2023 New York Giants schedule analysis

On Thursday night, the NFL released the complete Giants schedule. Per NFL research, the Giants are tied with the Cowboys and Patriots with the NFL’s third-most difficult schedule in 2023, facing opponents that had a 157-129-2 record in 2022. Here’s what stands out about the schedule.

Circle the date: Week 8 vs. New York Jets (Oct. 29)

Big Apple bragging rights will be up for grabs when the Giants "host" the Jets at MetLife Stadium in late October. The teams have faced off 14 times since 1960 with the Giants winning eight games. They last met in 2019 when Adam Gase’s Jets beat Pat Shurmur’s Giants, 34-27. 

The Jets have had seven straight losing seasons but consider themselves Super Bowl contenders with Aaron Rodgers under center. The Giants will have something to say about that, but Rodgers is no Sam Darnold. The G-Men will need their A-game if they hope to beat the four-time MVP.

Toughest stretch: Weeks 3-6

Starting on Sept. 21, the Giants will face four straight playoff teams with only one home game. First is a road game against the 49ers followed by a home game against the Seahawks. Then they’re on the road to face the Dolphins and Bills.

Easiest stretch: Weeks 7-9

It’s not much, but for three straight weeks, the Giants will face teams that missed the playoffs in 2022. The Commanders and Jets finished at the bottom of their divisions last year, and the Raiders had a worse record than both of them. The Jets will be better with Rodgers, but should have plenty of motivation to beat their MetLife Stadium neighbors.

Homecoming game: Week 6 (Oct. 15) at Buffalo Bills

Before he took the Giants to their first playoff appearance since 2016, head coach Brian Daboll spent four years as the Bills offensive coordinator. Week 16 will be his first trip back to the Nickel City since leaving for New York.

The reigning AP Coach of the Year helped a young Josh Allen beat Eli Manning’s Giants when the teams last met in 2019. This game will be a "rubber match" since both teams have won seven of their 14 previous meetings. An eighth win won’t be easy against the reigning AFC East champions and a defense that allowed the second-fewest points in 2022.