The New Orleans Saints (4-8) are bordering on elimination in the NFC’s playoff hunt. However, they can keep things alive with a road victory over the New York Giants (2-10) who enter this game largely in disarray.
The Saints suffered their first loss of the Darren Rizzi era 21-14 to the Rams last week. The defense held up in the first half, but struggled in the second. The offense failed to convert opportunities into touchdowns, and that did them in in the loss.
The Giants fell on Thanksgiving Day to the Cowboys 27-20. They have lost seven straight after a -3 start to the season.
Kickoff inside MetLife Stadium is set for noon on Sunday, December 8th.
COLD-WEATHER FACTOR
The Saints may not be used to playing in cold weather, but they will need to be ready for it in the month of December.
In addition to this game’s temperature being forecasted in 40s, the Saints head to Lambeau Field on December 23rd for a Monday Night Football game. That game could see snow, sub-freezing temperatures, or both.
QUARTERBACK CONUNDRUM
The Giants entered the season with Daniel Jones as the signal-caller. It was speculated that he would likely not return past this season, but still remained the starter for the first ten games.
The Giants then benched and released Jones, but went to Tommy Devito. Devito made one start, and the Giants have now gone to Drew Lock. Lock will start against the Saints, but there is still plenty of uncertainty at that position moving forward for New York.
THERE FOR THE TAKING
Despite all the trials and tribulations of this season, the Saints still sit just two games back in the NFC South. Atlanta and Tampa Bay are tied atop the division at 6-6, and the Saints still face the Bucs one more time.
While still plenty unlikely, the Saints do have a chance to get back into the mix if they can string a few wins together. That would without a doubt have to begin on Sunday against the struggling Giants.
SERIES RECORD: Giants lead 17-15
Last 5 Meetings:
2023: SAINTS 24 – GIANTS 6
2021: SAINTS 21 – GIANTS 27 (OT)
2018: SAINTS 33 – GIANTS 18
2016: SAINTS 13 – GIANTS 16
2015: SAINTS 52 – GIANTS 49
STAT LEADERS
Saints
Derek Carr: 169-248, 1,926 Yards, 14 TD, 4 INT
Alvin Kamara: 206 Carries, 894 Yards, 6 TD
Alvin Kamara: 59 Catches, 450 Yards, 1 TD
Bryan Bresee: 6.5 Sacks
Demario Davis: 82 Tackles (37 Solo)
Paulson Adebo & Tyrann Mathieu: 3 INT
Blake Grupe: 20-of-22 Field Goals, Long of 57, 26-of-28 PAT
Giants
Tommy Devito: 21-31, 189 Yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
Tyrone Tracy Jr: 125 Carries, 619 Yards, 4 TD
Malik Nabers: 75 Catches, 740 Yards, 3 TD
Tyler Nubin: 93 Tackles (53 Solo)
Dexter Lawrence II: 9 sacks
Darius Muasau: 1 INT
Graham Gano: 5-of-6 Field Goals, Long of 50, 5-of-5 PAT
INJURY REPORT:
Saints
Taysom Hill, Knee, Out
Nick Saldiveri, Knee, Out
Bub Means, Ankle, Out
Tanoh Kpassagnon, Achilles, Questionable
Kendre Miller, Hamstring, Questionable
Giants
Take Banks, Rib, Out
Jermaine Eluemunor, Quad, Doubtful
Evan Neal, Hip, Questionable
Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Neck/Shoulder, Out
Bobby Okereke, Back, Out
DJ Davidson, Shoulder, Doubtful
Dyontae Johnson, Ankle, Questionable
Jordan Riley, Knee, Questionable
Malik Nabers, Groin, Questionable
Christopher Hubbard, Knee, Questionable
Dru Phillips, Shoulder, Questionable
