The New York Giants do not play Sunday, but there are plenty of meaningful games for you to pay attention to. Let’s break down the Sunday schedule, with particular attention paid to games that could impact the Giants.
See 506sports.com for the games being televised where you live.
1 p.m. games
Kansas City Chiefs (6-2) at Carolina Panthers (3-5), CBS
The Panthers have won two straight. I have my doubts about Carolina catching the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South, but Giants fans already thinking about wild-card scenarios would probably rather not see the defending NFC champs get on a roll. It’s much better for the Giants if the Chiefs win this one.
Houston Texans (5-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6), CBS
Houston is leading the AFC South. Jacksonville is dragging up the rear and waiting to find out who its new coach will be next season. Even if there isn’t another game on in your area, there has to be a better way to spend your time than watching this.
Denver Broncos (6-3) at New Orleans Saints (4-4), CBS
The Giants beat the Saints, so they would hold that tie-breaker advantage if it came into play. Still, Saints’ losses are better for the Giants. Let’s hop Trevor Siemian and the Broncos can find some offense.
Los Angeles Rams (3-5) at New York Jets (3-6), FOX
The NFL wonders why ratings are down. Here is another game that screams “go find something else to do.” Of course, you can always root against the Jets. You might also wonder when Rams coach Jeff Fisher will come to his senses and let Jared Goff play.
Atlanta Falcons (6-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-4), FOX
Of course you are rooting for the Falcons here. Anything that helps put an NFC East team a bit farther in the rearview mirror is a good thing.
Chicago Bears (2-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5), FOX
Your interest level in this one depends on whether or not you think either of these teams is actually capable of a run at a wild-card spot. Of course, the Giants host the Bears next Sunday so maybe you want to play amateur advance scout.
Green Bay Packers (4-4) at Tennessee Titans (4-5), FOX
The NFC North is a muddled mess, with the Minnesota Vikings at 5-3, the Lions at 5-4 and the Packers at 4-4. Hard to know what to make of any of it, but you probably want the Packers to lose here. And they probably aren’t going to.
Minnesota Vikings (5-3) at Washington Redskins (4-3-1), FOX
Another one where you have to think a loss for a division rival is the best thing for the Giants. So, root for the Vikings.
4 p.m. games
Miami Dolphins (4-4) at San Diego Chargers (4-5), CBS, 4:05 p.m.
This one, of course, makes no difference. If you’re watching, see if there is a Geremy Davis sighting for San Diego.
San Francisco 49ers (1-7) at Arizona Cardinals (3-4-1), FOX, 4:25 p.m.
Sort of hard to believe the Cardinals are below .500. They probably can’t pull it off, especially on the road, but an upset by the 49ers might help the Giants.
Dallas Cowboys (7-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4), FOX, 4:25 p.m.
If the Giants are going to have a chance to catch the Cowboys in the NFC East thy are going to need some help from somewhere. Pittsburgh, even at .500, might be a team capable of providing it. We’ll see.
Sunday Night Football
Seattle Seahawks (5-2-1) at New England Patriots (7-1)
This game probably has no bearing on the Giants, but it should be fun to watch. A nice way to cap off a day of football watching.