San Francisco (5-3) will face the New York Giants (2-6) this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST on CBS. The BetMGM line has the 49ers as a 2.5-point favorite. So far, the 49ers are 4-4 against the spread, and the Giants also have a 4-4 record in that category.
The all-time series between the teams is split evenly, with the 49ers leading 22-21. Their last meeting was on September 21, 2023, when the 49ers defeated the Giants 30-12 in San Francisco. In their most recent games, the 49ers fell to the Texans 26-15, while the Giants lost to the Eagles 38-20.
On offense, the 49ers rank 13th overall, 30th in rushing, 2nd in passing, and 26th in scoring. Defensively, they are 22nd overall, 15th in rushing, 22nd in passing, and 8th in scoring. The Giants, on the other hand, are 18th overall, 15th in rushing, 18th in passing, and 23rd in scoring. Their defense ranks 29th overall, 30th in rushing, 24th in passing, and tied for 26th in scoring. The turnover differential shows the 49ers are minus-5, while the Giants are minus-4.
Players to Watch
49ers: WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings had a strong season in 2024, nearly reaching 1,000 receiving yards. However, he has struggled this year due to injuries, recording only 18 catches for 212 yards. Despite that, he showed some promise in his last game, catching four passes for 45 yards, including a crucial 25-yard reception that set up a touchdown.
Giants: DT Dexter Lawrence
Lawrence’s performance has dipped this season, drawing criticism from analyst Carl Banks, which he strongly disagreed with, calling it “delusional.” Opponents have been focusing on him, often double-teaming, so his impact depends on how well the edge rushers around him perform. With motivation high, Lawrence is expected to make a significant contribution.
Key Matchup
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey vs. Giants Defense
McCaffrey is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry through eight games, ranking 41st in the league. The Giants recently allowed the Eagles to rush for an NFL-season-high 276 yards, including a 65-yard TD by Saquon Barkley. While McCaffrey has struggled on the ground, he has been more effective catching the ball out of the backfield, ranking second in the league with 56 receptions.
Key Injuries
49ers:
QB Brock Purdy will miss his fifth consecutive start due to a toe injury but may serve as a backup. WR Ricky Pearsall (knee), DE Bryce Huff (hamstring), C Jake Brendel (hamstring), DL Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring) are all out. OL Spencer Burford (knee) and OL Ben Bartch (ankle) could return from injured reserve. LB Dee Winters (knee) and DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) are questionable.
Giants:
CB Cor'Dale Flott is in concussion protocol and will not play. S Jevon Holland (knee) is questionable, while CB Paulson Adebo (knee) has been ruled out. OL Jermaine Eluemanor (pectoral) is listed as doubtful.
Series Notes
The 49ers have won two straight meetings and three of the past four. Additionally, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh returns to the Meadowlands for the first time since being fired as Jets coach over a year ago.
Stats and Stuff
The 49ers are averaging 20 points per game, their lowest total through eight games since 2016, the year before Kyle Shanahan became head coach. They rank third in the NFL on third down, converting 46.4% of chances. Last week, they ran only 44 offensive plays, their fewest in any game since 2007, and had 10 rushing attempts, their fewest ever in a game. The team has only one TD catch from a wide receiver this season, the fewest for the franchise through eight games. The 49ers have recorded only five sacks in their past six games, the fewest of any team over that span. TE Jake Tonges leads the team with four TD catches. McCaffrey was held to fewer than 100 yards from scrimmage for the first time this season. He also became the fifth player with at least 5,000 yards receiving and rushing.
On the Giants' side, QB Jaxson Dart is 2-3 since taking over as starter, with 984 yards passing, a rookie-best eight TDs, and three interceptions. He could become the first player since Jake Browning in 2023 to throw a TD pass in each of his first six career starts. WR Wan'Dale Robinson led New York with 48 yards receiving against Philadelphia. TE Theo Johnson leads the Giants with four TD catches. Edge rusher Brian Burns is tied for the league lead in sacks with 10. DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches got his first sack of the season last week. LB Bobby Okereke had a team-high eight tackles against the Eagles.
Fantasy Tip
With Skattebo injured, Tyrone Tracy is returning to the feature back role for the Giants. Coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka are expected to mix in some carries for Devin Singletary, but Tracy will be the primary focus.