The Washington Commanders (1-3) face the New York Giants (3-1) in an NFC East battle at rainy and windy Northwest Stadium. New York enters this game as the surprise first-place team in the NFC East, while Washington looks to avoid going 0-3 in the division.
The Commanders and Giants have dealt with major injuries already this season. For this game, Washington has eight players ruled out, not counting those on season-ending injured reserve, like left tackle Laremy Tunsil. The good news for the Commanders is that quarterback Jayden Daniels is back for this game. However, he’ll be wearing a bulky brace on his left (non-throwing) elbow.
Washington is a 3.5-point favorite, probably because it’s playing at home. Who wins? It’s time for our Week 5 staff
picks.
Bryan Manning
The weather will play a role in this game's outcome. The field at Northwest Stadium has never been good, and with buckets of rain, it’s only worse. I’d expect both teams to try to establish a running game, although neither has made it a strength so far. Daniels’ return should help the Commanders, whether he runs or not. His mere presence is a difference-maker.
Washington must limit Malik Nabers and not let another tight end (Isaiah Likely) destroy them. I think Washington's defense gets a couple of turnovers, and Daniels plays efficiently and turnover-free in his first game back since Week 2.
Commanders 20, Giants 16
Ivan Lambert
The Commanders have won the last four contests against the Giants. Jayden Daniels is returning to action after missing the last two games. Sam Cosmi is also returning to action after missing the last two games. Stefon Diggs is out, and Terry McLaurin isn't 100 percent; as of Friday, the Commanders still weren’t sure he would play.
I don’t have any idea what the Commanders are going to do at safety, seeing Nick Cross, Percy Butler and Tyler Owens are all three out for this game. Does that mean Mike Sainristil will see action at safety? The Commanders can’t go into the 49ers game at 1-4. So, Washington has to desperately want this game.
Commanders 20, Giants 17
Serena Burks
This is a tough one this week. On one hand, the Giants have managed to be successful without some of their key players. On the other hand, they also have a turnover problem. The Commanders get Jayden Daniels back this week, and they will win the turnover battle, but will it be enough? There will be a bit of an adjustment early for Daniels, but I think this is going to be a close game regardless of the actual outcome. Both of these teams have their own forms of adversity this season, but I think the Commanders can overcome it. I’m giving the nod to the Commanders this week, mostly because they’re at home and they have something to prove, but it’s not going to be an easy win.
Commanders 24, Giants 23
Ariana Pensy
The New York Giants may be sitting at 3-1 at the top of the NFC East, but they are not the best team in the division. The beginning of their season was not very difficult, with wins against the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals, who have a combined three wins. Washington has dealt with a lot of injuries this season and could potentially be without its top two wide receivers. However, rookie Antonio Williams is capable of carrying things if he has to, and the Commanders’ run defense is highly underrated. Given the gravity of this divisional matchup, both teams will play their best, but Washington ultimately comes away with the win.
Commanders 24, Giants 17
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants: Week 5 staff picks and predictions
