The Los Angeles Rams will try to avoid an 0-2 start when they host the New York Giants in an early NFC test shaped by a startling Week 1 on both sides. Los Angeles opened as the NFC West’s only winless club, while the Giants began the John Harbaugh coaching era with a commanding Sunday night victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
For New York, a cross-country win over the reigning NFC powerhouse would add substance to an opening-week result that came in a division game. The Giants have not beaten the Rams since 2016, losing four straight meetings while cycling through four head coaches. This roster, led by quarterback Jaxson Dart, enters with a far different outlook after its performance against Dallas.
Week 1 set an unexpected stage
- The Rams traveled to Melbourne for their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers and managed only seven points in a defeat.
- Los Angeles returned home and then lost newly acquired star pass rusher Myles Garrett to knee surgery. He is expected to miss at least one month.
- New York opened Harbaugh’s tenure by beating the Cowboys, limiting an offense that ranked second in the NFL in total yards last season to 244 yards.
- The Giants now head west looking for their first victory over the Rams in a decade.
Los Angeles’ offensive showing against San Francisco was especially uncharacteristic. Matthew Stafford, last season’s MVP, posted a 61.2 passer rating in his first start of 2026. It was the second-lowest Week 1 rating ever recorded by a reigning MVP and one of the poorest games of Stafford’s six Rams seasons.
The Rams’ seven points were their lowest output in Stafford’s 75 starts for the franchise. Davante Adams had 26 receiving yards, his second-smallest total as a Ram. Puka Nacua produced a pivotal 41-yard reception that helped create Los Angeles’ only touchdown, but was otherwise held in check and is questionable for the Giants game with a hip injury.
Despite the ugly opener, the Rams were the NFL’s highest-scoring offense a year ago. One game has left them last in the league in points, but it remains too soon to view that standing as a reflection of their season-long potential.
Stafford faces a difficult Giants defense
New York’s defense arrives with personnel questions in the secondary, but its Week 1 performance showed why Stafford cannot expect an easy rebound. Cornerback Paulson Adebo has been placed on injured reserve, and Deonte Banks is questionable with a calf issue after missing two practices.
Still, the Giants caused problems for Dallas with new off-ball linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese, while Abdul Carter and Brian Burns supplied speed off the edge. The task now is to slow the Rams after containing the Cowboys.
Los Angeles also must account for Garrett’s absence. The Rams’ inability to stop San Francisco, combined with their offensive struggles, fueled scrutiny of Sean McVay’s travel plan. The club arrived in Melbourne 24 hours before kickoff, and the defeat raised questions about whether the late arrival contributed to the result or whether the 49ers were simply the better team.
The stakes could rise quickly if the Rams fall again. Their schedule after New York includes demanding matchups with the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills.
Dart and Giants offense controlled the Cowboys
Dart gave New York an efficient and poised opening performance, completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards, three touchdowns and a 134.2 passer rating. He added 54 rushing yards and, aside from taking an early late hit after stepping out of bounds, showed better judgment in protecting himself as a runner.
Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers both returned effectively from injuries. Tight end Isaiah Likely led all receivers with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
New York’s most significant offensive accomplishment, though, may have been its command of possession. The Giants had four possessions of at least 10 plays and five that covered 60 or more yards.
- New York wore down Dallas with extended possessions throughout the game.
- After halftime, the Giants produced two drives lasting more than eight minutes.
- A third second-half series ran from 5:21 remaining until the final whistle.
- Dallas scored on each of its two second-half possessions, but received too few opportunities to create a comeback.
That ball-control formula could again be central against Los Angeles. If Dart can keep the Rams offense watching from the sideline while sustaining long drives against a stronger defense, the Giants would establish themselves as an early surprise contender in the NFC.
