The new-look New York Giants head to the DMV to take on their NFC East rival, the Washington Commanders. Here are the storylines, picks, and best bets for the NFL Week 1 game between the Giants and Commanders.
Giants vs. Commanders: Game Information
Game week 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sBpCd29UWr
— New York Giants (@Giants) September 2, 2025
- 🏈 Game: Giants vs. Commanders
- 📅 Date: Sunday – Sept. 7, 2025
- 🕗 Time: 1 p.m. ET
- 🏟 Location: Northwest Stadium — Landover, Maryland
- 📺 TV Channel: FOX
- 💻 Live Stream: FOX One
Top Storyline: Terry McLaurin Gets His Deal Done
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 25, 2025
For the majority of the offseason, it looked like the Commanders’ offense would be without star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
The soon-to-be 30-year-old is coming off an excellent statistical season of 82 receptions, 1,096 yards, and a career-best 13 touchdowns.
McLaurin was entering the final year of his contract and wanted a raise instead of playing on an annual salary of $23.2 million.
McLaurin ripped the Commanders this past summer for their unwillingness to give him a new deal.
McLaurin held out to start training camp. A few days into camp, McLaurin reported but elected to skip practice and hold in.
The two sides finally reached an agreement on Aug. 25. McLaurin signed a three-year contract extension worth up to $96 million. The deal includes a $30 million signing bonus.
Now compensated like a top receiver, McLaurin will be on the field for the Commanders when they face the Giants.
Giants vs. Commanders: Picks and Best Bets
Giants +6.5 (-118)
Was 2024 a fluke for the Commanders? That is one of the biggest talking points for the Commanders’ detractors.
After years of searching for a franchise quarterback, the team’s prayers were answered with Jayden Daniels, who excelled in his rookie year and brought Washington to the NFC Championship.
The Commanders were the best team on fourth down in modern NFL history a season ago. The Commanders converted 20 of 23 (87%) of their fourth-down attempts. Expect some regression on fourth down.
The Giants will trot out Russell Wilson at quarterback. Despite his flaws and age, Wilson is an upgrade over Daniel Jones, and his ability to throw the deep ball could open up this offense.
The Giants’ defense has improved significantly. With the addition of Abdul Carter, the Giants’ defensive line could become a top-5 unit in the NFL by the end of the season.
Because of that defensive line, the Giants should keep this close. In the end, the Commanders pull out a last-second win, but the Giants are good enough to cover.
Wan’Dale Robinson Over 4.5 Receptions (+102)
Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson arguably had the quietest 93-catch season in 2024.
Malik Nabers is the top dog for the Giants and will garner the most attention, especially from Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
With Nabers likely drawing doubles, Robinson could become Wilson’s security blanket in Week 1.
Robinson had at least five catches in 12 of 17 games last season. The trend continues against the Commanders.
