It’s been 7 NFL seasons since Washington and New York played meaningful, important games in December against each other.
The Commanders, on Sunday, go to New York to face the Giants (7-4) who are in the 6th position, one-half game ahead of Washington. The oddity of the Washington schedule is going to be magnified greatly because both teams are unexpectedly in playoff contention as we enter December.
Consequently, Washington will play at the Giants on Dec. 4, enjoy its bye week on Dec. 11 and then turn right around and host the Giants in their next game on Dec. 18. Thus, both games will have large playoff implications, and for both teams.
The last time Washington and the Giants faced each other late in the season with both teams in playoff contention was 2016. The Giants (10-5) had locked up a spot in the NFC playoffs. They traveled to meet Washington (8-6-1) at FedEx Field. The game meant everything for Washington, who with a win, would qualify for the playoffs. Yet, it was the Giants who from the opening kickoff, played with motivation and purpose, ending Washington’s season with a 19-10 victory.
This season the Giants have lost both of their games within the division, having lost twice to Dallas. Washington is 1-2 within the division, having lost to Philadelphia and at Dallas and defeating the Eagles in Philadelphia. Washington is 4-4 in the conference, while the Giants are 3-4 against the NFC.
If you are interested, Washington has the higher strength of schedule (.515 – .456) and also the higher strength of victory over the Giants (.395 -.381).