NFC East Rivalry Ignites in Preseason Opener
Football returns in full force as 🏈New York Giants at Washington Commanders headline an action-packed NFL Preseason Week 1 showdown. Set for Sunday, September 7, 2025, with a 1:00 PM ET kickoff, this storied NFC East rivalry offers fans a thrilling taste of what’s to come this fall.
Though preseason matchups don’t count in the regular-season standings, there’s no mistaking the intensity when the Giants and Commanders face off. With position battles, rookie debuts, and quarterback questions swirling, this Week 1 clash promises high entertainment and meaningful snaps.
Held at Commanders Field (formerly FedExField) in Landover, Maryland, the game will give fans a first look at revamped rosters, new coaching strategies, and depth chart movement. Here’s your full guide to everything you need to know about 🏈New York Giants at Washington Commanders—from game time and TV info to player previews and predictions.
📅 Game Info
- Matchup: 🏈New York Giants at Washington Commanders
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Commanders Field, Landover, MD
- TV Broadcast: FOX (Regional), NFL Network
- Live Stream: NFL+, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live
- Radio: WFAN 660 AM (Giants), The Team 980 AM (Commanders)
- Tickets: as low as $156
🏈New York Giants at Washington Commanders: Why This Preseason Game Matters
The Giants, led by Brian Daboll, are trying to reclaim the success they found in 2022. The Commanders, under new head coach Dan Quinn, are ushering in a new era focused on discipline, defense, and quarterback development.
Sunday’s battle between the 🏈New York Giants at Washington Commanders gives both coaching staffs a chance to evaluate talent, test systems, and set the tone for the season ahead.
🗽 New York Giants 2025 Outlook: Reset and Rebuild
The 2024 season was a roller coaster for the Giants, finishing 6–11 and missing the playoffs. Entering 2025, they’ve committed to building around a younger, faster core with an emphasis on offensive consistency.
Giants Key Storylines
- Daniel Jones’ Proving Year: The veteran QB is healthy again and needs to show he’s worth the long-term investment.
- Malik Nabers’ Debut: The rookie wide receiver, selected in the first round, is expected to ignite the offense.
- Offensive Line Evaluation: Evan Neal, Andrew Thomas, and rookie Grant Fennell form the foundation.
- Defense Gets Younger: With Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence, and rookie CB Elijah Harris, the Giants are building a strong young core.
Head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen are betting on youth and development to return Big Blue to playoff relevance.
🦅 Washington Commanders 2025 Outlook: Dan Quinn’s Fresh Start
After several years of mediocrity, Washington made sweeping changes. Former Cowboys DC Dan Quinn now leads the Commanders, with a focus on physical defense, a steady quarterback room, and locker room accountability.
Commanders Key Storylines
- Jayden Daniels Watch: The rookie Heisman-winning QB is expected to be the future, but Marcus Mariota may begin the season under center.
- Terry McLaurin & Jahan Dotson: Washington’s top WR duo will be key for either quarterback.
- Defensive Reset: Dan Quinn brings aggressive schemes and a retooled defensive front.
- Rookie Impact: Daniels, LB Troy Franklin, and safety KJ Hunter could all see action in Week 1.
For Commanders fans, this preseason game marks the beginning of a hopeful rebuild after years of uncertainty.
🔥 Key Matchups in 🏈New York Giants at Washington Commanders
1. Giants WRs vs. Commanders Secondary
Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and Wan’Dale Robinson face off against Washington’s reworked secondary, led by Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Benjamin St-Juste. Expect high-intensity reps in man coverage.
2. Jayden Daniels vs. Giants Front Seven
Daniels’ mobility and decision-making will be tested against a Giants defense led by Dexter Lawrence, Azeez Ojulari, and Bobby Okereke.
3. Offensive Line Battles
The trenches will matter. Rookie tackle Grant Fennell faces off against Montez Sweat and Jonathan Allen, while Washington tests their new interior linemen against Leonard Williams and company.
4. Backup QB Showdown
Tommy DeVito (Giants) vs. Jake Fromm (Commanders) could decide who remains the QB3 entering Week 2 of the preseason.
👀 Players to Watch – 🏈New York Giants at Washington Commanders
New York Giants
- Malik Nabers (WR) – The rookie’s route-running and speed make him a preseason must-watch.
- Daniel Jones (QB) – Limited snaps expected, but sharp execution will matter.
- Kayvon Thibodeaux (EDGE) – Will look to pressure Commanders QBs early.
- Elijah Harris (CB) – Underrated rookie with excellent ball-tracking skills.
Washington Commanders
- Jayden Daniels (QB) – Electric rookie may play most of the second quarter.
- Marcus Mariota (QB) – Could start the game and guide the first few drives.
- Terry McLaurin (WR) – Always a threat, even with limited preseason usage.
- Troy Franklin (LB) – Rookie linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range.
📊 Depth Chart & Position Battles
Giants
- WR2/3: Slayton vs. Wan’Dale Robinson vs. Jalin Hyatt
- RT: Evan Neal vs. Grant Fennell
- Nickel CB: Darnay Holmes vs. Elijah Harris
Commanders
- QB1: Jayden Daniels vs. Marcus Mariota
- CB2: Forbes Jr. vs. St-Juste vs. Christian Holmes
- RB3: Chris Rodriguez Jr. vs. rookie Isaiah Nash
🏟️ Game Day at Commanders Field
Located just outside Washington, D.C., Commanders Field will be buzzing with fans eager to see the team’s new era in action.
📺 How to Watch 🏈New York Giants at Washington Commanders
TV Broadcast
- FOX (Local affiliates)
- NFL Network (National)
Streaming Services
- NFL+ (mobile/tablet only)
- fuboTV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
Radio
- Giants: WFAN 660 AM
- Commanders: The Team 980 AM
Replay Access
- NFL Game Pass (International access only)
📈 Series History
- All-Time Series: Giants lead 107–71–5
- Last Meeting: Giants won 24–21 (Week 11, 2024)
- Preseason Record: Giants lead 10–8
- Memorable Moment: The 2022 game where Kayvon Thibodeaux recorded 3 sacks and a touchdown in a dominant performance.
Even in preseason, this NFC East rivalry brings a high level of competitiveness and fan passion.
🗣️ Game Prediction
Final Score: Commanders 23, Giants 20
Expect a close contest with exciting moments from both rookie quarterbacks. A late field goal could lift Washington to a narrow preseason victory.
- MVP: Jayden Daniels – 9/13 passing, 86 yards, 1 TD, 45 rushing yards
- Breakout Player: Elijah Harris (Giants) – 1 INT, 2 PBUs
- Turning Point: Fumble recovery by Washington LB Troy Franklin in the red zone
🔑 Keys to Watch
- Quarterback Execution – Jayden Daniels and Daniel Jones must manage the pocket and avoid turnovers.
- Rookie Impact – Can Malik Nabers and Elijah Harris show why they were top picks?
- Pass Protection – The offensive lines must handle elite pass rushers.
- Third Down Efficiency – Who sustains drives when the game gets tight?
- Special Teams – Kicking accuracy and return coverage may prove decisive.
📌New York Giants at Washington Commanders
The 🏈New York Giants at Washington Commanders preseason opener has all the elements of a must-watch game: young quarterbacks, dynamic skill players, new coaches, and an intense rivalry. For fans, it’s the perfect appetizer before the full NFL season begins.
Whether you’re a die-hard Giants fan eager to see Daniel Jones’ form, or a Commanders supporter ready to watch the Jayden Daniels era begin, Sunday’s game is the official start of 2025 football. And even if the wins don’t count, the reps—and the impression left—absolutely do.