The Giants will look to continue their unbeaten streak at home when the Saints come to MetLife Stadium in Week 6.
John Harbaugh's squad is coming off a strange one in Washington. After struggling in the first half, the Giants were able to mount a second-half comeback to force overtime against the Commanders. Following mistakes from both teams in the extra session, the game finished in a tie, bringing the Giants' record to 3-1-1 on the season.
The Saints took part in their third consecutive home game this past week, and for the third straight time, they were unable to pull off the win. After dropping games to the Raiders and Falcons at the Ceasars Superdome, the Saints lost their fourth game of the season, 23-13, to the Vikings in Week 5.
Following Sunday's game, the Giants will go almost a month before they take the field at MetLife Stadium again. They travel to Houston in Week 7 before going into the bye. Then after the week off, they open their second-half of the schedule with a road matchup in Philadelphia.
Here are players to watch in the Week 6 matchup.
WR Malik Nabers
Over the first three weeks of the season, Nabers totaled 12 receptions, 96 receiving yards and zero touchdowns as he worked his way back from last year's knee injury. After the slow start, the third-year wideout has looked more like his normal self over the last two games. Against the Cardinals in Week 4, he caught six of seven targets for 112 yards and his first touchdown of the season.
Nabers followed that up this past week with 11 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 20 targets against the Commanders. He now has 156 receptions over his young NFL career, which makes him only the fourth player in NFL history to have 150+ receptions in fewer than 25 games.
"Probably the first week or two, you could see he was a little hesitant, which is natural," offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said Thursday about Nabers' recovery from last year's injury. "I haven't thought about that at all when he's out there playing now. To me, that's a massive jump. When you don't see it in practice, when you don't see it in the game, you see that growth."
This week, Nabers is likely to see a lot of coverage from Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. So far this season, McKinstry has allowed 255 yards in coverage, the seventh-most among outside cornerbacks, and 8.8 yards per target, the 10th-most.
View photos of the Giants on the practice field as they prepare for their Week 6 matchup against the Saints.
CB Deonte Banks (2)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
LB Arvell Reese (52)
Head Coach John Harbaugh
LB Tremaine Edmunds (49)
TE Isaiah Likely (9)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
S Jevón Holland (8)
WR Charlie Jones (89)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
DL C.J. Okoye (99)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
WR Dalen Cambre (83)
LB Arvell Reese (52)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
CB Greg Newsome II (20)
WR Dontae Fleming (37)
WR Charlie Jones (89)
WR Malachi Fields (88)
WR Dontae Fleming (37)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
WR Jalin Hyatt (81)
WR Jalin Hyatt (81)
TE Isaiah Likely (9)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
LB Arvell Reese (52)
S Jevón Holland (8)
S Ar'Darius Washington (24)
RB Cam Skattebo
Skattebo rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win against the Cowboys back in Week 1. Since then, he has yet to top 60 yards on the ground with only 10 receptions across the last four games. However, the second-year back has averaged 3.5 yards after contact per carry this season, the 12th-highest mark in the NFL, with 96.6 percent of his rushing yards coming after contact, which is the third-highest, according to Next Gen Stats. And while he did lose the fumble in overtime last week, Skattebo's 4.5 yards per carry against the Commanders was his highest since Week 1.
The young running back has an opportunity to get going this week against the Saints. New Orleans enters this matchup ranking among the bottom in the NFL in run defense. The unit's 148.8 rushing yards per game is the third-highest in the league, their 4.9 yards per attempt is the seventh-highest, while the 10 rushing touchdowns allowed is the most of any team. The Saints just allowed Vikings running back Aaron Jones to run for 113 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, one week after giving up a combined 207 rushing yards and five touchdowns to Atlanta's Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson.
TE Isaiah Likely
Likely has been nothing short of dominant for the Giants this season. The veteran tight end was targeted 13 times against the Commanders last week and hauled in 11 of those, matching Nabers for a game-high, which he took for 94 yards and two touchdowns. He became the first ever Giants tight end to have a game with nine or more receptions and two or more touchdown catches. Back in Week 1, Likely had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Through the first five games of his Giants tenure, Likely has totaled 33 receptions. Not only does this lead the team, but it is also the most by any tight end through five games in franchise history. Heading into Week 6, the athletic tight end needs just 10 more receptions, 194 receiving yards and three touchdowns to set new career-highs. With 12 games to go, the 26-year-old is on pace to completely shatter all of his previous season-long high marks.
"He's a really unique kind of an athlete," Harbaugh told the media Wednesday. "He's elusive, he can get away in man and zone coverage. He's got a great feel, he's got great hands, he has an amazing catch radius. He's an elusive runner, a good strong runner. So, all those things that are football.
