The New York Giants are in the process of building a competitive roster for the long term, developing young talent at quarterback and surrounding it with improving pieces on both sides of the ball. MetLife Stadium's prime-time games have a national audience and a Giants crowd that can create real pressure on opposing offenses.
| Player | Team | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Eli Manning | Giants | One of Giants's top players heading into this Week 17 matchup |
| Michael Strahan | Giants | One of Giants's top players heading into this Week 17 matchup |
| Lawrence Taylor | Giants | One of Giants's top players heading into this Week 17 matchup |
| Roger Staubach | Cowboys | Key player for Cowboys that the Giants defense will need to contain |
| Troy Aikman | Cowboys | Key player for Cowboys that the Giants defense will need to contain |
New York wins when the defense is disruptive and the offense protects the football and takes advantage of field position. The Giants have historically been a team that can upset opponents who underestimate them, and the MetLife crowd rewards competitive football with the kind of noise that shifts momentum. For Giants fans, 2026 is about seeing real progress and the early signs of what this team can become.
| Storyline | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Giants offense, Week 17 | How the unit performs under current 2026 roster and scheme adjustments |
| Cowboys defense | The first test for Giants skill players coming out of the preseason |
| Turnover margin | Week 1 games are often decided by turnovers before teams find their rhythm |
Shop New York Giants Fan Cave Plaques
Handmade wood plaques with licensed trading cards. Ready to hang.
The exact card may vary slightly from the one pictured -- you'll always get a genuine licensed card of this player.