Here are 10 things to watch in the Week 2 matchup between the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football at SoFi Stadium (8:15 p.m. ET).
'Our job is to get better'
The Giants put together a strong overall performance against the Cowboys in Week 1. But as encouraging as the win on Sunday night was, there is still room to grow. Going up against a Rams team that made it all the way to the NFC Championship last season, coach John Harbaugh acknowledged earlier in the week that they will need to clean some things up heading into Week 2.
"I don't think there's any chance of that," Harbaugh said about a possible letdown in Week 2. "Our guys understand, they're mature guys. They understand, they understood going into the game that it was the first game of a 17-game season, no matter what the outcome is going to be and that the Rams are going to be next up regardless of what the outcome is. So, our job is to get better, keep improving, because you have to. You have to improve to have a chance to be successful next week. So, our guys understand that and I don't expect or have any inkling, I don't believe that'll happen for one second."
History vs. Rams
In regular-season play, the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams have met 45 times. The Giants trail the all-time series, 16-29. In their most recent meeting, the Rams defeated the Giants, 26-25, at MetLife Stadium in Week 17 of the 2023 season.
The Giants and Rams have met twice in the postseason and split the two matchups. The Giants defeated the Rams in the 1984 Wild Card round, 16-13.
The two teams, along with the Kansas City Chiefs, will each play their first two games of the season in primetime. It's the first time since 1970 that three teams open their seasons with back-to-back primetime games.
View photos of the Giants on the practice field as they prepare for Monday Night Football against the Rams.
OLB Abdul Carter (3)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)l OL J.C. Davis (74)
WR Darnell Mooney (17)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
WR Braxton Berrios (87)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
DL C.J. Okoye (99)
TE Chris Manhertz (85)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
OLB Abdul Carter (3)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), OL J.C. Davis (74)
WR Braxton Berrios (87)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
WR Braxton Berrios (87)
G Aaron Stinnie (64)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
T Jermaine Eluemunor (72)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
G Aaron Stinnie (64)
RB Najee Harris (23)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
S Jevón Holland (8)
WR Braxton Berrios (87)
G Jon Runyan Jr. (76)
RB Najee Harris (23)
RB Najee Harris (23)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
Injury Report
Giants
Coming Saturday afternoon
Rams
Coming Saturday afternoon
Nabers 'a little sore' but 'looked good'
The big storyline heading into Week 1 was the health of wide receiver Malik Nabers. The star receiver practiced in full all week but was listed as questionable on the final injury report. Nabers went through his pregame warmup on Sunday and declared himself ready to go, which led to him catching six passes for 69 yards on a team-high nine targets. More important than his stats was the fact that Nabers, who was on the field for 52 percent of the team's offensive snaps (36 snaps), came out of the game healthy.
"A little sore, but manageable," Nabers told the media Thursday on how he felt coming out of the game.
He went on to add, "Just got to get back into more of the football mentality of getting north. Just taking a picture of the defense, know where everybody's at. I left some yards out there, I left some plays out there. I feel like I could've scored on probably two of them if I just run straight, get more yards. So, I kind of think that was just the most frustrating thing about it, was just like I left a lot out there that I could've got."
Dart-Likely connection growing
Jaxson Dart had a promising start to his second NFL season. The 23-year-old quarterback completed 23 of 29 passes (79.3 percent) for 230 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. This earned him a passer rating of 134.2, by far the highest mark of his 13 NFL starts. Dart also continued to be a threat on the ground, adding 59 yards on eight carries (7.4 avg.) prior to his final three attempts in victory formation. Not only was this perhaps the best overall performance of his young professional career, but he also became the first quarterback in NFL history with three or more passing touchdowns, 50 or more rushing yards and a passer rating of 130.0 or higher in the season opener.
The biggest beneficiary to Dart's dominant performance was Isaiah Likely. The veteran tight end led the team with eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns as he found success against both zone and man coverage. Likely split his receptions and touchdowns down the middle between zone and man, with a very slight edge in yardage to the former (40) compared to the latter (38). His six receptions while lined up in the slot matched his previous career-high.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy spent many years in Kansas City over the last decade, where he had a front row seat to the chemistry develop between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Dart and Likely have just one game together, but the play-caller told the media that he's already beginning to see some very early shades of that Mahomes-Kelce connection here in East Rutherford.
