Giants hold up without Andrew Thomas?
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Russell Wilson’s Timing – How quickly will he sync with Nabers and TE Theo Johnson in live action?
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Contain Jayden Daniels – Preventing explosive runs may be the difference.
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Rookie Impact – Watch Abdul Carter on defense and Dart in reserve.
Prediction
This has all the makings of a hard-fought NFC East opener. Washington brings continuity and a dynamic quarterback, while the Giants bring a retooled roster hungry to change the narrative. Expect a tight contest where turnovers and pass protection are the deciding factors.
Projected Score: Giants 24, Commanders 21.
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