The (3-2-1) New York Giants are still in search of their first road win of the season as they take on the (2-4) Houston Texans Sunday at Reliant Stadium.
Despite being in first place in the NFC East, head coach John Harbaugh has made a change at quarterback as J.J. McCarthy will make his first start as a Giant. One of the factors that led to the change was McCarthy’s mobility, which makes the offense more dynamic.
“I feel like it just adds multiplicity to where you can attack the defense. It’s always doing my job of holding the backside player and making sure that you get that split second to the running back to split that crease and make it a 15-yard gain instead of a six-yard gain.” The 23-year-old quarterback said when asked how his mobility can help New York’s struggling ground game.
McCarthy will have a tough first assignment as the Giants enter this contest as 10.5-point underdogs. He will need to be as sensational as he was in the fourth quarter against the Saints if Big Blue is going to pull off the upset. Here’s a look at our bold predictions for McCarthy’s first start as a Giant.
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J.J. McCarthy Will Have His First Career 300 Yard Passing Performance
It would seem highly unlikely that McCarthy would have his first career 300-yard passing performance against a Texans front seven that consists of All-Pros Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. But that’s what will happen on Sunday.
The third-year quarterback has the benefit of throwing to Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely, who are playing as well as any receiver-tight end tandem in the league. In addition, the Texans secondary has shown vulnerability this season, allowing three quarterbacks to throw for over 300 yards.
All of this will result in McCarthy having the best game of his NFL career as he will have over 300 yards passing.
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Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. Will Both Score A Touchdown
With the team releasing Najee Harris this week, both Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. will see a significant increase in their workload. Last week, Skattebo did not have a carry or a target as punishment for his fumble in overtime in the team’s 27-27 tie to the Washington Commanders in Week 5.
Tracy is the team’s most versatile and elusive back and will have double-digit touches on Sunday. After having essentially a week off against the Saints, expect the team to try to pound the ball with Skattebo against Houston’s third-ranked run defense.
New York’s backfield has received criticism from the media and even their head coach over the past few weeks, as all of the backs are averaging under 3.7 yards per carry. But the running back tandem will help revive the rushing attack, as both will score touchdowns on Sunday.
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The Defense Will Intercept C.J. Stroud Three Times
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is having a bounce-back season and is playing the best football of his career. He’s completing 65.3% of his passes and throwing for 1,714 yards with nine touchdowns and just one interception.
He has thrown for over 300 yards three times this season, and he’ll get one of his offensive weapons back. Tank Dell is expected to make his long-awaited return after his gruesome knee injury in Week 16 of the 2024 season.
Fortunately for the Giants, their secondary, particularly their corners Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome II have played at a high level the entire season. On Sunday, the cornerback duo and the rest of the secondary will get the better of Stroud as they will intercept him three times.
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Dominic Zvada Will Kick A Game-Winning Field Goal As Time Expires
Everything about this game suggests the Texans will win. They’re at home and have won two straight games, while New York will be starting its third different quarterback this season.
But anything can happen on any given Sunday. The Giants will make big plays when it matters most, which will set up a scenario for undrafted rookie kicker Dominic Zvada to kick a game-winning field goal as time expires.
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