New York Giants Season Preview: Lot's to Look Forward To

Excitement hasn't been this high for the Giants in years coming into a season, but it certainly is this year. Not only do they have a new head coach, and a Super Bowl-winning one at that, but they also have their franchise quarterback, a true No. 1 receiver and a defense that can keep offensive coordinators up at night.

The Giants also have something they haven't had much of lately: expectations.

Their team win total is one of the most bet in the NFL, and plenty of analysts are predicting big things for the G-Men. The simple fact is that the Giants are trending up, they are young and they are a fun team to watch. Because of that, all eyes are on New York.

At the center of it all is quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Dart flashed real promise as a rookie, throwing for 15 touchdowns and running for nine more in 12 starts. Now, though, he has another challenge in front of him as he adjusts to a second consecutive new offensive scheme.

Dart has shown what he can do when things are clicking. The reality is he has the chance to be one of the best QB's in the NFL, but at times his reckless play and inexperience also will be a factor in how far the Giants can take things this season. There is also some questions along the line in front of him and how much they can protect the franchise signal caller.

The other major storyline is Malik Nabers.

All eyes at camp are on the star receiver as he works his way back from the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 season in Week 4. Nabers has avoided the physically unable to perform list and has looked good running routes, but the Giants have not put a firm timetable on his return. When he is right he is one of the best receivers in the league.

Behind Nabers, there is another familiar name trying to make the roster. Odell Beckham Jr. is attempting to make his return after missing all of last season, and he has already provided one of the biggest moments of training camp with a leaping touchdown catch that drew a huge ovation. If he can recapture some of his old glory day moments, he adds an element that the Giants haven't had in a long time.

Then there is the defense.

This could be where the Giants make their biggest statement.

New York's outside linebacker room is so talented that Pro Bowler Kayvon Thibodeaux is currently listed behind Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. Burns is coming off a 16.5-sack Pro Bowl season, while Carter, the third overall pick a year ago, is stepping into a full-time role after producing 72 quarterback pressures despite starting only six games as a rookie.

Thibodeaux enters a contract year with something to prove, especially after the Giants turned down multiple trade offers for him during the offseason, his depth chart status only highlights how good, and deep this unit is.

And somehow, the Giants still aren't done adding talent to that group.

No. 5 overall pick Arvell Reese is another player who could make an immediate impact. While many teams viewed Reese as an edge rusher, the Giants plan to use him primarily as a weakside linebacker alongside Tremaine Edmunds while still finding ways to get him on the perimeter.

That is a lot of talent for opposing quarterbacks to deal with.

There is no question the Giants have upgraded their roster. Harbaugh's arrival has brought another level of excitement, and the young talent on this roster has fans believing that this could finally be the beginning of something special.

But there is also a reason to pump the brakes just a little.

New schemes take time. Young players need time to develop. And the biggest questions surrounding this team remain Dart's development and Nabers' health.

If those two things come together, the Giants have enough talent to make a serious run at exceeding expectations.

For a franchise that hasn't given its fans much to get excited about lately, that's a pretty good place to start.

The Giants aren't just entering another season.

They are entering one with expectations, excitement and a roster that finally has people believing the G-Men might be ready to make some noise again.