The Giants head to Houston in Week 7 with an opportunity to get to 4-2-1 and strengthen their lead in the NFC East race.
Down 24 points in the fourth quarter, the Giants mounted a big comeback in the fourth quarter of last week's matchup against the Saints. The effort fell just short though, as J.J. McCarthy's pass to Isaiah Likely in the back of the end zone fell incomplete and the Giants lost, 34-27.
The Texans won their second consecutive game last week, both of which came against divisional opponents. After going on the road and beating the Titans in Week 5, Demeco Ryans' team traveled to London and defeated the red hot Jaguars in London, 34-31.
Both the Giants and Texans will head into their bye weeks following this matchup.
Here are players to watch in Week 7.
QB J.J. McCarthy
After getting on the field for a couple of snaps against the Commanders, McCarthy saw his first extended action during last week's loss to the Saints. The third-year quarterback entered the game with just over 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter and helped the Giants get back in the game. Taking away his four spikes, McCarthy completed 11 of 17 passes for 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding a 28-yard rush on the team's final drive.
With the Giants facing such a large deficit when he went into the game, McCarthy was forced to look downfield on a lot of his attempts. This led to success for the young QB, who completed seven of 10 passes downfield (10+ air yards) for 196 yards, the most by a quarterback since 2016, according to Next Gen Stats. On his four deep pass attempts (20+ yards), McCarthy went three of four for 119 yards and a touchdown. The 23-year-old also adds another dynamic to the offense with his legs. Since 2025, McCarthy has scrambled 19 times for 185 yards and three touchdowns. His average of 9.7 yards per scramble leads the NFL among quarterbacks with a minimum of 15 carries.
One year after having the league's top unit, the Texans defense hasn't quite lived up to the same level so far this season. However, their defense has improved over the last two weeks since DeMeco Ryans took over the play-calling. Houston has used Cover 3 at the fifth-highest rate this season (42.0 percent), allowing 6.3 yards per attempt (sixth-fewest) and a 35.3 percent success rate (sixth-lowest). When the Saints ran Cover 3 against him last week, McCarthy completed six of 11 passes for 122 yards and one touchdown, good for a passer rating of 124.1.
View photos of the Giants on the practice field as they prepare for their Week 7 matchup against the Texans.
WR Malik Nabers (1)
OLB Abdul Carter (3)
TE Isaiah Likely (9)
LB Arvell Reese (52)
QB J.J. McCarthy (18)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
LB Trace Ford (48)
OL Francis "SiSi" Mauigoa (65)
S Ar'Darius Washington (24)
WR Malachi Fields (88)
WR Malik Nabers (1), TE Isaiah Likely (9)
QB J.J. McCarthy (18)
DB Elijah Campbell (28)
TE Isaiah Likely (9)
LB Arvell Reese (52)
OLB Abdul Carter (3)
WR Jalin Hyatt (81)
S Ar'Darius Washington (24)
OLB Abdul Carter (3)
WR Darnell Mooney (17)
QB J.J. McCarthy (18)
QB J.J. McCarthy (18)
CB Jaden Robinson (33)
WR Malachi Fields (88)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
QB J.J. McCarthy (18)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
WR Darnell Mooney (17)
TE Isaiah Likely (9)
QB J.J. McCarthy (18)
WR Malik Nabers
Nabers is in the midst of the most dominant stretch of his young NFL career. The third-year receiver matched his previous career-high of 12 receptions last week, while his 165 receiving yards fell six shy of his personal best. This was his third consecutive game with 100 or more receiving yards, marking just the seventh time this feat has been reached by a Giant. He now has 168 career receptions through the first 25 games of his NFL career, which surpassed Puka Nacua (159) for the second-most in NFL history.
The Texans' pass defense boasts one of the league's top shutdown corners in Derek Stingley Jr. Despite a bit of a slow start from Stingley, the 25-year-old has now gone four consecutive games without allowing more than 40 receiving yards, according to Pro Football Focus. When Nabers lines up on the outside, he will likely see plenty of Stingley. However, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has done a great job lately of moving Nabers around the formation in order to set him up with positive matchups.
Nabers aligned in the slot on a season-high 41.3 percent of his routes against the Saints last week. This came after he lined up in the slot on 19.0 percent of his routes through the first five games of the season. He has registered the same amount of receiving yards from the slot as he has out wide, despite seeing less than a third of the number of targets from the slot (15 vs. 46). Additionally, Nabers' 4.7 receptions over expected from the slot is the most among all wide receivers, according to NGS.
