The Giants were on the brink of being 3-4 and would have had a chance to pull within a game of the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. However, an incredible fourth quarter comeback by the Broncos in Denver dropped New York to 2-5.
Here are the biggest stories to watch as the Giants look to complete the season sweep over the Eagles...
An Eagles team looking for revenge
New York shocked and humiliated the Eagles a few weeks ago, when they shut them out in the second half to win 34-17 on national television. Philadelphia, the defending Super Bowl champions, will be fired up to get a chance to right that wrong so soon.
Crucially, the Giants forced two Eagles turnovers and didn’t turn the ball over themselves in that matchup, and it seems likely that the turnover margin will be vital once again. Philadelphia has only turned the ball over one other time in their other six games.
In the previous meeting between the teams, New York rushed for 172 yards and four touchdowns. However, the Eagles defense – which had been struggling against the run – held an opponent under 100 rushing yards for the first time all season on Sunday in Minnesota, so perhaps they are rounding into form just in time for this rematch.
Will New York be without key starters on defense?
New York lost defensive backs Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland in Week 7 and this no doubt played into the Broncos scoring all 33 of their points in the fourth quarter with both unavailable.
While coach Brian Daboll assured the media that these aren't long-term injuries, there is uncertainty surrounding their availability for Sunday. The Denver loss exposed a lack of depth on that side of the ball, so if there are absences again, some backups will need to step up.
How will Jaxson Dart respond to the Broncos loss?
The Broncos were the first team to prevent Dart from generating much yardage with his legs, but he passed the test for the most part as he threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns. While he completed fewer than half of his passes, Dart averaged just under 19 yards per completion as he made enough downfield throws to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
However, his fourth-quarter interception to Justin Strnad fueled the Broncos’ rally. While Dart bounced back from that to drive New York downfield and get them the lead back, it’s the sort of mistake he can’t afford to make against the Eagles, who are sure to try and set similar traps for him.
Will Graham Gano’s return solidify the kicking game?
Unsurprisingly, stand-in kicker Jude McAtamney was released during the week, after his two missed extra points on Sunday played a big part in the Giants’ one-point loss. He was then brought back to the practice squad, but it doesn't seem like the Giants have any plans on using him in game action, unless there are no other options.
Having been on injured reserve, Graham Gano has now returned to practice and is eligible to play on Sunday. However, with the Giants having lost a couple of games over the past few years where Gano was active and then couldn’t kick once the game started, they will need to be absolutely certain he’s good to go.
Younghoe Koo is also available, and the Giants could even make both active if they can find room for them.
Could Brandon Graham make his return for the Eagles?
Graham was a thorn in the Giants’ side for over a decade, as the Eagles won 19 of the 24 games he played against them, with Graham racking up eight sacks and four forced fumbles. However, they thought they’d seen the last of the 37-year-old when he retired back in March.
Graham is back now, though, having unretired on Monday. Whether he will be ready to suit up on Sunday remains to be seen, but the Eagles’ pass rush needs a boost with backup defensive tackle Moro Ojomo currently leading them with three sacks.
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