"He's also, and this was in college, he was crazy good as a perimeter blocker. He would launch guys through the air, like five yards through the air sometimes at Coastal. He's a really good perimeter blocker here too. He's translated really well, and I think he's been able to really express that here this year. The kind of player he is, and it's just great to see."
Likely could be in for yet another big outing this Sunday. The tight end has aligned in the slot on a career-high 77.2 percent of his routes this season, the second-highest rate among tight ends with at least 100 routes. From the slot, Likely has 195 of his receiving yards, also the second-most among tight ends, according to NGS. The Saints have allowed 36 receptions to tight ends this season, tied for the third-most in the NFL, while their 356 receiving yards to the position ranks as the sixth-most.
View photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints.
New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game agains the New Orleans Saints on October 6. 1968 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giants beat the New Orleans Saints 38-31. Fran Tarkenton played for 18 season with 2 different teams. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game agains the New Orleans Saints on October 6. 1968 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giants beat the New Orleans Saints 38-31. Fran Tarkenton played for 18 season with 2 different teams. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.(David Durochik via AP)
Jim Taylor of the New Orleans Saints reaches for the ball, thrown by quarterback Gary Cuozzo, as it falls incomplete in the third quarter of the Saints-Giants National Football League game in New York on Oct. 8, 1967. Defensive back Wendell Harris of the Giants, left, is set for the tackle. The Giants won 27-21. (AP Photo)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) celebrates with defensive end George Martin (75) after recovering a fumble by New Orleans Saints running back Buford Jordan (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 28, 1986 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 20-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Dave Wilson (18) throws a pass despite pressure from leaping New York Giants defensive end George Martin (75) and Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) during the NFL football game on September 28, 1986 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 20-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Rob Carpenter (26) runs the ball during the NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants on December 15, 1984 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants quarterback Dave Brown, left, running back Rodney Hampton, center, and center Brian Williams (59) celebrate Hampton's five-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sept. 24, 1995. Hampton scored four touchdowns in the Giants 5-29 win over the Saints. (AP Photo/Kevin Larkin)
New York Giants wide receiver Chris Calloway (30) scores the Giants' second touchdown with New Orleans safety Anthony Newman (30) in pursuit in the second quarter of their game Sunday, Sept. 28, 1997, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Saints 14-9 improving their record to 2-3.(AP Photo/John Dunn)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius catches a pass for a 46-yard touchdown as New Orleans Saints safety Joe Bellamy looks on during the fourth quarter Sunday, Aug. 30, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 21-13. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants punt returner Tiki Barber (21) slips out of the grasp of New Orleans Saints linebacker Phil Clark, left, as he returns a punt for 20 yards during the first quarter Sunday, Aug. 30, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber pulled a hamstring while making a 14-yard touchdown run during the second quarter. The Giants won 21-13.(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) is stopped by New York Giants safety Sam Garnes, left, linebackers Brandon Short, top, Jessie Armstead, right, and Mike Barrow, bottom right, during the first quarter Sunday, Aug. 30, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius is congratulated by Greg Comella, left, and Amani Toomer after his touchdown run in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 21-13 win over the New Orleans Saints at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 30, 2001. (AP Photo/Jeff Zelevansky)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) gets away from New Orleans Saints defender Kenny Smith (90) as Giants Scott Peters (63) blocks in first half NFL action in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans Sunday Dec. 14, 2003. Barber had a short gain on the play. (AP Photo/Andrew Cohoon)
The New York Giants' Tiki Barber, left, gets past the New Orleans Saints' Jay Bellamy, top right, and Mike McKenzie at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. , Monday, Sept. 19, 2005. The Giants won 27-10. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New Orleans Saints kicker John Carney, right, is consoled by teamate Todd Bouman as the New York Giants' Reggie Torbor, left, runs by after Carney missed a kick in the fourth quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Monday, Sept 19, 2005. The Giants won 27-10. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New Orleans Saints' Deuce McAllister moves upfield as the New York Giants' Carlos Emmons brings him down in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. , Monday, Sept. 19, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress picks up a first down against the New Orleans Saints Monday night, Sept. 19, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants take on the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants' Eli Manning, right, talks with the New Orleans Saints' Deuce McAllister after the Giants beat the Saints 27-10 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. , Monday, Sept 19, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) scrambles for three yards before being tackled by New York Giants' Mathias Kiwanuka, right, and Fred Robbins during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Saints won 30-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber sweeps around the right side against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter during NFL football action Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber rushed for 71 yards in the game. The Saints won 30-7. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Bell and safety Will Demps celebrate after stopping the New Orleans Saints during their football Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, right, greets New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton after NFL football action Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber rushed for 71 yards in the game. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) picks up yardage as Giants' Tim Carter blocks New Orleans Saints cornerback Mike McKenzie, left, during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New Orleans Saint, left, huddle before a play against the New York Giants, right, during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (88) chats with New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara, left, and Giants Justin Tuck, right, at the end of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) picks up good yardage on a pass play as New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (32) gives chase in the second half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) directs running back Brandon Jacobs (27) in the first half against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of their NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. [(AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints running back Mike Bell (21) is tackled by New York Giants linebackers Danny Clark (55) and Chase Blackburn (57) during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play as center Shaun O'Hara (60) looks on in the second half of their NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