TE Isaiah Likely
While Nabers has exploded over the last few weeks, Likely has not been far behind him. The 26-year-old was targeted 11 times against the Saints and brought in six of those passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. Likely has now seen double-digit targets in each of the last three games, which has resulted in 24 receptions for 259 yards and three touchdowns. Over the last two week, Likely has had 90+ yards and a touchdown each game. His five touchdowns on the season are the most by a Giants tight end in his first six games with the team, and he sits just one touchdown shy of his previous career high of six set in 2024.
Similar to Nabers, Likely has often lined up in the slot, which has led to great results. The 6-foot-4 tight end has aligned in the slot on a career-high 76.8 percent of his routes this season, the second-highest rate among tight ends with at least 100 routes. He has registered 252 receiving yards from the slot, the second-most among tight ends, while his four touchdowns from the slot are tied with Packers wide receiver Christian Watson for the most in the NFL.
It wouldn't be surprising to see this trend of Likely lining up in the slot continue on Sunday. The Texans have done a good job of limiting tight ends this season. They enter Week 7 having allowed 29 receptions for 281 yards to tight ends, which ranks around the middle of the pack, while surrendering just one touchdown to the position. Last week, Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange caught five passes for 44 yards against the Texans.
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Houston Texans.
New York Giants' Michael Strahan (92) flexes his muscle after sacking Houston Texans quarterback David Carr during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, in Houston. (AP Photo/Richard Carson)
Houston Texans' tight end Owen Daniels (81) loses the ball as he is hit by New York Giants' Corey Webster while Giants' James Butler (37) looks on in fourth quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. The Giants won, 14 - 10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Houston Texans' running back Wali Lundy, right, looks for running room around New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) during first quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Houston Texans safety Glenn Earl (26) attempts to tackle New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) as he picks up 21 yards during first quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Texans' Dunta Robinson (23) and Giants' Jim Finn look on. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, passes the ball as he is pressured by Houston Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans fullback Jameel Cook fumbles the ball as he is hit by New York Giants linebacker Gerris Wilkinson during fourth quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) is tackled New York Giants linebacker Carlos Emmons (51) and safety Will Demps during third quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans' Glenn Earl (26) tries to tackle New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during first half NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. . 5, 2006. The Giants won, 14 - 10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball as Houston Texans' Glenn Earl tries to bring him down during first quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber, center, tries to squeeze past Houston Texans defenders Morlon Greenwood (56) and C.C. Brown, right, during fourth quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. The Giants won, 14-10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants' Corey Webster (23) recovers a fumble by Houston Texans' Jameel Cook in the fourth quarter of NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. Texans' Zach Wiegert (72) tries to pull Webster down and Giants' Will Demps (47) is also on the play. Giants won, 14 - 10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) scores on a 16-yard touchdown run as Houston Texans free safety C.C. Brown pushes him during first-quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is stopped by Houston Texans free safety C.C. Brown, right, and cornerback Demarcus Faggins, left, during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) goes over the top and under Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams (90) to score a touchdown in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) is tackled by Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing (56) in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants running back Darius Reynaud (15) is double teamed by Houston Texans Jonathan Weeks (46) and Darryl Sharpton in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants running back Darius Reynaud (15) in the second quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) runs against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) is stopped by Houston Texans' Glover Quin in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Steve Smith (12) is chased by Houston Texans' Kareem Jackson (25) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the second quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) calls to teammates in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Steve Smith (12) is chased by Houston Texans' Kareem Jackson (25) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants' Chris Canty (99) moves past Houston Texans' Wade Smith in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) pulls along four Houston Texans defenders, including Adewale Ogunleye (99), in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) and Houston Texans safety Bernard Pollard (31) in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) is stopped by Houston Texans' Glover Quin in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Steve Smith (12) is chased by Houston Texans' Kareem Jackson (25) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Houston Texans' Matt Schaub (8) throws a shuttle pass as he is pressured by New York Giants' Chris Cantyin the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Houston Texans cornerback Brice McCain (21) stops New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) drags Houston Texans safety Troy Nolan (33) for a first down in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) scores a touchdown in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is pulled down by Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) on his way to a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) scores a touchdown during a week 3 football game against the Houston Texans on September 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) brings the all up field against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Houston Texans during a week 3 football game on September 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) takes the ball up field for a first down against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waits for the snap against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) takes the ball up field after intercepting a pass against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) carries the ball against the Houston Texans during a NFL week 3 regular season football game on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 30-17. