Nothing separates Giants and Commanders in rare tie

The New York Giants travelled to Washington to take on the Commanders as both teams entered Sunday’s NFC East clash at Northwest Stadium looking to strengthen their positions in a competitive division. New York had enjoyed an encouraging start to the 2026 season despite injuries forcing change at quarterback, while Washington were desperate to improve a disappointing record, welcoming back Jayden Daniels after the quarterback had missed the previous 2 games with an elbow injury. With both sides eager to gain ground in the division, the matchup promised plenty of intensity, particularly with rain creating difficult conditions.

Washington made an explosive start, opening the scoring on its first possession of the afternoon. Daniels connected with tight end Chig Okonkwo on consecutive passes before running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt broke through the Giants’ defence for a 33-yard touchdown.

New York responded late in the first quarter, with rookie kicker Dominic Zvada converting a 51-yard field goal, having missed an earlier attempt, to put the visitors on the scoreboard. However, the Giants struggled to establish any rhythm offensively throughout the opening half, managing just 77 yards before the break.

The Commanders extended their advantage in the second quarter through two field goals from Drew Stevens, who converted attempts from 28 and 40 yards out. The second came after linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson stripped Jameis Winston of the ball, allowing defensive tackle Tim Settle to recover the fumble deep in Giants territory. Washington capitalised on the favourable field position, heading into halftime with a 12-3 advantage.

New York began the second half with another field goal, as Zvada converted from 56 yards. However, Daniels immediately responded with one of the afternoon’s most spectacular plays, breaking away for a 38-yard rushing touchdown, showing exactly what the Commanders’ offense had missed in his absence. Stevens added the extra point to put Washington ahead 19-6 midway through the third quarter.

The Giants finally found their breakthrough late in the third period. Winston guided New York downfield before connecting with tight end Isaiah Likely for a 3-yard touchdown, giving the visitors renewed belief heading into the final quarter, trailing by just one score despite a lacklustre performance.

Washington responded emphatically at the start of the fourth, with Daniels breaking through the Giants’ defensive front for another rushing touchdown, this time from 26 yards. The quarterback then found Terry McLaurin for a successful 2-point conversion, restoring the Commanders’ 14-point cushion as they looked destined for victory.

With time running out, New York needed an immediate response. Winston delivered, finding Likely for a 17-yard touchdown on 4th down to bring the Giants within 7 points at 27-20. The tight end’s second score of the afternoon gave the visitors a lifeline, and their defense subsequently forced Washington to punt.

The Giants then produced a decisive drive, with Winston finding his rhythm and moving the ball downfield under pressure. With under 2 minutes remaining, the quarterback located Malik Nabers in the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown. Zvada converted the extra point, completing New York’s comeback and levelling the score at 27-27.

Neither side could find a winning score before the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime. New York had an early opportunity to take the lead, but Zvada missed a 46-yard field-goal attempt. The Giants later appeared poised to set up another potential winning kick, only for running back Cam Skattebo to fumble at the most inopportune moment, allowing Washington to recover.

The Commanders then moved into field-goal range, with Daniels using his legs to help push the offence towards the Giants’ 24-yard line. However, with only seconds remaining and no timeouts available, Daniels scrambled rather than immediately getting the ball set for a potential game-winning kick. Washington could not stop the clock in time, and the final seconds expired before they could spike the ball and bring out Stevens to attempt a field goal. A wild ending due to poor game management by either side.

The Giants’ comeback demonstrated considerable resilience, although their missed field goals and overtime fumble prevented them from completing the turnaround. Washington will be equally disappointed after surrendering a commanding fourth-quarter lead and failing to capitalise on its final opportunity. Ultimately, neither side did enough to claim victory in a chaotic contest that provided drama until the very last second, with a tie proving a fitting outcome.

Touchdowns
New York Giants: Likely 2, Nabers
Washington: Daniels 2, Croskey-Merritt

Top Performers
New York Giants: Likely, Nabers, Winston, Phillips
Washington: Daniels, Douglas, Croskey-Merritt, Way

Injuries
New York Giants: Eluemunor (calf), Hood (concussion), Nubin (neck)
Washington: N/A

Crowd: TBC @ Northwest Stadium