Bold Predictions Ahead of 2023 Giants Schedule Release

With NFL schedules set to release on Thursday, New York Giants fans are waiting in anticipation to find out when Big Blue will be at home and when they will be featured in prime time.

The expectation is that the Giants, who last year was one of the biggest surprises with its 9-7-1 record that led to its first playoff berth since 2016, will be featured a lot more often than last season, in which the Giants were initially scheduled for just two primetime games last season (one appearance each on Sunday Night Football on NBC and Monday Night Football on ESPN).

Besides those two appearances, the Giants also played in the NFL London Game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 and played the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving in Week 12.

They also saw their Week 15 game against the Washington Commanders in Week 15 flexed into Sunday Night Football due to the game having large playoff implications.

With the team expected to contend for a playoff spot again, the Giants should have more games that are either primetime or have the top announcer crew from a network. Here are some predictions of what those games will be.

Season Opener at Philadelphia Eagles

Although the Eagles won all three meetings against the Giants last year (including playoffs), the 2022 season marked a renewal of one of the NFL’s longest and most intense rivalries.

The NFL may want to capitalize on this right away and have the two teams square off in Week 1, likely in Lincoln Financial Field, as the Eagles will probably hold a ceremony for their NFC Championship in 2022.

Last season, the Giants played a non-division game to start the year (at the Tennessee Titans), likely due to the team not being expected to be a contender. The Giants will have those expectations this season, so expect them to have a high-leverage game immediately.

Sunday Night Football vs. New York Jets

The Giants’ intracity rivals had a highly publicized offseason that saw them acquire Packers legend Aaron Rodgers to be their new quarterback. With Rodgers leading the offense and an elite defense led by cornerback Sauce Gardner, the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year, the Jets are an early favorite to contend for a Super Bowl berth this year.

With the Giants also looking to take the extra step toward being a contender, the “MetLife Bowl” couldn’t have come at a better time.

Due to division rotations, the Giants and Jets play each other every four years. And because both teams share MetLife Stadium, this meeting is one of the very few games where home-field advantage doesn't fully exist, as fans of both teams are expected to pack the stadium.

Although a 4:25 start would still be appropriate, this game should be nationally televised at 8:15 for Sunday Night Football. With the expectations and storylines surrounding both teams, it would make sense for NBC to capitalize on the hype.

Monday Night Football at Buffalo Bills

Just like NBC with Sunday Night Football, ESPN is not afraid to air interconference games on Monday Night Football, especially if it’s a highly anticipated matchup between two quarterbacks or a player (or coach) is facing their old team.

In this case, this game is Giants head coach Brian Daboll’s return to Buffalo. Before being hired by the Giants, Daboll was the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, where he helped develop quarterback Josh Allen into one of the best players in the NFL, and the Bills’ offense became one of the most explosive in the league.

Since Daboll took the job with the Giants, quarterback Daniel Jones has seen significant development in his play, enough to secure a lucrative contract during the offseason to remain in New York. Ultimately, the matchup would not only be a homecoming for Daboll but also a marquee matchup between Allen (Daboll’s old quarterback) and Jones (Daboll’s new quarterback).

With those storylines surrounding the game, it would be a no-brainer for ESPN to air it on Monday Night Football.

Thursday Night Football vs. Seattle Seahawks

Like the Giants, the Seahawks defied all expectations and made the playoffs in 2022, thanks to a breakout season from quarterback Geno Smith and strong play from their rookie class (particularly Tariq Woolen and Kenneth Walker).

Both teams had played each other in Seattle in Week 8, with Seattle winning this meeting 27-13. The two teams will square off again in 2023, although the matchup will be in MetLife Stadium this time.

Both franchises are in similar situations after their unexpected success. They signed their quarterbacks to lucrative deals, had similar weaknesses on defense (in particular, stopping the run), and are considered dark horse candidates in their respective divisions.

Last year, Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime struggled due to a lack of marquee matchups or games with playoff implications. With how much money Amazon sunk into this TV deal, they’re determined to fix that. This game would be a good candidate for a Thursday night showcase, as its mirror matchup should generate a good amount of interest.

Get the latest breaking news and analysis on the New York Giants
Follow and like us on Facebook
Submit your questions for our mailbag
Check out the Giants Country YouTube Channel.
Subscribe and like the LockedOn Giants YouTube Channel
Sign up for our FREE message board forums
Get your Giants tickets from SI Tickets!

Add us as a preferred source on Google