The NFL schedule is officially out, and you know what that means: it's time for some wildly premature predictions. Sure, it's a bit ridiculous to forecast wins and losses months before the season kicks off, but that's half the fun. Remember when Mike Francesa and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo would break down every single game on the schedule before a single snap was played? It's a tradition as old as the league itself.
For the New York Giants, there's genuine optimism heading into John Harbaugh's first season as head coach. The 2026 slate doesn't look quite as intimidating as last year's, but don't expect a cakewalk. With a fresh coaching staff and a roster still taking shape over the next four months, here's how Big Blue might fare from Week 1 to Week 18.
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13 at 8:20 p.m. ET — Giants vs. Cowboys
Talk about setting the tone. The Giants open on "Sunday Night Football" against their NFC East rivals, with Jaxson Dart facing off against Dak Prescott. Big Blue is hoping to build on that thrilling 2025 season finale, where they beat Prescott and the Cowboys for the first time since 2016. Expect both defenses to look sharper this time around. In a fitting twist, undrafted rookie kicker Dominic Zvala — who surprisingly won the summer-long kicking competition — drills the game-winner as time expires. It's an ironic finish for Harbaugh, whose Ravens tenure ended with a missed field goal by a UDFA rookie. Pick: Giants 23, Cowboys 21.
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20 — Giants at Rams
This one's a tough ask. The Rams return home after their Week 1 trip to Australia to face the 49ers, and Matthew Stafford's arsenal of weapons will be too much for the Giants' secondary to handle. Los Angeles' offense clicks early and often. Pick: Rams 31, Giants 20.
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27 — Giants vs. Eagles
A critical early-season divisional showdown. The Eagles are always a handful, but the Giants' defense — led by a revamped front seven — manages to disrupt Jalen Hurts just enough. With the home crowd behind them, Big Blue grinds out a low-scoring, physical win. Pick: Giants 19, Eagles 16.
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4 — Giants at Seahawks
Cross-country travel to a notoriously loud Seattle crowd. The 12th man is in full effect, and the Giants struggle to establish the run. The Seahawks' secondary makes life difficult for Dart, forcing a couple of key turnovers. Pick: Seahawks 27, Giants 17.
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11 — Giants vs. Commanders
The Giants bounce back at home against a rebuilding Washington squad. The offensive line finally finds its rhythm, and the running game chews up the clock. A comfortable win to get back to .500. Pick: Giants 24, Commanders 13.
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18 — Giants at Packers
Lambeau Field in October is never easy. The weather starts to turn, and the Packers' balanced attack keeps the Giants' defense on its heels. Green Bay's home-field advantage proves too much. Pick: Packers 28, Giants 21.
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25 — Giants vs. Bears
A winnable game at MetLife Stadium. The Bears are still figuring things out, and the Giants' defense feasts on a young quarterback. Dart connects on a couple of deep shots to put the game away early. Pick: Giants 30, Bears 14.
Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1 — Giants at Saints
New Orleans is always a tricky place to play. The Saints' pass rush creates havoc, and the Giants' offense struggles to sustain drives. A frustrating loss on the road. Pick: Saints 23, Giants 16.
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8 — Giants vs. Vikings
Back home and ready to rebound. The Vikings are a solid team, but the Giants' special teams make a difference with a big return and a key field goal. A close, hard-fought victory. Pick: Giants 27, Vikings 24.
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15 — Giants at Cowboys
The rematch in Dallas. The Cowboys are hungry for revenge after that Week 1 loss. AT&T Stadium is rocking, and Prescott leads a game-winning drive in the final minutes. A tough divisional split. Pick: Cowboys 26, Giants 23.
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22 — Giants vs. 49ers
A marquee matchup against a Super Bowl contender. The 49ers' physical style of play wears down the Giants over four quarters. San Francisco's defense is just too deep and too talented. Pick: 49ers 31, Giants 20.
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29 — Giants at Eagles
Thanksgiving weekend in Philadelphia is always hostile. The Eagles get their revenge from Week 3, using a potent rushing attack to control the clock and keep the Giants' offense off the field. Pick: Eagles 24, Giants 17.
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6 — Giants vs. Cardinals
A winnable home game against an inconsistent Arizona squad. The Giants' defense forces multiple turnovers, and the offense capitalizes. A much-needed win to stay in the playoff hunt. Pick: Giants 28, Cardinals 19.
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13 — Giants at Buccaneers
Tampa Bay's offense is clicking by this point in the season, and the Giants' secondary has no answer for their deep threats. A lopsided loss on the road. Pick: Buccaneers 34, Giants 21.
Week 15: Saturday, Dec. 19 — Giants vs. Panthers
A late-season Saturday showdown. The Panthers are scrappy but lack the firepower to keep up. The Giants control the line of scrimmage and run away with it in the second half. Pick: Giants 26, Panthers 13.
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 27 — Giants vs. Commanders
The second meeting with Washington, and it's even more lopsided this time. The Giants are hitting their stride as the playoffs approach, and the defense records multiple sacks. A dominant home win. Pick: Giants 31, Commanders 10.
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3 — Giants at Lions
Detroit is a tough place to play in January, and the Lions are fighting for their own playoff spot. The Giants' playoff hopes hang in the balance, but a late interception seals the win. A huge road victory. Pick: Giants 23, Lions 20.
Week 18: Saturday, Jan. 9 or Sunday, Jan. 10 — Giants vs. Falcons
The season finale at home. If the Giants need a win to secure a playoff berth, they get it. If they're already locked in, they rest some starters. Either way, the Falcons can't keep up. A strong finish to Harbaugh's debut season. Pick: Giants 27, Falcons 17.
Final Record Prediction: 10-7
That would be good enough for a wild-card spot in a competitive NFC. Harbaugh's first season in New York ends with the Giants back in the playoffs — and that's a reason for fans to start getting excited.