New York Giants (2-10) vs. New England Patriots (10-2):
With the New York Giants 34-27 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, they have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. The Giants also released their defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, with outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen taking over play-calling in the interim.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has been out the past two weeks with a concussion, causing backup Jameis Winston to start Weeks 11 and 12. Winston (50%, 366 yards, two touchdowns, one interception) played well despite what the stats show. Winston's best play was a trick play in which he caught a pass downfield to juke a defender before finding the end zone for a touchdown. Dart has been a full practice participant all week and should be back to start Monday night.
New York's pass game led the charge on offense, amassing 395 of 517 all-purpose yards. Wideout Wan'Dale Robinson (nine receptions, 156 yards, one touchdown) led the team in receiving yards, followed by tight end Theo Johnson (three catches, 77 yards). On the ground, New York relied on running backs Tyrone Tracy Jr. (20 carries, 62 yards) and Devin Singletary (14 carries, 47 yards).
The Giants' defense, who are the worst in the league at stopping the run, unsurprisingly had trouble stopping the Lions’ No. 3 run game, which put up 237 yards. Running back Jahmry Gibbs feasted all day (15 carries, 219 yards, two touchdowns), ultimately ripping off a 69-yard run ending in the game-winning touchdown.
New England quarterback Drake Maye (62.9%, 294 yards, one touchdown, one interception) has had a great sophomore year, despite a less favorable performance against the Bengals. Maye has a strong connection with tight end Hunter Henry (seven receptions, 115 yards, one touchdown), as well as wide receivers Stefon Diggs (two catches, 20 yards) and Kayshon Boutte (two catches, 15 yards) despite the stats not being as high in Week 12.
The Patriots' defense, on the other hand, ranks No. 8 and No. 2 against the run. Tackle Andrew Thomas has been a good protector all season and is someone the Giants will continue to rely on against the Patriots.
Although the Patriots haven't lost since Week 3 against the Steelers and the Giants are riding an eight-game losing streak, these teams have history. It's a good rivalry matchup that history proves could really go either way.