"I can tell you this, I was there for the beginning stages of that, what you talked about with that example, and I've seen it through throughout for many years. And what we have here with Jaxson and Zay is right there," Nagy said Thursday. "I mean, it's not there with them yet, but it's at the beginning stages, it's there. That's the exciting part, is they're just super, super talented people. And it's going to take a little bit of time, but they were on.
"They were on the other night and I think you guys saw that. That one throw that he had to Zay on third down, he had some pressure in his face. He made a great throw, great accuracy. And then Zay made a great route and great catch, keeps the sticks moving. So, we're building towards that. Those guys know it, but they're not satisfied either."
Garrett out, Donald in?
The Rams' defense will look a little different on Monday than it did in Week 1. For starters, reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett will not be out there after being placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year failed to record a tackle in last week's game and was put on injured reserve soon after the Rams returned to Los Angeles.
While Garrett will miss at least the next four games, the Rams defense might be getting some reinforcements. Three-time Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time first-team All-Pro Aaron Donald, who officially came out of retirement last month, is gearing up for his return to the field, with Rams coach Sean McVay saying they are "hopeful" Donald returns for the Week 2 matchup.
"Expect him to play like Aaron Donald, which is a game-wrecking type player inside," Harbaugh said earlier in the week. "Penetrating, active movement player who can wreck the game, really any particular play in a lot of different ways, run and pass. So, we're expecting him to play. We're planning for him to be out there."
"For the longest time that I can remember, he's one of the most dominant players that I've watched," Dart added. "So, getting the chance to go out there and compete against him, it's going to be really cool just to be on the same field as him. He's a great player, and I've heard that he's kept himself in really good shape. So, it's going to be a great competition."
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams.
The L.A. Rams and New York Giants raise dust during game action at Los Angeles, Aug. 23, 1957. Identifiable players are Rams' Don Burroughs (25) and Dick Daugherty (50). (Vic Stein via AP)
A night game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants at Los Angeles, Sept. 15, 1960. Identifiable players are: Rams Dick Bass (22), Charlie Bradshaw (79), and New York's Dick Nolan (25), Lindon Crow (41) and Jimmy Patton (20). Giants won, 20-6. (Vic Stein via AP)
Erich Barnes (49), New York Giants halfback, blocks field goal attempt by Los Angeles Rams' Danny Villanueva (11) in first period of NFL game in New York's Yankee Stadium, Oct. 22, 1961. Los Angeles quarterback Frank Ryan (15) held the ball for Villanueva. (AP Photo)
New York Giant end Del Shofner (85) has his eyes on the ball and his hands ready to catch a fourth quarter Charley Conerly pass, top left, as Los Angeles Ram Alvin Hall (46) appears to be outrun. All the giants passes weren't in vain. Conerly completed two for touchdowns in the fourth quarter to give giants a 24-14 win at Yankee stadium in New York on Oct. 22, 1961. It was giants first win at home this season. (AP Photo)
Les Josephson (34) of the Los Angeles Rams runs into a driving tackle by New York Giants Tom Longo (44) after a short gain in the first period of their game at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 20, 1970, New York. Giants Spider Lockhart (43) got a piece of the tackle. Coming up to help are Giants Scott Eaton (20) and Willie Williams (41). (AP Photo)
New York Giants tight end Bob Tucker on Dec. 20, 1970 at New York's Yankee Stadium. (AP Photo/ML)
Fran Tarkenton, the Giants quarterback, gets off a pass, incomplete, in the face of a furious charge by a trio of Los Angeles Rams defenders in the second period at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 20, 1970, New York. Closing in on Tarkenton are Jack Pardee (32), Coy Bacon (79) and Diron Talbert. (AP Photo)
Rams' running back John Cappelletti, the former Heisman winner, is dragged down by a shirt tackle as he tried to circle the New York Giants' left side in Los Angeles Sunday, Sept. 26, 1976. Giant linebacker Brad Van Pelt pulls him down. At right is New York's Dave Gallagher. (AP Photo/George Brich)
New York Giants linebacker Dan Lloyd (54) stops Los Angeles Rams running back Wendell Tyler (26) during an NFL game at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 28, 1979. The Giants defeated the Rams 20-14. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants running back Doug Kotar (44) leaps as he runs upfield during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame running back Larry Csonka (39) runs upfield after taking a handoff from quarterback Craig Morton (15) during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Craig Morton (15) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants Quarterback Scott Brunner (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Los Angeles Rams star running back Eric Dickerson (29) makes a short gain during early NFL action against the New York Giants in Anaheim Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 1, 1984, Anaheim, Calif. The Rams defeated the Giants 33-12. (AP Photo/Liu Heung Shing)
Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Irv Pankey (75) lead blocks for Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson (29) as New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) gives chase during the NFL football game against the New York Giants on Nov. 10, 1985 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 24-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson rushes for a third quarter touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC playoff game at Giants Stadium, Jan. 7, 1990 in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jim Everett (11) takes a hard hit from New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) after throwing a pass during the Rams 19-13 overtime victory in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) scores on a 2-yard run during a 19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) moves in the pocket to avoid Rams linebacker Kevin Greene (91) during the Giants 19-13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) scores on a 2-yard touchdown run during a19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) rolls out during a 19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) gains nine yards of his team-leading 60 yards during third quarter action against the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 12, 1990. On the same possession Anderson scored on a three-yard touchdown run. New York marched to a 31-7 win to remain unbeaten. (AP Photo/Craig Fuji)
