Why the New York Giants Can Hold On to Win the NFC East

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Why the New York Giants Can Hold On to Win the NFC East

Pat Pickens · Athlon Sports

Wed, Oct 28, 2026 ·

3 min read

High-End Quarterback Play

The Giants have two matchup nightmares in tight end Isaiah Likely and wide receiver Malik Nabers, and rookie Malachi Fields is starting to look like a viable No. 3 option in the passing game after his five-catch, 83-yard performance in the Giants' 27-21 win over the Texans.

But none of that would matter if the Giants couldn't get them the ball. For as serviceable as Jameis Winston was in his four starts, J.J. McCarthy has looked like the real deal through his five-plus quarters, and Nabers (11 catches, 206 yards with McCarthy) and Fields (7 receptions, 102 yards) have been the beneficiaries.

There's no guarantee McCarthy will keep playing like this, but he clearly has a lot of confidence and will have an extra week to unlock even more of Matt Nagy's offense. If he does, the Giants offense can score enough points to play with anyone.

Elite Linebackers

The Giants lost Tremaine Edmunds for the season, a massive blow to a surprisingly solid defense under first-year coordinator Dennard Wilson.

But the Giants' linebackers, both outside and inside, have been elite. Despite only two sacks, Abdul Carter has played like a game-wrecking edge rusher and has earned the third-best Pro Football Focus grade (90.3) among 113 qualifying edge rushers.

Rookie Arvell Reese has played off-ball linebacker and rushed the passer. He has dominated, ranking second in the NFL in solo tackles (39) and posting 1.5 sacks.

Kayvon Thibodeaux has improved, especially as a run defender, since Brian Burns' season-ending ACL injury. Plus, Edmunds' replacement, Micah McFadden, had 10 solo tackles in his first start of 2026 against Houston.

The Giants' Buy-in

There's some magic happening with the Giants this year. Their resilience and playmaking at the end of games have carried them over the past five weeks, where New York had a plus-16 point differential while going 3-1-1.

That magic, coupled with the Philadelphia Eagles' lost season, has opened the door for the Giants to win the East.

But it's not luck. It has been the residue of Harbaugh's planning and culture. There's a reason Harbaugh won six division titles in 18 seasons in Baltimore, and with the first-year coach steering the ship, the Giants have what it takes to stay in the race until the end.

This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.