Sportsnaut
The San Francisco 49ers (5-3) and New York Giants (2-6) will battle for the 36th time in the regular season Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
The 49ers have won three of the last four meetings and enter as a heavy favorite. The Giants are reeling after losing two straight games and allowing 71 points over their last five quarters. Making matters worse, they’ll be without Cam Skattebo for the remainder of the season.
The lone bright spot for Big Blue? The Giants are undefeated at home with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart under center.
Both teams want to make a statement before the season’s midpoint. Here are five bold predictions for Sunday’s matchup.
With Skattebo lost for the season, Tyrone Tracy Jr. will re-emerge as the team’s No. 1 running back. The second-year back has carried the ball 45 times for 159 yards and one touchdown through eight games.
His season high was 46 yards in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos. But this week, he’ll break out against the 15th-ranked 49ers run defense and become the first Giant to eclipse 100 rushing yards this season.
Christian McCaffrey is arguably the league’s best dual-threat running back. He’s gained 490 yards on 140 carries with three touchdowns while adding 56 receptions for 559 yards and three receiving scores.
This week, he’ll face a defense that might be without its top two corners, Paulson Adebo and Cor’Dale Flott. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has perhaps the most innovative offensive mind in the NFL, and he’ll showcase that creativity Sunday by drawing up a play where his superstar running back throws a touchdown pass.
Trade rumors have swirled around Kayvon Thibodeaux this week ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. But general manager Joe Schoen isn’t going to trade the first player he drafted, especially when he needs wins to secure his own future in 2026.
Although he hasn’t matched Brian Burns’ production — Burns is tied for the league lead with 10 sacks — Thibodeaux has recorded 2.5 sacks and 21 tackles. The fourth-year edge rusher will deliver his best performance of 2025, finishing with three sacks.
George Kittle is one of the league’s best tight ends, but injuries have limited him to just three games. In those appearances, he’s caught eight passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
It remains unclear whether Mac Jones or Brock Purdy will start under center for San Francisco, as both are dealing with injuries. Whoever gets the nod will look to involve their All-Pro tight end early and often against a Giants defense that has historically struggled covering tight ends.
The result? Kittle’s first 100-yard receiving performance of the year.
Few outside the Giants organization predicted the hot start Jaxson Dart would...
