ClutchPoints
The moment Giants fans have been chanting for has finally arrived. After Russell Wilson’s disappointing 0-3 start that included a 59% completion rate and 78.5 passer rating, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will make his first NFL start this Sunday against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. Selected 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Dart finished his Ole Miss career with over 11,000 passing yards and 81 touchdowns, setting multiple school records in the process. While the Chargers enter as 6.5-point favorites, Dart’s debut presents an opportunity for several bold outcomes that could reshape the Giants’ season trajectory.
Despite facing a Chargers defense that ranks second in the NFL allowing just 182 passing yards per game, Dart will exceed expectations in his debut. The Ole Miss product’s college resume speaks volumes about his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly his senior season where he threw for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 69.3% of his passes.
Dart’s arm strength and deep ball accuracy, which made him a first-round pick, will be on full display against Los Angeles. The Chargers’ secondary, while talented, has shown vulnerability to explosive plays, allowing four receptions of 20+ yards through their first two games. With Malik Nabers leading the NFL in air yards (267) and averaging 18.5 yards per target depth, Dart will have the perfect weapon to exploit these opportunities.
Jaxson Dart in the preseason:
32/47 completions
372 yards
4 total TD
0 INTThe new QB1 in New York pic.twitter.com/2Xf9BwCAlm
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) September 23, 2025
The rookie’s mobility adds another dimension that Russell Wilson couldn’t provide. During his Ole Miss career, Dart accumulated 1,498 rushing yards, demonstrating his ability to extend plays and create opportunities outside the pocket. This scrambling ability will be crucial against a Chargers pass rush that has generated pressure on 27.7% of quarterback dropbacks.
With Tyrone Tracy sidelined with a shoulder injury, Cam Skattebo will seize his opportunity to become the Giants’ featured back. The fourth-round rookie has shown flashes of brilliance, including his 121-yard performance against the Chiefs where he scored a touchdown and caught six passes for 61 yards.
CAM SKATTEBO. POWERFUL TD.
KCvsNYG on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/giI1kvy2l3— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2025
Skattebo’s college pedigree at Arizona State, where he led the Big 12 with 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024, translates perfectly to his physical running style that Giants fans have already embraced. His versatility as both a runner and receiver makes him particularly valuable for Dart, providing a reliable checkdown option while also capable of breaking off explosive plays.
The Chargers’ run defense, while improved under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, ranks 9th allowing 94.7 yards per game. However, Skattebo’s power running style and ability to break tackles will test...