The New York Giants huddle before a play against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) audibles at the line in the first half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) slips into the end zone past New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper (42) in the first half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Saints won 48-27. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants guard Chris Snee (76), tackle Kareem McKenzie (67) and corner Shaun O'Hara (60) line up against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, October 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, left, is hoisted up in celebration by teammate Shaun O'Hara as Madison Hedgecock (39) watches after Bradshaw scored a touchdown in the first half of an NFL game between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) races with a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (32) in the second half of their NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) makes a catch over New Orleans Saints corner back Tracy Porter (22) during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct.18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) shake hands after an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) hands off to running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans (73) scuffles with several New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates his touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) tries to block a field goal by New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is hit by New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) after releasing a pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out a play at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) tries to block the pass of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants free safety Antrel Rolle (26) pats quarterback Eli Manning (10) on the head prior to an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) looks over his shoulder at New Orleans Saints cornerback Tracy Porter (22) as he runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talk after their NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011.(AP Photo/Bill Haber)
New York Giants free safety Antrel Rolle (26) breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles (43)during the third quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) dances in the end zone to celebrate his 10-yard touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. At left is Saints cornerback Johnny Patrick (32). (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) does a summersault after scoring on a six-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) draws in the crowd after a short gain during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) chats with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning following their NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Saints 52-27. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) is hoisted into the air by Martellus Bennett after scoring on a 52-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 52-27. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) flips after scoring on a 6-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) runs for a 52-yard touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is tackled by New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Vilma during an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012 file photo, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the second half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with David Diehl after his 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Domenik Hixonduring the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks w New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) following a week 8 NFL football game on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus via AP)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the New Orleans Saints during a week 8 NFL football game on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana ( Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) catches a touchdown pass during a week 8 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) carries against New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play in the huddle in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) pulls in a touchdown reception in front of New Orleans Saints defensive back Kyle Wilson (24) in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015.(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints safety Jarius Byrd (31) slams into New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) during an NFL game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. Manning passed for 350 yards and six touchdowns. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) fumbles as he is hit by New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. The fumble resulted in a touchdown return for the Giants. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015. Manning passed for 350 yards and six touchdowns. The Saints defeated the Texans 52-49. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) stiff arms New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) during a week 8 NFL football game on November 1, 2015 at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) greet each other after an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. The Saints won 52-49. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) celebrates after making a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as New Orleans Saints' Paul Kruger (99) rushes him during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) catches a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (46) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 16-13. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) defends New Orleans Saints' Willie Snead (83) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Víctor Cruz, de los Giants de Nueva York, captura un pase frente a Ken Crawley, cornerback de los Saints de Nueva Orleáns, en el partido del domingo 18 de septiembre de 2016 (AP Foto/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Rhett Ellison, center, runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) fends off New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (20) during an NFL game, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Tielemans via AP)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New Orleans Saints take on the New York Giants during a week 4 NFL football game on Sunday September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) dives into the end during a week 4 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) looks to get in the end zone during a week 4 NFL football game against the.New Orleans Saints on Sunday September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, left, greets New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning after an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (NFL Photos via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball while New Orleans Saints defensive back Vonn Bell (24) defends during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (NFL Photos via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) greet each other following an NFL football game on Monday, Sept. 1, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (NFL Photos via AP)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Saints defeated the Giants 33-18. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, front, runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard, front, makes a catch in front of New Orleans Saints' Ken Crawley during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley jumps over defenders for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard, left, scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores the game winning touchdown during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs with the ball during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58), OLB Azeez Ojulari (51)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), OLB Brian Burns (0)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
S Dane Belton (24)
S Dane Belton (24)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
OLB Brian Burns (0) ,OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
CB Nic Jones (31)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
New York Giants cornerback Andru Phillips (22)
LB Arvell Reese
Reese continues to show his ability to do a little bit of everything. In Week 4, he was voted the NFL Rookie of the Week after totaling nine solo tackles, an interception and three passes defensed. This past week against the Commanders, the rookie linebacker had nine total tackles (three solo), his third consecutive game with nine or more tackles, and he picked up his first career sack.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson used Reese a little bit differently in Week 5. After the No. 5 overall pick rushed the passer only 31 times total over the first four weeks of the season, Reese registered 16 pass rushes against the Commanders and generated five pressures along with the sack. This was a stark increase from his two pressures over his first four contests. Three of his pressures and the sack came when he aligned on the defensive line, which he did on one-third of his snaps in Week 5, according to NGS. Over the first four weeks, he did this on only 19.6 percent of his snaps.
