GIANTS GAMEDAY
The Game: Giants (4-7) at Dolphins (5-7), Hard Rock Stadium, Sunday, 1p.m. ET (FOX)
The Line: Miami by 4
History: The Giants lead the all-time series, 7-2. They have won four in a row including Eli Manning’s final career game at MetLife Stadium in 2019. New York is 4-0 when playing in Miami.
Key Matchups:
Giants RB Saquon Barkley vs. Dolphins run defense: We’re at the point where Barkley isn’t even showing as much burst as backup Devontae Booker. Nine of his 13carries last week went for 1yard or less. Miami’s run defense ranks 10th with 104.9 yards per game. Look for the Giants to try to jumpstart Barkley (260yards in seven games) especially with quarterback Daniel Jones out with injury.
Giants WR Kenny Golladay vs. Dolphins CB Xavien Howard: The Giants’ offense desperately needs a breakout game from Golladay, who is averaging less than three receptions per game and still doesn’t have a touchdown. It was encouraging that he had seven targets against the Eagles. Howard has been one of the NFL’s top corners as he is tied for third with 13passes defended to go along with three interceptions.
Giants CB James Bradberry vs. Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle: Waddle, the No. 6pick in the 2021draft, hasn’t disappointed as a rookie. His 103targets rank seventh in the NFL and he has 77catches, 759yards and four touchdowns. Bradberry held Philadelphia’s DeVonta Smith to two catches for 22yards last week, so this will be a fascinating matchup. Giants DE Leonard Williams vs. Dolphins offensive line: This is a prime day for Williams, New York’s highest-paid player, to build on his 5.5sacks and 10QB hits this season. Miami features arguably the NFL’s worst front and is allowing a ton of pressures, so Williams must live in the Dolphins’ backfield for the Giants to thrive defensively.
Injury Report:
Giants: OUT: QB Daniel Jones (neck), TE Kaden Smith (knee), CB Adoree’ Jackson (quad), LB Trent Harris (ankle); DOUBTFUL: WR Sterling Shepard (quad), WR Kadarius Toney (oblique/quad); QUESTIONABLE: WR John Ross (illness/quad), TE Kyle Rudolph (ankle), OT Nate Solder (elbow), FB Cullen Gillaspia (calf). Dolphins: DOUBTFUL: CB Trill Williams (hamstring), RB Phillip Lindsay (ankle), TE Adam Shaheen (knee); QUESTIONABLE: S Brandon Jones (ankle/elbow), LB Jaelan Phillips (hip).
Giant Facts: Xavier McKinney’s five interceptions are tied for the most by an NFL safety this season. … The Giants are 26th in third-down conversion percentage (36.23). … New York’s 21sacks are tied for the seventh-fewest in the NFL. The Prediction: Giants 20, Dolphins 17a