With teammate Mark Bavaro (89) leading the way, New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) gains nine yards of his team-leading 60 yards during third quarter action against the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 12, 1990. On the same possession Anderson scored on a three-yard touchdown run. New York marched to a 31-7 win to remain unbeaten. (AP Photo/Craig Fuji)
New York Giants cornerback Willie Beamon (21) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ed McCaffrey (81) runs a pass pattern during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 19, 1993. The Giants defeated the Rams 20-10. (AP Photo/NFL Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Rodney Hampton(27) in action during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California on October 16, 1994. The Rams beat the Giants 17-10. Rodney Hampton played for 8 years all with the Giants and was a 2-time Pro Bowler.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Corey Miller (57) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Corey Miller (57) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner is flushed out of the pocket as teammate Marshall Faulk (28) holds off New York Giants' Michael Strahan in the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999, at the Trans World Dome in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants Michael Strahan hits St. Louis Quarterback Kurt warner after he releases the ball in the third quarter Sunday, October 14, 2001 at the Dome at Americas Center in St. Louis.(AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk, right, has the ball knocked from his hands as he was hit by New York Giants' Will Allen, left, and Mike Barrow, top, during the first half Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, in St. Louis, Mo. The Rams won 15-14.(AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber gains 11 yards during the fourth quarter as St. Louis Rams Grant Wistrom, bottom right, and Aeneas Williams attempt to tackle him Sunday, Sept.7, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber had 24 carries for 146 yards as the Giants beat the Rams, 23-13. Looking on is Rams Jerametrius Butler (23). (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) slips past the St. Louis Rams' Grant Wistrom (98) during the first quarter of their football game in St. Louis Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002. (AP Photo/James A. Finley)
New York Giants cornerback Curtis Deloatch (39) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt, left, during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, center, is brought down by the New York Giants' Michael Strahan during the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. Bulger attempted 62 passes, completing 40 as the Rams lost 44-24. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey, right, holds on to the ball as his facemask is pulled back by the St. Louis Rams' Michael Hawthorne, second from left, in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. At left is the Rams' Pisa Tinoisamoa. Hawthorne received a penalty on the play. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor, left, intercepts a pass intended for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Shaun McDonald (84) during the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Torbor returned it 37 yards, as the Giants beat the Rams 44-24. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, center, pulls in an end-zone catch for his second touchdown of the day as the St. Louis Rams' DeJuan Groce, left, and Michael Hawthorne, right, defend in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass as he is pressured by St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Tyoka Jackson (97) during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning completed 19 of 35 passes for 296 yards and four touchdwn passes as the Giants beat the Rams, 44-24. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) catches a pass for a 16-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burres, left, catches a touchdown as St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is pulled down by the St. Louis Rams defensive back Ron Bartell, left, as the Rams' Will Witherspoon, left, looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs with the ball as St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon (51) defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, right, catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress catches a 33-yard touchdown pass as St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, left, looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass for an 18-yard gain before being pulled down by St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) pushes his way past St. Louis defenders, from left, La'Roi Glover (97), Chris Long (72), Will Witherspoon (51) and James Hall (96) for a 7-yard gain during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (10) completes a pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) as Rams' Richie Incognito (68) holds Tuck back during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Nick Leckey #60 of the St. Louis Rams looks over the defense prior to snapping the ball at the line of scrimmage against the New York Giants on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw slips past St. Louis Rams cornerback Tye Hill for a touchdown run during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants rushes in during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Plaxico Burris #17 of the New York Giants tries to break free after making a reception during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants calls signals as Shaun O'Hara prepares to snap the ball during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
The offense of the New York Giants prepares to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants catches a touchdown pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Domenik Hixon #87 of the New York Giants returns a punt during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants runs with a reception during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants scores a touchdown during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kareem McKenzie #67 of the New York Giants looks to block during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to throw a pass during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs with the ball during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out a play during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks for a receiver during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon catches a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, left, is sacked for a seven-yard loss by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Defending are Rams' Craig Dahl, right, and Quintin Mikell. