The (1-5) New York Giants will hoist the (3-3) Washington Commanders on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Washington is looking to notch their third road victory this season, while New York is looking to put an end to their three-game losing streak and restore some credibility after one of the worst starts in franchise history.
Despite neither team having a winning record, this could be one of the most entertaining games of Week 7. Here are our five bold predictions for the game.
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Saquon Barkley will have over 200 all-purpose yards
With the offensive line ravaged by injuries, New York is going to need Saquon Barkley to have a stellar performance as a runner and receiver. After missing the previous three games due to a high ankle sprain, the star running back gave the offense a spark last week against the Bills, gaining 93 yards on the ground on 24 carries.
With the team seemingly destined for a double-digit loss season, there has been speculation this week that the team could part ways with the 26-year-old running back before the October 31st tradeline. But he made his intentions clear that he wants to remain a Giant.
“Sitting here, everyone knows how I feel. Everyone knows I don’t want to get traded. I don’t think anyone in their right mind would want to get traded anywhere. It’s not an easy thing to do. You have to move. I have a family. I would love to be here.” Barkley said earlier this week.
The best way for him to remain with the team is to have a big game on Sunday. Look for Barkley to carry the offense on his back, as he’ll have 200 all-purpose yards against Washington’s 29th-ranked defense.
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Terry McLaurin will have his first 100-yard game in 2023
So far this season, none of the Commanders’ pass catchers have eclipsed 100 yards in any game this season. Terry McLaurin has been Sam Howell’s favorite target, as he leads the team in receptions (31) and receiving yards (342).
Despite the team’s horrendous start, New York’s pass defense has been respectable, giving up 217 yards per game through the air, which is 16th in the league. Rookie cornerback Deonte Banks has been one of the few bright spots for Big Blue this season.
But on Sunday, McLaurin will get the better of Banks and New York’s secondary as the 28-year-old receiver will have his first 100-yard game of the season.
Related: 2023 NFL defense rankings: Best and worst NFL defenses in Week 7
The Giants defense will sack Sam Howell five times
In what may come as a surprise to Giants fans, Daniel Jones has not been sacked the most in the NFL this season. That distinction belongs to Commanders quarterback Sam Howell, who has been sacked 34 times.
New York’s pass rush has been nonexistent all season as they’ve registered just five sacks and four of those have been by Kayvon Thibodeaux. More was expected from the defense this season, especially since this is their second season in defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s scheme.
Look for New York’s front seven to have by far their most productive game of the year as they match their total for the season by sacking Howell five times.
Related: See where Daniel Jones and Sam Howell land in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings
Montez Sweat will sack Tyrod Taylor three times
Sweat has been Washington’s best pass rusher this season, leading the team with 4.5 sacks. He’s only had a sack and a half over the last four games, but now he’ll face New York’s patchwork offensive line.
The Giants will once again be without left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring), center John Michael Schmitz (shoulder), and reserve tackle Matt Peart (shoulder). Right tackle Evan Neal is also questionable with an ankle injury.
The team will likely be forced to once again play Justin Pugh at tackle, even though he’s best suited to play guard. Sweat will take advantage of the injury-riddled offensive line and sack Tyrod Taylor three times.
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Tyrod Taylor will throw for two touchdowns
It’s hard to fathom that the Giants have only scored five offensive touchdowns this season. What might be even harder to grasp is that they have two passing touchdowns for the season. Their last passing touchdown occurred in the 4th quarter of their 31-28 victory against the Cardinals in Week 2.
The offense moved the ball more efficiently last week with Tyrod Taylor behind center, but they were still unable to find the end zone. With Daniel Jones still not being cleared for contact, the 34-year-old Taylor is expected to make his second consecutive start.
This week, Taylor will end the touchdown drought as he will throw two touchdowns on Sunday.
Prediction: Five out of the last six meetings between these two teams have been decided by one score, including last year’s 20-20 tie in Week 13. This game will also go into overtime, but this time Washington will come away with the victory.