GIANTS SCHEDULE
Fewer prime-time games on 2019 slate, but easier travel
The Giants’ 2019 schedule is noticeably devoid of earlyseason prime time starts.
The Giants have just one prime time game in their first eight matchups this fall, compared to three night kickoffs in their first seven outings in 2018.
The change was expected with the team winning eight total games the past two seasons and Odell Beckham Jr. traded to Cleveland.
OBJ’s Browns, in fact, are scheduled for four prime time starts to the Giants’ three.
Saquon Barkley and the Giants still will open in the late Sunday afternoon slot at the Dallas Cowboys for the fifth time in the last eight years, though.
Their lone non-division prime time game is intriguing, too: a Week 6 Thursday night visit to New England. That could be Eli Manning’s final head-to-head meeting with the Patriots’ Tom Brady.
The Giants do not travel for road games on consecutive weeks the whole season. They face the Jets at MetLife Stadium in Week 10.
They close with two tests against the Philadelphia Eagles in the final four weeks, though, clashing with a division foe that has beat them in five straight and won the Super Bowl two years ago.
Here’s how the schedule shakes out in Pat Shurmur’s second year.
Week 1, Sunday, Sept 8: at Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m.
Cowboys have won the last four head-to-head. Dallas is the reigning NFC East champion.
Week 2, Sunday, Sept. 15 vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
The only team Dave Gettleman says he called this March to offer Odell Beckham Jr.
Week 3, Sunday, Sept. 22: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:05
Bruce Arians now coaching the Bucs. A lot at stake in 2019 for Jameis Winston.
Week 4, Sunday, Sept. 29: vs. Washington, 1 p.m.
The Landon Collins revenge game. Over-under on Collins tackles: 11.5.
Week 5, Sunday, Oct. 6: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m.
Shurmur’s first game against team he helped take to the 2017 NFC Championship.
Week 6, Thursday, Oct. 10: at New England Patriots, 8:20
The last Eli Manning-Tom Brady clash? Patriots have a chance since it’s not a Super Bowl.
Week 7, Sunday Oct. 20: vs. Arizona Cardinals, 1 p.m.
Kyler Murray* and the Cards take on ex-Arizona DC James Bettcher and a ton of former Cardinals now wearing blue.
Week 8, Sunday, Oct. 27: at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m.
Giants need pass rushers. Lions have a few, including Romeo Okwara.
Week 9, Monday, Nov. 4: vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m.
Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott battle in their race for the NFL’s rushing title.
Week 10, Sunday, Nov. 10: at New York Jets, 1 p.m.
Sam Darnold faces … who? Will Manning still be starting? Or will the Giants’ rookie QB face Gang Green?
Week 11, Sunday, Nov. 17: BYE Week 12, Sunday, Nov. 24: at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m.
Shurmur’s Giants face the Bears again, but this time they’ll face Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback.
Week 13, Sunday, Dec. 1: vs. Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m.
Last time the Giants faced the Pack was the 2016 Wild Card blowout at Lambeau. Young first-year coach Matt LaFleur now guides GB.
Week 14, Monday, Dec. 9: at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:15
Eagles have won the last five head-to-head. Super Bowl champs two years ago who also won a playoff game last year.
Week 15, Sunday, Dec. 15: vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m.
Too bad this is in New Jersey. Would have been the perfect time to get some sun in Florida before taking on firstyear coach Brian Flores’ Fins.
Week 16, Sunday, Dec. 22: at Washington, 1 p.m.
The other Landon Collins revenge game. Over-under on Collins turnovers forced: 1.5.
Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 29: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m,
Good news: Nick Foles won’t be quarterback the Eagles down the stretch this season. Bad news: Carson Wentz also is really good.