San Francisco (5-3) will face the New York Giants (2-6) on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST, with the game broadcast on CBS. The BetMGM line has the 49ers as favorites by 2.5 points. In terms of betting performance, the 49ers are 4-4 against the spread, while the Giants also sit at 4-4.
The historical rivalry between the two teams is closely contested, with the 49ers holding a slight edge in the series record at 22-21. Their most recent meeting took place on September 21, 2023, when the 49ers defeated the Giants 30-12 at home. Last week, both teams suffered losses—San Francisco fell to the Texans 26-15, and the Giants were beaten by 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, meanwhile, have an overall offensive ranking of 18th, 15th in rushing, 18th in passing, and 23rd in scoring. Defensively, the Giants are 29th overall, 30th in rushing, 24th in passing, and tied for 26th in scoring. The turnover differential shows that the 49ers have a -5, while the Giants are at -4.
Players to Watch
49ers: WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings, who had nearly 1,000 receiving yards in 2024, has struggled this season due to multiple injuries, accumulating only 18 catches for 212 yards. However, he showed signs of improvement last week, recording four receptions for 45 yards, including a tough 25-yard catch that set up a touchdown.
Giants: DT Dexter Lawrence
Lawrence’s production has dipped, leading to criticism from former linebacker Carl Banks, which he found “delusional.” Opponents are focusing on him, so his impact depends on how well he performs and how much space he creates for the team’s edge rushers. With the pressure on, Lawrence is expected to be highly motivated.
Key Matchup
The 49ers’ RB Christian McCaffrey will face off against the Giants' defense. McCaffrey is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry through eight games, placing him 41st in the league. The Giants recently allowed Philadelphia to rush for a season-high 276 yards, including a 65-yard TD by Saquon Barkley. While McCaffrey has been less effective on the ground, he has excelled catching the ball, ranking second in the league with 56 receptions.
Key Injuries
49ers:
QB Brock Purdy will miss his fifth straight start due to a toe injury but could serve as a backup. Other injured players include WR Ricky Pearsall (knee), DE Bryce Huff (hamstring), C Jake Brendel (hamstring), DL Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring). OL Spencer Burford (knee) and OL Ben Bartch (ankle) may return from IR. LB Dee Winters (knee) and DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) are questionable.
Giants:
CB Cor'Dale Flott is in concussion protocol and won’t 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
San Francisco has won two consecutive meetings and three of the past four. Notably, 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. They rank third in the NFL on third down, converting 46.4% of chances. Last week, they ran only 44 offensive plays, their fewest since 2007, and had 10 rushing attempts, tied for their lowest ever in a game. The team has only one TD catch from a wide receiver this season, the fewest in franchise history through eight games. The 49ers have recorded five sacks in their past six games, the fewest in the league over the same span. TE Jake Tonges leads the team with four TD catches.
McCaffrey was held to fewer than 100 yards from scrimmage last week for the first time this season. He became the fifth player with at least 5,000 yards receiving and rushing.
For the Giants, QB Jaxson Dart is 2-3 since taking over as starter, throwing for 984 yards, with eight TDs and three interceptions. He could become the first player since Jake Browning in 2023 to have a TD pass in each of his first six starts. WR Wan'Dale Robinson led the team with 48 yards receiving against the Eagles. 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 recorded 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 returns 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.
