Brad Penner-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints are still seeking their first win of the 2025 NFL season as they set to take on the 1-3 New York Giants. New York presents a uniquely unknown challenge having just made the switch from veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to rookie passer Jaxson Dart.
Dart has already led the Giants to their first win after a big victory against the Los Angeles Chargers last week. He now looks to bring the Giants a second-consecutive win for the first time since the 2023 season. Dart’s early rookie exposure is the catalyst for one of the biggest matchups of the week.
1. Brandon Staley vs. Jaxson Dart
A veteran defensively-focused NFL coach matching up with a rookie passer always provides intrigue. Dart is a bit of an improviser in the backfield, which can make things challenging for the offensive line ahead of him. That should give Staley an opening to get creative with pressure packages and games on the defensive line. He’ll have to continue to find success disguising the defense pre-snap, which will force Dart to have to calculate a bit more with the ball in his hands.
The rookie passer was sacked five times last week and Wilson was sacked once while in for Dart while he was being evaluated on the sideline. Staley will look to replicate that level of pass rush success against the young quarterback on Sunday.
2. Saints tackles vs. Giants edge rushers
On the flipside, the Saints’ offensive line will have their hands full with a talented Giants defensive front. But in particular, the tackles will be under the most pressure. Rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and second-year right tackle Taliese Fuaga have given up double-digit pressures so far this season.
Banks has been credited with allowing one sack, while Pro Football Focus has charged Fuaga with three. They’ll have a big test ahead of them with Giants pass rusher trio Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux lined up across the line of scrimmage.
Keeping them at bay will be necessary for Saints’ quarterback Spencer Rattler to have more time in the backfield as New Orleans looks to dial up more big plays as the season continues.
3. Saints corners vs. Giants receivers
The Giants will be without their top wideout Malik Nabers, who suffered an ACL injury last week that ended his 2025 campaign. That leaves a room of veteran wideouts (and one young vet) to fill out the responsibilities. Saints corners Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor and rookie Quincy Riley will be challenged to make sure that the Giants can’t manufacture a passing game with their top option sidelined.
Riley will be seeing his first start at outside corner, though he may only man that role in nickel sets. But when on the field, his ballhawking abilities will be an element of the game the Saints’ defense will lean on. The Saints registered their first interception of the season thanks to a spectacular play by fellow rookie, safety Jonas Sanker. This week, Riley hopes to be the rookie impact player.
Jonas Sanker comes up HUGE with the INT
The @Saints came all the way back in the final minute to secure the tie. pic.twitter.com/B3vZqfTUf2
— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025
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