The Detroit Lions and New York Giants meet on Sunday night in an NFC matchup with very different stakes for each side.
For Detroit, sitting at 6–4, every game matters. They’re hovering just outside the playoff bracket and likely need a strong finish—something like 5–2 down the stretch—to feel secure about postseason qualification. With challenging opponents such as the Packers, Rams, and Bears still ahead, the Lions can’t afford to stumble against a struggling Giants team. This game also provides a chance for Detroit’s offense to get back on track after a rough outing last week against Philadelphia.
The Giants, meanwhile, enter at 2–9 with no mathematical path to the postseason. Their focus for the rest of the year is on evaluating the roster and determining which players fit the future direction of the franchise. After firing head coach Brian Daboll earlier this month, the organization appears headed for sweeping changes. Interim coach Mike Kafka has the group still competing, though—New York nearly upset Green Bay last week before a late interception by Jameis Winston derailed their comeback.
With rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart still in concussion protocol, Winston will make another start. His presence only heightens the pressure on Detroit not to let this matchup slip away.
This page will track live coverage, including scoring summaries, key plays, injuries, and drive-by-drive notes once the game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET. Refresh for updates.
—
First Quarter Recap
Detroit deferred the opening kickoff, allowing the Giants offense to begin the game.
New York immediately struck with a big play—Jameis Winston connected with Darius Slayton for 23 yards. On a third-and-2 moments later, the Giants dug into their trick-play arsenal: a double pass that ended with Wan’Dale Robinson scoring from 39 yards out, giving New York an early 7–0 advantage.
The Lions responded with a promising start featuring a steady dose of Jahmyr Gibbs, who picked up 22 yards on four carries. But a third-and-7 breakdown in Giants territory resulted in Jared Goff taking a costly sack, knocking Detroit out of field-goal range and forcing a punt. Jack Fox pinned the Giants at their own 8-yard line.
New York went nowhere on the next drive—two short runs and an incomplete pass led to a three-and-out. A mishit punt gave Detroit strong field position at their 47-yard line.
Despite the opportunity, the Lions offense stalled again. Gibbs was dropped for a loss, Amon-Ra St. Brown couldn’t reel in a second-down pass, and Goff checked down on third-and-long, leading to yet another punt that trapped the Giants deep.
This time, the Giants mounted a sustained march. The drive flowed almost entirely through Wan’Dale Robinson, who converted a third-and-6, then ripped off a 40-yard catch across the middle. He later added a 15-yard reception to push New York into the red zone. Detroit’s defense held inside the 20, limiting the Giants to a field goal, but New York still carried a 10–0 lead into the first-quarter break.