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) brings the all up field against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) falls across the goal line for a touchdown against Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) looks for a hole in the Houston Texans defense during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) pulls in a pass for a touchdown against Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) leaps over Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws against the Houston Texans in the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) pulls in a pass for a touchdown against Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) is pushed out of bounds after catching a touchdown pass against Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) as New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) looks on in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) falls across the goal line for a touchdown against Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) avoids a tackle from Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) on his way to a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) returns an interception 25 yards during a week 3 football game against the Houston Texans on September 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) is tripped up by Houston Texans free safety Kendrick Lewis (21) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Houston Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Houston Texans during a week 3 NFL football game on Sunday September 23, 2018 in Houston (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) strips the ball away from Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. The Giants recovered the fumble.(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) dives for a touchdown after catching a pass as Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs with ball as Houston Texans defensive back Aaron Colvin (22) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) breaks away from Houston Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) as rushes for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) is tackled by New York Giants' Damon Harrison Sr. (98) and B.W. Webb (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Adoree' Jackson Dane Belton
Isaiah Hodgins
A look down the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday November 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday November 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday November 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Darius Slayton (86)
Jason Pinnock
DL D.J. Reader
Reader is quietly putting together a solid season in the middle of the defensive line. The longtime NFL veteran finished with a season-high six tackles (five solo) last week against the Saints, including his first tackle for loss of the year. According to PFF, Reader picked up seven run stops in Week 6, which matched his season total from Weeks 1 through 5. Six games into the season, Reader is PFF's highest-ranked interior defensive lineman, aided by his strong play against the run.
Reader has been a bright spot in a unit that has struggled to stop the run recently. The 32-year-old veteran, along with the rest of the Giants run defense, will have an opportunity to get back on track this week against the Texans. The Giants have allowed 5.7 additional yards per missed tackle this season, which ranks as the 11th-most in the league. However, Texans running back Woody Marks has forced a missed tackle on just 24.1 percent of his carries in 2026, which falls just below the NFL average of 24.8 percent.
David Montgomery appears to be headed towards missing his second consecutive game, and with Jawhar Jordan being placed on practice squad IR, that leaves Dare Ogunbowale as the only other heathy running back on Houston's roster besides Marks. Ogunbowale has yet to register a touch this season and had just 11 carries for 25 yards for the Texans last season.
CB Deonte Banks
Banks was on the field for 33 coverage snaps against the Saints, and according to PFF, the fourth-year corner allowed three receptions for 36 yards on five targets. This earned him a passer rating against of 82.1. Banks finished the game with four tackles (two solo) and a pass defensed, giving him at least one pass breakup in all four games in which he's played in this season. He is now up to eight passes defensed through his four games, which is tied for the second-most among outside cornerbacks and is already more than his season total last year (five).
Banks allowed the fifth-highest completion percentage among outside cornerbacks last season with a minimum of 30 targets at 71.4 percent. That number has dropped to just 53.6 percent this season, with the league average coming in at 58.2 percent, according to NGS. He has also allowed 5.3 yards per target, which is the 10th-lowest among outside cornerbacks with at least 20 targets, while his 1.9 yards of separation per target trails only Buffalo's Christian Benford for the lowest in the NFL (1.7).
Heading into Week 7, Banks ranks fourth among outside cornerbacks this season with a 42.9 percent tight window rate (less than 1 yard of separation when targeted). That's going to be important in Sunday's matchup, as Banks is likely to see plenty of Texans wide receiver Nico Collins. C.J. Stroud has recorded 270 passing yards when targeting Collins downfield (10+ air yards), which is the 11th-most among quarterback-receiver duos this season, despite Collins missing two games. Stroud's 9.1 yards per attempt with Collins on the field this year would rank second among qualified quarterbacks. While he caught just three passes for 74 yards last week, Collins has two games (out of four) with seven receptions, 75+ yards and at least one touchdown.
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
OLB Trace Ford
QB Jake Haener
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.
OL Josh Sills
RB Devin Singletary
RB Cam Skattebo
G Aaron Stinnie
P Jordan Stout
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
T Andrew Thomas
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.
S Ar'Darius Washington
QB Jameis Winston
K Dominic Zvada
