Just three games remain in the New York Giants’ disastrous 2025 season. At 2-12, they are in position to have the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
No matter what happens in their final three games of this season, this will go down as one of the worst seasons in the history of the franchise. Even though it won’t salvage their season, the organization would like to end their eight-game losing streak this Sunday against the (6-8) Minnesota Vikings.
In addition to trying to get a win and show some pride, the organization will want to see its young players continue to develop and progress so that they’ll be better in 2026. Here are three young star players for Big Blue to watch this Sunday against the Vikings.
Jaxson Dart
In their 29-21 loss on Sunday to the Washington Commanders, Jaxson Dart completed 20 out of 36 passes for 246 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. He did have a QBR of 36.1, which is his lowest since he became a starter, and he was once again evaluated for a concussion.
This week, he’ll face the Vikings’ ninth-ranked defense that hasn’t allowed a passing touchdown in its last five games. In addition, Minnesota’s defensive coordinator Brian Flores schemes tend to give young quarterbacks a ton of problems.
If the Giants have any hope of ending their losing streak, they’re going to need their rookie quarterback to have one of his best games of the season and make plays with his arm and legs. One of Dart’s best attributes is his competitive spirit, and there’s nothing he wants to do more than win on Sunday and put an end to the losing streak.
Abdul Carter
It took until December, but Abdul Carter is finally living up to being the third pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. In his last two games, he’s had 11 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. His performance against the Commanders earned him Pro Football Focus Rookie of the Week honors.
His play earned him high praise from defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen.
“I thought it was a great performance. Those are the types of games and plays that I think he’s capable of making. So, it was great to see, it kind of came together for him, and he helped the team win in a big way and made some impactful plays, and I was happy for him.”
On Sunday, he’ll face a Vikings offensive line that has allowed 47 sacks this season. If Carter can pressure quarterback J.J. McCarthy, not only will his sack total increase, but he might force McCarthy into committing a turnover. If the rookie edge rusher can have his third dominant game in a row, it will reinforce optimism that he could be the next great Giants pass rusher.
Tyrone Tracy Jr
Earlier this season, Tryone Tracy Jr.’s season was marred by injuries and subpar play. But last week against Washington, he had his most impactful game of the season. He carried the ball 15 times for 70 yards and scored a touchdown, and caught three passes for 27 yards and another touchdown.
The second-year running back is the team’s most versatile offensive player, and he should have another heavy workload on Sunday. If there’s a weakness in the Vikings’ defense, it’s stopping the run, as they have the 24th-ranked run defense, allowing 127 yards per game.
If Tracy can have another productive game running the ball, it will bode well for Big Blue on Sunday, and also give optimism on what to expect next season, as Tracy and Cam Skattebo can be a dynamic one-two punch at the running back position.
