The New York Giants continue to defy preseason expectations as they hold sole possession of first place in the NFC East with a 3-1-1 record heading into their Sunday home game against the New Orleans Saints. Despite their strong start, the Giants remain underdogs, a trend that has persisted even when playing at MetLife Stadium.
New York, which hired John Harbaugh as head coach prior to the season, has been favored in only one contest so far—Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans. On Sunday, the Giants are 1.5-point underdogs to a Saints team struggling with a 1-4 record and coming off three consecutive losses at home.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson acknowledged the disparity in expectations but emphasized the team’s mindset. “Everyone counts us out,” Wilson said. “We like playing with a chip on our shoulder. That’s what it is.” The Giants have embraced their underdog status and earned a 4-1 record against the point spread this season, including a recent home game where they were underdogs to the Arizona Cardinals, a team near the bottom of the standings.
On the individual front, wide receiver Malik Nabers is approaching a notable milestone. If he catches at least four passes in Sunday’s game, he will surpass Puka Nacua for the second-most receptions by any player in their first 25 NFL games. Nabers currently has 156 catches in 24 games, trailing only Odell Beckham Jr., who had 176 receptions in his first 25 games.
The Giants face some uncertainty on the offensive line as starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor is listed as questionable for the game. Eluemunor, the team captain, has played every snap this season until last week when he exited after 44 snaps in a 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders. Marcus Mbow, a rookie fifth-round pick from Purdue, filled in for the remainder of that game and has been practicing with the starters in preparation for potential additional playing time. Mbow has prior starting experience, having started three games as a rookie in various tackle positions during the previous season.
The Giants look to continue their surprising run and make the most of their home-field advantage against a struggling Saints squad, aiming to retain their position atop the division despite ongoing doubts from outsiders.