Giants face Commanders with rare NFC East chance hanging in the balance

The Giants face the Commanders on Thursday with a rare chance to take firm control of the NFC East. At 5-2-1, a win could leave them well clear of their rivals, marking a striking change for a team that has reached the playoffs only twice in the past 15 years.

Running back Cam Skattebo is expected to return after sitting out against Philadelphia with a hamstring strain, while quarterback J.J. McCarthy prepares for his first home start with the Giants. New York beat the Eagles 19-11 last week, with its defence recording seven sacks; the Commanders are 2-5-1, and the Cowboys, at 4-5, face the 7-1 49ers this weekend. A Giants win and Cowboys defeat would strengthen New York’s grip on the division.