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) points during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) covers St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Gibson (11) on a pass play during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs the ball in traffic during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs the ball during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams' James Laurenaitis and Justin King, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday September 19, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball up the middle during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the St.Louis Rams in an NFL football game on Monday September 19, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) gets tackled after catching a pass by St. Louis Rams wide receiver Greg Salas (87) during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a first quarter touchdown pass while covered by St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants' Eli Manning makes a pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Antrel Rolle (26) tackles St. Louis Rams' Mike Sims-Walker (10) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) throws the ball away from New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon is defended by St. Louis Rams' Craig Dahl during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Hixon caught the pass for a touchdown. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs runs for yardage against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL football game on September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks scores a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL football game on September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) walks away as New York Giants' Henry Hynoski (45) and Victor Cruz (80) celebrate a Brandon Jacobs touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs away from St. Louis Rams defensive back Justin King (21) for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams' James Hall (96), Bradley Fletcher (32) and another defender, bottom, during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs is tackled by St. Louis Rams linebacker Ben Leber during the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks falls into the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown in front of St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams free safety Quintin Mikell during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the St. Louis Rams during a week 16 football game on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams, left, runs with the ball during the second half of NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) intercepts the ball on a deflection against the St. Louis Rams during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) dives for a touchdown during a week 16 football game against the St. Louis Rams on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and St. Louis Rams quarterback Shaun Hill talk following an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. The Giants won 37-27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason, center, struggles for yardage as New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle, left, and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, right, defend during the second half of NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Shaun Hill, left, is sacked for a 4-yard loss by New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants free safety Stevie Brown, center, is pushed by St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Joe Barksdale, right, as Giants' defensive end Kerry Wynn, left, intercepts a pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass against the St. Louis Rams during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) makes a leaping catch during a week 16 football game against the St. Louis Rams on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, dives into the end zone past St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson after catching a 7-yard pass for a touchdown during the second half of NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The New York Giants offense gets set at the line of scrimmage against the St. Louis Rams defense during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa, right, heads for the end zone past St. Louis Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald for a 12-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) runs for a 45-yard gain as St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) and T.J. McDonald give chase during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams middle linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) evades a tackle by Los Angeles Rams running back Benny Cunningham (23) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during a week 7 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 23, 2016 in London, U.K. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across from the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs a route during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball in the first quarter during an NFL football game at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs after the catch during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs after the catch in front of Los Angeles Rams safety Blake Countess (24) during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares for the snap during a week 9 NFL football against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams' Marqui Christian (41) closes in on New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams' Nickell Robey-Coleman tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Tavarres King (12) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Los Angeles Rams' John Johnson (43) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Los Angeles Rams' Nickell Robey-Coleman tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches the ball during a week 9 NFL football against the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Daniel Jones (8)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. Rams won 17-9. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs past Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jachai Polite during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis )
Sterling Shepard (3)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) sack Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a week 6 football game on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
WR Gunner Olszewski (80)
New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
Rams to keep an eye on
QB Matthew Stafford – The reigning NFL MVP is coming off a rough season opener in which he threw for just 155 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. But it was just last year that the veteran quarterback led the NFL with 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns. The key to limiting Stafford on Monday night will be to make him uncomfortable in the pocket. Stafford went 7 for 7 on throws in under 2.5 seconds last week, but was held to just 8 for 18 when he got rid of the ball in over 2.5 seconds.
