Washington Commanders vs New York Giants Picks and Predictions for Thursday, November 12, 2026
On Thursday night, the Washington Commanders are on the road visiting MetLife Stadium to play the New York Giants in an NFC East matchup. Washington is 2-5-1 and third in the division after losing 20-13 to the Rams on Sunday. New York leads the NFC East at 5-2-1 following a 19-11 victory over Philadelphia. The Giants have won two straight, while Washington has dropped three of its last five. These teams tied 27-27 in October. Kickoff is at 8:15 pm ET on Prime Video. New York is favored by 1.5 points, with the total at 43.5. Cash in a winner with our free NFL picks.
Washington Trying to Find Some Offense
Washington couldn't finish drives against Los Angeles on Sunday. The Commanders held a four-point lead at the break, but scored just three points in the second half in their seven-point loss. Jayden Daniels had 274 passing yards, but could not lead his team to any points in the final two possessions. Rams defensive star Myles Garrett also caused problems for Daniels, recording three sacks and forcing a fumble. It was another frustrating afternoon for the Commanders, who had beaten Philadelphia 27-10 the previous week.
Daniels has thrown for 1,250 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception in six appearances. He's also Washington's leading rusher with 252 yards. Stefon Diggs leads the receivers with 303 yards and five touchdowns, while Antonio Williams has 284 yards. The Commanders average 21.5 points per game and have struggled to finish drives consistently. Washington's defense has allowed 202 points through nine games.
Injuries: Lucas Patrick is questionable. Athan Kaliakmanis, Tanoa Togiai, Isaac Yiadom and Fabian Moreau are inactive.
New York Building Momentum
Winning in Philadelphia hasn't come easily for the Giants over the years. Sunday was different. New York won by eight points on Sunday, and ended a losing streak of 13 games against NFC East rival Philadelphia. J.J. McCarthy took a hard shot to the side and had to leave in the third quarter. Jameis Winston stepped in briefly for McCarthy and threw a touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely to put the Giants ahead. Dominic Zvada kicked four field goals for the Giants. The Giants held Philadelphia to just three second-half points and picked up their second consecutive victory.
Winston has thrown for 1,028 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions this season. Malik Nabers has been New York's most productive receiver, collecting 53 catches for 648 yards. Likely has added 448 yards and six touchdowns. Cam Skattebo leads the rushing attack with 418 yards but is inactive Thursday. Defensively, Arvell Reese has 68 tackles and 4.5 sacks, including three against Philadelphia.
Injuries: Cam Skattebo, Thomas Fidone II, CJ Okoye, Nikko Reed and Josh Sills are inactive.
Key To The Game
Washington needs to protect Daniels. The Rams pressured him throughout Sunday's loss, and New York just recorded seven sacks against Philadelphia. Reese accounted for three of them. If the Giants get into the backfield regularly, Washington could struggle to sustain drives. Daniels' mobility gives the Commanders a chance to escape trouble, but New York's pass rush is the matchup to watch.
Washington vs New York Game Pick
- New York Giants -1.5
The Giants aren't putting up huge offensive numbers, but they've found ways to win close games. Sunday's victory in Philadelphia showed how much their defense can influence a result. Washington has Daniels, whose ability to throw and run makes him difficult to contain. Still, the Commanders scored only 13 points against the Rams and have yet to win away from home. New York is 3-1 at MetLife Stadium and has won two straight. With Skattebo unavailable, the Giants need production from their passing game. I'll take New York to cover the small spread.
Washington vs New York Over/Under Pick
- Under 43.5
Washington scored 13 points Sunday, while New York managed 19 against Philadelphia. Neither offense enters Thursday looking particularly sharp. The Giants have also defended well recently, holding the Eagles to 11 points. Daniels can extend plays, but New York's pass rush should make him work for every yard. Washington's defense has had problems this season, although the Giants average only 22.8 points per game. The first meeting reached 54 points, but both teams have played lower-scoring games lately. I expect fewer long drives and another tight finish. Take the under 43.5.