The Giants are expected to improve this season but by how much?
We take a closer look at the schedule and predict each game to deduce the team’s record in 2021.
Giants 2021 game-by-game predictions
Week 1: Sept. 12 vs. Broncos (4:25 p.m. ET)
The Broncos have the potential to be a defensive force this season. Against a questionable Giants O-Line, that could mean trouble — especially if Denver QB Teddy Bridgewater’s connection with Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy is on point.
Prediction: Loss (0-1)
Week 2: Thursday, Sept. 16 @ Washington (8:20 p.m.)
The same story could very well apply against Washington as its pass rush is one of the very best in football. We could see some low-scoring affairs to start this season.
Prediction: Loss (0-2)
Week 3: Sept. 26 vs. Falcons ( 1 p.m.)
The Giants get on the board against a Falcons team that has some weapons around Matt Ryan — even after losing Julio Jones — but not much else.
Prediction: Win (1-2)
Week 4: Oct. 3 @ Saints (1 p.m.)
The Saints are still a dangerous team in the NFC without Drew Brees (Alvin Kamara is a top RB), especially with one of the best defenses in the conference.
Prediction: Loss (1-3)
Week 5: Oct. 10 @ Cowboys (4:25 p.m.)
The Cowboys are healthy and therefore, are the understandable division favorites. That doesn’t mean the Giants are going to roll over in Dallas. It should be close, but this is a team that hasn’t won in Dallas since 2016.
Prediction: Loss (1-4)
Week 6: Oct. 17 vs. Rams (1 p.m.)
Anxiety further builds and seats start warming up when the Giants play a Rams team that had the best defense in football last season. Add a competent veteran quarterback in Matthew Stafford leading the offense and the Rams are a dangerous team in a stacked NFC West.
Prediction: Loss (1-5)
Week 7: Oct. 24 vs. Panthers (1 p.m.)
The Giants get back in the win column against Sam Darnold and the Panthers with a clear edge on both sides of the ball.
Prediction: Win (2-5)
Week 8: Monday, Nov. 1 @ Chiefs (8:15 p.m.)
Talk about mission impossible. Going into Kansas City against the two-time defending AFC Champions and superstar Patrick Mahomes? Go to bed early.
Prediction: Loss (2-6)
Week 9: Nov. 7 vs. Raiders ( 1 p.m.)
The Raiders’ pass defense is shambolic and their rush isn’t much better. Could be a big day for the Giants’ offense.
Prediction: Win (3-6)
Week 10: Bye
Week 11: Monday, Nov. 22 @ Buccaneers (8:15 p.m.)
The Giants have a knack for beating Tom Brady, but this Buccaneers team is more complete than almost any Patriots team we’ve seen.
Prediction: Loss (3-7)
Week 12: Nov. 28 vs. Eagles ( 1 p.m.)
A team the Giants might be competing for third place in the NFC East with, the Eagles are rebuilding and a must-win on a difficult schedule.
Prediction: Win (4-7)
Week 13: Dec. 5 @ Dolphins (1 p.m.)
The Dolphins could very well be the second-best team in the AFC East, and they’re moving in the right direction. But the Giants have never lost a game in Miami. in fact, they’re 7-2 all-time against the Dolphins.
Prediction: Win (5-7)
Week 14: Dec. 12 @ Chargers (4:05 p.m.)
The Chargers are an afterthought in an AFC West controlled by the Chiefs, but Justin Herbert is the real deal and LA is going to take a major step forward in 2021.
Prediction: Loss (5-8)
Week 15: Dec. 19 vs. Cowboys (1 p.m.)
Remember when I said these games against the Cowboys would be close? The Giants steal one at home.
Prediction: Win (6-8)
Week 16: Dec. 26 @ Eagles ( 1p.m.)
The Giants and Eagles are always good for one thriller per season — and it usually means Big Blue comes out on the wrong side of it.
Prediction: Loss (6-9)
Week 17: Jan. 2 @ Bears (1 p.m.)
The Bears are rebuilding with a rookie quarterback and a defense that comes nowhere near its traditional powerhouse status.
Prediction: Win (7-9)
Week 18: Jan. 9 vs. Washington (1 p.m.)
The season ends on a disappointing note as the Giants drop their finale to a Washington team that will be in the conversation to repeat as NFC East champions. But a seven-win season would be a considerable improvement compared to the last three seasons.
Prediction: Loss (7-10)
