New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants will face the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Monday Night Football in one of the biggest matchups of Week 2.
The Giants are riding high off their impressive 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, and the Rams are looking to rebound after their embarrassing 27-7 defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers.
With a win on Monday, the Giants would put the rest of the league on notice that things will be different this year under head coach John Harbaugh. The Rams are looking to avoid a 0-2 hole and show why they were Super Bowl favorites coming into this season.
There are several key matchups to watch for on Monday night. We’ll dive into the top three matchups to watch for.
Related: Week 3 NFL Power Rankings: Bengals, Vikings, Saints Rise After Chaotic Week 2
Giants’ corners versus the Rams receivers
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants3
Sep 13, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants safety Jevon Holland (8) celebrates an interception against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
New York is dealing with injuries at corner heading into this contest as Paulson Adebo has been put on IR, and Deonte Banks is questionable with a calf injury. Los Angeles might be without their best playmaker as Puka Nacua is questionable with a hip injury.
The Giants will have Greg Newsome in the lineup, and rookie Colton Hood will see extensive playing time, especially if Banks is unable to play. The Rams offense lives and dies on the arm of reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. So whether Nacua plays or not, Stafford is going to air it out on Monday night.
Davante Adams will be Stafford’s primary target if Nacua can’t play. If New York’s corners can lock him up and the rest of the Rams wideout, it will bode well for their chances of pulling off the upset.
The Giants edge rushers versus the Rams offensive tackles
New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) and New York Giants defensive end Chauncey Golston (57) celebrate during a game3
New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) and New York Giants defensive end Chauncey Golston (57) celebrate during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA
With their secondary compromised due to injury, Big Blue is going to need a big game from their edge rushers Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. New York was held without a sack in the season opener and will be looking to redeem themselves this week.
The lone item Los Angeles can hold their head high about last week was that they didn’t allow a sack. This was thanks in large part to offensive tackles Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr.
Whether or not Stafford is under duress will play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome. Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is aware of this and will look to unleash his pass rushers on the reigning MVP.
The Giants offensive line versus Aron Donald and the Rams front seven
NFL: Los Angeles Rams Aaron Donald Press Conference3
Aug 30, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) at practice at the Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The biggest storyline for this game is that Aaron Donald is making his return after retiring following the 2023 season. The team is hopeful he can improve their run defense, which gave up 174 yards last week against the 49ers.
Playing against the Giants in his first game in over two years is not the ideal scenario for Donald, based on the physicality we saw from them against Dallas. New York’s offensive line manhandled the Cowboys’ front seven and paved the way for the team to rush for 165 yards on 37 carries.
New York will look to implement this strategy again to wear down the Rams and to make play-action passes easier for Jaxson Dart. It will be interesting to see how Donald will hold up against New York’s massive offensive line and running back Cam Skattebo.
Often, games are decided on which team is more physical at the line of scrimmage. This game won’t be any different; whoever wins the battle of the line of scrimmage will win this game.