The New York Giants (1-0) are coming off a wild upset victory at home and now prepare for a trip west to visit the Los Angeles Rams (0-1).
The 2026 season could not have started more differently for both teams. The Giants were considered underdogs against the Dallas Cowboys. Yet, they prevailed for a thrilling 28-20 win.
Meanwhile, the Rams were heavy Super Bowl favorites coming into the season. They wound up getting stomped by the San Francisco 49ers in Australia to begin the campaign. Even so, the Giants are still pretty heavy underdogs going on the road to take on the Rams.
With both teams looking to grab a victory in Week 2, here are the top matchups to watch at SoFi Stadium on Monday night:
Giants RG Sisi Mauigoa vs. Rams DT Kobie Turner
Few players had a better NFL debut than the No. 10
overall pick from the 2026 NFL draft. Mauigoa put on a clinic for the Giants, solidifying the interior offensive line between John Michael Schmitz and Jermaine Eluemunor. The rookie from Miami (FL) didn't allow a single pressure, quarterback hit or sack on 29 pass-blocking snaps in Week 1. He also helped push the line in the run game.
His competition in Week 2 will be fierce. The Giants could see the official return of future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Donald, but Turner has been one of the most consistent threats as a pass-rusher form the interior over the last three seasons.
Giants WR Malik Nabers vs. Rams CB Trent McDuffie
Nabers made his official return from a torn ACL in the Week 1 win against the Cowboys. The former No. 6 overall pick logged six receptions for 69 yards on a team-high nine targets. According to Pro Football Focus, Nabers lined up in the slot on only four pass plays so there's a good chance he's going to see McDuffie throughout the prime-time slate.
McDuffie, a former All-Pro cornerback, joined the Rams roster this offseason along with star Myles Garrett, who will miss the game due to knee surgery. McDuffie played solely outside in Week 1 so the Giants may want to consider using Nabers in the slot a bit more.
Giants EDGE Abdul Carter vs. Rams RT Warren McClendon Jr.
It's obvious that the Giants will need the entire defensive line to step up in this game, but the matchup between Carter and McClendon should be an interesting one. Carter had a strong season opener, logging four total pressures and two defensive stops against the Cowboys.
Meanwhile, McClendon Jr. only allowed two total pressures in the opener against the 49ers, per PFF. If the Giants can find a way to disrupt the offensive line, there could be a chance they make this a closer game than the spread initially states.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants vs. Los Angeles Rams: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 2
