First start, first-place cushion

The NFC East leader refused to blink on the road. The Giants beat the Texans 27-21 in overtime on Sunday, and New York’s record is now 4-2-1 alone atop the division (ESPN).

J.J. McCarthy got the start after New York moved on from Jameis Winston’s stretch under center. McCarthy finished 20-of-28 for 252 yards. Cam Skattebo ran for 124 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Malik Nabers caught seven for 111.

That is the same Giants club Washington tied in overtime in Week 5 — only now the East has a clearer front-runner and a quarterback change that stuck for a win. For Commanders fans tracking the scramble: every New York win raises the bar for what “catching the East” actually requires in November and December.

Confirm next Giants kicks on the NFL board. Washington’s next look at New York is still on the back half of the schedule.

The Commanders page keeps the DMV lens. Full East ledger: /article/nfc-east-state-oct-25.

*Sunday desk, October 25, 2026. Box and final from ESPN; QB change context from SI’s NFC East notebook.*

Sources

1. ESPN — Week 7 scoreboard

2. SI — Around the NFC East