"If you can get Arvell on a running back, it's a good matchup for us any day of the week," defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said Thursday about running backs attempting to block a blitzing Reese. "He is a violent scud missile. When he goes forward, I say he's like a bull, he's sees red and it's good for us. If we can dictate and get a running back and get him on a one-on-one, more times than not he's going to win. And if the first time that he goes, he's going to make you feel him. And if he can make you feel him and then he's already elusive and a hell of an athlete, so now they can set him up with moves and things like that. So, it's always fun to turn on the film and see Arvell when he makes contact with people because it doesn't look good."
Since Week 4, the first game following Brian Burns' season-ending injury, Reese has lined up on the defensive front alongside Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodaux on 33 snaps. This package has generated a 55.6 pressure rate and six sacks during that span. Through five weeks, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has been blitzed on 32.4 percent of his dropbacks, which has led to an average of 5.4 yards per attempt (sixth-lowest) and a 6.8 percent explosive pass rate (second-lowest).
CB Deonte Banks/CB Dru Phillips
Let's start with Banks, who has made a big impact in the secondary despite playing in only three games this season. Of course, Banks made the splash play to seal the win for the Giants in Week 4. But his strong performance goes well beyond that one play. The fourth-year cornerback has made a play on the ball on 31.8 percent of his targets this season, the fifth-highest rate among outside cornerbacks with at least 10 targets and more than double his rate through his first three seasons (13.4 percent).
Banks has forced a tight window (less than one yard of separation) on 40.9 percent of his targets, the ninth-highest rate among all cornerbacks. He has also allowed only 3.1 yards of separation per coverage snap, which ranks as the lowest mark among outside corners with at least 100 coverage snaps. Meanwhile, his seven passes defensed are tied for second in the NFL despite missing two games.
Phillips made his presence felt in a big way last week. The third-year slot corner leads all slot corners with six pressures and two sacks this season after registering four pressures and both sacks against the Commanders. His season totals come on just 16 pass rushes, which matches his total number of pass rushes from 2025 and is one behind his 2024 total.
"Dru has been playing some really good, high-level football the last three or four weeks in coverage, blitzing, playing the run," Wilson said. "He's ahead of things. I love where he's at, but he is an asset. He is an explosive, he's another violent player that's not afraid of contact. And when we get the opportunity to send him or any other player that we have, we work on it, we rep it, and they go full speed and you don't know where it's going to come from."
The 24-year-old has done more than just rush the passer, too. Phillips has allowed only 0.6 yards per coverage snap this season, which is the third-fewest among the league's slot cornerbacks with at least 100 coverage snaps. The Giants are going to need both Banks and Phillps on Sunday with Saints wide receivers Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele coming to town. Olave's 39 receptions are tied for second in the NFL, while his 537 receiving yards has lone possession of second in the league. Vele ranks second on the Saints with 25 receptions for 252 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
View photos of the New York Giants' 2026 roster as it currently stands.
DL Darius Alexander
CB Deonte Banks
LB Zaire Barnes
DB Elijah Campbell
OLB Abdul Carter
OL J.C. Davis
LB Tremaine Edmunds
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
TE Thomas Fidone II
WR Malachi Fields
QB Jake Haener
RB Najee Harris
DL Shelby Harris
LB Malik Harrison
S Jevón Holland
CB Colton Hood
OL Bryan Hudson
DL Bobby Jamison-Travis
TE Theo Johnson
WR Charlie Jones
CB Nic Jones
LB Jack Kelly
TE Isaiah Likely
TE Chris Manhertz
LS Ben Mann
OL Francis Mauigoa
OL Marcus Mbow
QB J.J. McCarthy
ILB Micah McFadden
WR Darnell Mooney
WR Malik Nabers
CB Greg Newsome II
S Tyler Nubin
DL C.J. Okoye
CB Dru Phillips
S Jason Pinnock
DL DJ Reader
CB Nikko Reed
LB Arvell Reese
FB Patrick Ricard
G Jon Runyan Jr.
C John Michael Schmitz Jr.
RB Devin Singletary
RB Cam Skattebo
G Aaron Stinnie
P Jordan Stout
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
T Andrew Thomas
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.
OLB Jihad Ward
S Ar'Darius Washington
QB Jameis Winston
K Dominic Zvada
