The 2025 NFL schedule drops Wednesday night, but it looks like the New York Giants may already know how their (dreaded) redemption tour kicks off — on the road in D.C. According to multiple reports, including Art Stapleton and Jordan Schultz, Big Blue is rumored to open the season against the Washington Commanders in Week 1.
While nothing has been confirmed, this wouldn’t be your average division opener. It’s a rematch of a two-game sweep from last year, and one that pits Brian Daboll’s retooled squad against the NFC runner-up, led by reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. The last time the Giants beat Washington was 2023. The last time they mattered in the NFC East? Well that feels like ancient history.
It's no secret the league did the G-Men dirty regarding their 2025 season. They have the hardest strength of schedule entering Week 1. So if the NFL really is sending New York to Washington to start 2025 — the message is clear: prove it from Day 1 or don't prove anything at all.
Giants vs. Commanders Week 1 rumor sets stage for high-stakes NFC East showdown
Barring a training camp upset, Russell Wilson is expected to start at quarterback... Daboll said so himself. Russ will get first crack at running his offense with Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and Wan’Dale Robinson in his arsenal. But all eyes might actually be on the other side of the ball — because Abdul Carter’s debut is circled in blue.
The No. 3 overall pick and face of the new-look Giants defense will have a chance to make an instant statement. The Commanders embarrassed New York twice last year. They outscored them 48-40 in two games — and neither final score reflects how lopsided the trenches really were. That’s Carter’s job now. To flip the script and wreak havoc.
This isn’t just a season opener. It’s a test of everything the front office has promised: That they fixed the quarterback room, that they upgraded the O-line, and that they’re done being an NFC East afterthought.
Daniels is unscathed against Big Blue... for now. If Carter and company want to change the narrative, it’s got to start right here. Because in a make-or-break season for Daboll and Schoen, the league isn’t giving them time to settle in. They’re dropping them straight into the fire.
Week 1. Washington. Let’s see what this team is really made of.
