Big Blue View
Can the New York Giants get the Jaxson Dart era off to an exciting start with an upset of the Los Angeles Chargers? Read what our writers think of that question and the rest of the Big Blue View staff picks for Week 4 of the NFL season below.
I’m not going to predict that the Giants win on Sunday. I think a “win” would be the offense being functional — Jaxson Dart playing crisp, poised football in which he calmly goes through his reads and makes good decisions. I expect him to be aggressive, but hope he isn’t reckless. I also want to see the offense actually scheme separation and come prepared for answers for when the defense tries to take Malik Nabers away.
Instead, I’ll be more focused on the defense.
I want to see the secondary hold up against Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston, and I want to see the Giants’ second- and third-level defenders making solid tackles on Omarion Hampton. Most importantly, I want to see the pass rush get after Justin Herbert. The Chargers have given up the eighth-highest sack rate in the NFL, and the Giants’ defensive front needs to get those numbers up.
I’m less worried about the “win” and “loss” columns and much more interested in the continued development and progress of the players themselves. This is now about 2026 and beyond.
Pick: Chargers
Consider Sunday to be Chargers’ defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s job application for the 2026 Giants head coaching position. Minter, who worked under Wink Martindale in Baltimore, isn’t as aggressive but likes to use post-snap rotation of coverage, nickel and safety blitzes, and stunts to confuse opposing quarterbacks and offensive lines. If Jaxson Dart finishes Sunday’s game with more TD passes than interceptions be very excited, because this defense is not the recommended way to start an NFL career. On offense, Justin Herbert, always considered an elite quarterback, is now showing why, with victories in hand against two good defenses. Keenan Allen is back and Quentin Johnston is finally learning to catch with his hands instead of his body; do we expect Cor’Dale Flott to be able to handle either of those big receivers? Ladd McConkey out of the slot, who had 8 TDs last season, will go up against Dru Phillips, who is being exposed in pass coverage. The Giants haven’t beaten the Chargers since 1998 and not at home since the 1986 Super Bowl season. Giants fans have fond memories of defeating Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers in the 2011 NFC Championship Game, but don’t expect another fond memory from Dart’s debut.
Pick: Chargers
I expect the Giants to receive energy with the decision to start Jaxson Dart (and with the season being as young as it is). Still, the Chargers are a well coached, well-run, team with an elite quarterback and defense. I expect the Chargers to be too much for this inexperienced offense.
Pick: Chargers
James...
