When the New York Giants released their unofficial Week 7 depth chart ahead of their road game against the Denver Broncos, the message was clear: this isn’t the team fans remembered from last season. At 2-10 and buried in fourth place in the NFC East, the Giants are playing for pride, development, and the future — and that future now starts with 21-year-old rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
It’s been a rough season, but the twist is this: Dart’s emergence isn’t just a stopgap. After throwing for 195 yards and rushing for 58 more with two touchdowns in his last start, the Giants didn’t just promote him — they bet on him. Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, two veterans with Hall of Fame trajectories, now sit behind him on the depth chart. That’s not a sign of desperation. It’s a quiet declaration.
Rookie at the Helm, Roster in Ruins
Dart isn’t alone in carrying the load. Running back Cam Skattebo leads a backfield thinned by injuries, with Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. as the only healthy backups. The wide receiver corps is a ghost town. Malik Nabers, the team’s brightest young talent, is on injured reserve. So is Darius Slayton and Bryce Ford-Wheaton. That leaves Wan’Dale Robinson as the de facto No. 1, with Jalin Hyatt as his only reliable target. Even Gunner Olszewski — a special teams ace — is now a depth receiver.
The offensive line? Andrew Thomas, the once-promising left tackle, is holding the line — literally. But with no proven depth behind him, every snap feels like a gamble. The Giants’ offense isn’t just struggling — it’s operating on fumes.
Defense Still Has Fight — Even With Gaps
On defense, the Giants cling to structure. Their 3-4 Under scheme is anchored by Kayvon Thibodeaux at defensive end and Brian Burns at left outside linebacker — both former first-round picks who’ve finally found their rhythm. Burns, acquired from Tampa Bay, has been a revelation: five sacks in his last four games. But the middle of the defense is shaky. Bobby Okereke and Zaire Barnes are holding down interior spots, but neither brings the same physicality as the players they replaced.
The secondary is a patchwork. Paulson Adebo remains one of the league’s most underrated cornerbacks, but his backup, Korie Black, was claimed off waivers from the Jets last month. Safety Jevón Holland, signed in the offseason after being released by Miami, is now the starting free safety — a role he never expected to fill this early.
And then there’s the special teams. Casey Kreiter, the long snapper, is a Denver native — a subtle irony given the game’s location. Younghoe Koo, the kicker, is reliable. But with Gunner Olszewski returning punts and Wan’Dale Robinson ready to field kicks, the Giants are gambling on speed over safety. It’s not ideal. But what is, right now?
Denver’s Defense: Built to Disrupt
The Broncos aren’t exactly a powerhouse — they’re 5-7 and fighting for playoff relevance — but their defense is a different story. Their 3-4 scheme is among the most disciplined in the league. Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers form a terrifying edge duo, while Alex Singleton patrols the middle like a general. Singleton, a veteran of five NFL seasons, has 108 tackles this year — more than any other linebacker in the AFC.
And then there’s Pat Surtain II. The cornerback is playing at an All-Pro level, shutting down half the field. He’s the reason the Giants’ passing game — already thin — will need to be surgical. The Broncos’ secondary also features Talanoa Hufanga at strong safety, a hit machine who leads the team in tackles for loss.
Offensively, the Broncos rely on Bo Nix, who’s improved dramatically since Week 1. His connection with Marvin Mims Jr. — a 6’1” speedster with 11 touchdowns this season — could be the key. But the Giants’ defense, for all its flaws, has forced 14 turnovers this year. That’s the wild card.
Why This Game Matters More Than the Record
This isn’t about wins or losses anymore. It’s about identity. The Giants are rebuilding. The Broncos are trying to stay alive. But both teams are playing with rosters ravaged by injuries. The Giants have eight players on IR — including Malik Nabers, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, and Eric Gray. The Broncos aren’t far behind: Matt Henninsen, Garrett Wallow, Johnny Walker Jr. — all gone for the season.
For Dart, this is his audition. For Thibodeaux and Burns, it’s a chance to prove they’re the foundation. For the Broncos, it’s about proving their defense can carry them into January. And for fans? It’s about seeing something real — not just hope, but progress.
The game kicks off Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. No playoffs on the line. But plenty of pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jaxson Dart’s performance compare to other rookie QBs this season?
Dart’s 253 total yards and two touchdowns in his last start rank him among the top five rookie QBs in total offense over the past four weeks. Only C.J. Stroud and Drake Maye have posted higher yardage totals among rookies since Week 4, but Dart’s dual-threat ability — 58 rushing yards included — gives him an edge in versatility. His completion rate (64%) is also above league average for first-year starters.
Who’s most affected by the Giants’ injury crisis?
The Giants’ receiving corps has been decimated. With Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and Bryce Ford-Wheaton all on IR, Wan’Dale Robinson is now the only healthy wideout with consistent chemistry with Dart. That forces the offense into short, high-percentage throws — exactly what Denver’s aggressive defense thrives on. The lack of a deep threat could strangle the passing game entirely.
Why is Brian Burns such a key player for the Giants?
Acquired in a midseason trade from Carolina, Burns has transformed the Giants’ pass rush. With five sacks in his last four games and 12 total this season, he’s become the team’s most consistent defensive weapon. His ability to collapse the pocket from the outside forces offenses to double-team him — opening lanes for Thibodeaux and Okereke. Without him, the Giants’ defense would be far less dangerous.
What’s the significance of Casey Kreiter being from Denver?
It’s a quirky but telling detail. Kreiter, the Giants’ long snapper, was born and raised in Denver and played college football at Colorado. He’s returning to his hometown on the road — and snapping for a team that’s 2-10. His presence adds a human layer to what’s otherwise a transactional matchup. He’s not just a player — he’s a local kid in the wrong uniform.
Can the Broncos’ offense overcome the Giants’ turnover force?
The Giants have forced 14 turnovers this season — tied for third in the NFL. But Bo Nix has been remarkably careful, throwing just three interceptions in his last six games. His decision-making has improved, and Marvin Mims Jr. is excellent at gaining yards after the catch, which reduces the need for risky throws. If Nix stays composed, Denver’s offense can outlast New York’s shaky defense — especially if the Giants’ offensive line can’t protect Dart.
What’s next for the Giants after this game?
After facing Denver, the Giants host the Atlanta Falcons and then travel to face the Carolina Panthers — both teams with losing records. This stretch is critical for evaluating young talent before the offseason. If Dart continues to show poise and the defense maintains its turnover rate, the Giants could enter the 2026 draft with clearer direction — and perhaps even a top-10 pick.