RB Kyren Williams – Williams was held to just 41 yards on 11 carries in Week 1, although he did add 24 yards on three receptions and scored LA's lone touchdown. But from 2023 to 2025, the running back totaled 1,350 or more yards from scrimmage with double digit touchdowns every year. Williams and Blake Corum combine to form a powerful backfield duo, which led to the No. 7 rushing offense last season.
WR Puka Nacua – Similar to Williams and Corum, Nacua and Davante Adams make up one of the NFL's top wide receiver duos. While Adams led the NFL with 14 touchdown catches last year, Nacua registered the most receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,715). Even in a down game for the offense last week, Nacua still caught five passes for 74 yards, including a deep 41-yard catch. His 94.8 receiving yards per game over his career currently ranks as the most in NFL history.
DT Aaron Donald – The last time we saw Donald on the field was in 2023, when the star defensive lineman racked up eight sacks, 16 tackles for loss and 23 quarterback hits across 16 games. This led to him being named first-team All-Pro for the eighth time in 10 seasons. We don't know how many snaps Donald will play, but any time he steps onto the field, both Jaxson Dart and the offensive line must know exactly where he is.
CB Trent McDuffie – Due to the big trade for Myles Garrett, the Rams' acquisition of McDuffie seems to have been forgotten. McDuffie is one of the league's top shutdown cornerbacks, evidenced by the haul of draft picks the Rams had to give the Chiefs to acquire him back in March. The former All-Pro cornerback was targeted just three times in Week 1 and allowed one reception for 13 yards. He earned a passer rating against of 47.9.
Stats & milestones to know
OL Francis Mauigoa did not allow a single pressure on 36 pass blocks in his NFL debut, according to Next Gen Stats. No other rookie in the last eight seasons has recorded as many or more pass blocks without allowing a pressure in Week 1.
TE Isaiah Likely is the first tight end to catch two touchdown passes in his Giants debut. If he repeats on Monday night, he would become the first tight end in NFL history to have at least four touchdown catches in his first two games with a new team.
RB Cam Skattebo scored his eighth scrimmage touchdown in his ninth NFL game on Sunday night. He is tied with Del Shofner and Bob Schnelker for the third-most scrimmage touchdowns scored through nine NFL games in Giants history. He only trails Bill Paschal (12) and Ron Johnson (nine).
QB Jaxson Dart has the highest passer rating (114.5) in primetime games by any QB in NFL history (minimum three primetime starts), according to NFL Research.
OLB Abdul Carter has generated 77 pressures since entering the league in 2025, the seventh-most of any player, with 48 of those being quick pressures, the most in the NFL.
Ways to watch
TV
Channel: ESPN/ABC
Announcers: Joe Buck (Play-By-Play), Troy Aikman (Analyst), Lisa Salters (Sideline), Laura Rutledge (Sideline)
Alternative Broadcast: ManningCast on ESPN2
Spanish Broadcast: ESPN Deportes
Postgame: Giants Postgame Live presented by Hackensack Meridian Health hosted by Michelle Gingras immediately following the game on MSG Networks, The Gotham Sports App, YouTube, Giants.com, Giants App, Giants TV
STREAM
This week's game can be streamed on NFL+.
RADIO
Channel: WFAN 101.9FM / 66AM
Announcers: Bob Papa (Play-By-Play), Carl Banks (Analyst), Howard Cross (Sideline)
Pre- and Postgame: John Schmeelk, Tiki Barber, Paul Dottino
Pregame: Giants Gameday begins at 6:15 pm, presented by Hackensack Meridian Health.
Postgame: Giants Extra Point
What's next?
The Giants will have a short week as they get ready for their Week 3 matchup against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium. It will be the team's first 1 p.m. kickoff after back-to-back primetime games to start the season. This will be the first matchup between second-year quarterbacks Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart, the first two quarterbacks selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
