The (2-8) New York Giants will square off against the (4-6) Washington Commanders on Sunday at FedEx Field.
These two teams met four weeks ago in Week 7, with the Giants coming away with a 14-7 victory. But a ton has changed for both teams since then. New York is now on their third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito, and Washington traded away two of their best pass rushers in Chase Young and Montez Sweat.
Despite the Giants winning the last meeting, they enter this game as huge underdogs. But anything can happen when two division rivals meet.
Here are four bold predictions for Sunday’s game.
Related: See which NFL games are scheduled for Sunday
Saquon Barkley will get 40 touches
New York’s offense goes as Saquon Barkley goes. In the last three games, Barkley has accounted for 46.96 percent of the team’s total yards. In their matchup earlier this year, he touched the ball 24 times for 118 yards and scored on a 32-yard catch and run.
Although he expressed his disappointment with his contract situation this week, he’s as focused as he’s ever been on trying to help his team win.
With Tommy DeVito making his second NFL start, expect the 26-year-old star running back to have a busy day on Sunday against Washington’s 29th-ranked defense (380.9 yards per game). In Week 8 against the Jets, Barkley had a season-high 39 touches. He will eclipse that mark on Sunday, as he will have at least 40 touches as a runner and receiver.
Related: NFL offense rankings 2023: 49ers and Texans rise, Bills continue freefall after NFL Week 10
Sam Howell has fourth consecutive 300 yard-day
One of the biggest surprises this season is that Commanders quarterback Sam Howell leads the NFL in passing yards with 2,783. Since the Week 7 matchup, the 2022 5th-round pick has played phenomenally, throwing for 1,034 yards with eight touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Now he’ll go up against a New York secondary that gave up 472 passing yards last week against the Cowboys, and they’ll again be without cornerback Adoree’ Jackson due to a concussion.
The last time Howell went up against the Giants’ defense, they held him in check as he completed 22 of 42 passes for 249 yards and an interception. This time, he and his favorite wideout Terry McLaurin will have a much easier time against New York’s secondary as the 23-year-old quarterback will throw for over 300 yards for the fourth consecutive game.
Related: See where Tommy DeVito and Sam Howell land in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings
Darius Slayton becomes first Giants receiver with 100-yard-day
It’s been well-documented how putrid New York’s offense has been this season. They’ve scored the fewest points in the league (118), and their 145.6 passing yards per game is dead last in the NFL.
So it should come as no surprise that no Giant has had 100 yards receiving in any game this season. Tight end Darren Waller came the closest to this feat as he had 98 yards in the first matchup against Washington, but he will miss his third straight game with a hamstring injury.
With rookie receiver Jalin Hyatt questionable due to a concussion, expect DeVito to look for Darius Slayton often on Sunday. Despite the fact that he hasn’t had a game in which he’s had 70 receiving yards, Slayton does have big play ability. Look for the 26-year-old receiver to make a few big plays which will result in the team having its first 100-yard receiver of the season.
Related: 3 reasons why the New York Giants won’t fire head coach Brian Daboll
The Commanders will sack Tommy DeVito five times
As we mentioned, the Commanders traded away two of their edge rushers in Young and Sweat, and their absence was felt last week as Washington was only able to sack Geno Smith once in their 29-26 loss.
New York has struggled all season protecting their quarterbacks as they’ve allowed 55 sacks this season, and they’ll be without right tackle Evan Neal (ankle).
In the previous matchup, Washington sacked Tyrod Taylor four times, and three of those sacks were by Young and Sweat. Although their pass rush may not be as formidable as it once was, they still have a talented front seven led by Jonathan Allen. Washington will make life miserable for DeVito as they will sack him five times.
Prediction: With Howell’s improved play and the Giants team in disarray, Washington should have no trouble pulling off a win on Sunday.
New York Giants vs Washington Commanders Week 11 score prediction: Commanders 27, Giants 17.
Related: 2023 NFL defense rankings: Evaluating all 32 defenses, Week 11 preview
