The New York Giants (5-10) and Los Angeles Rams (8-7) will square off on Sunday afternoon in a Week 17 matchup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The Giants opened the week as 6.5-point home underdogs and that spread has bounced around quite a bit since then. As of this writing, New York is +5.5.
With this matchup on tap, Giants Wire took the opportunity to hold a Q&A with Rams Wire managing editor Cameron DaSilva.
Where in the world did Puka Nacua come from and how has he managed to dominate the NFL as a rookie?
DaSilva: Puka Nacua generated a lot of hype in the offseason because of the plays he was making in practice, but no one expected him to have the season he’s had. He was outstanding in the beginning of the season playing the Cooper Kupp role while the veteran was sidelined, but he’s since carved his own path as a similar do-it-all receiver who can catch, block, run the ball, and anything else you ask — just like Kupp can. He’s just a tough, smart receiver who knows how to sit down in zones and beat man coverage. It’s fun to watch.
Take us through the development of Kyren Williams -- from an injured, underutilized rookie to one of the best backs in football.
Well, Kyren Williams’ rookie season was plagued by injuries. He broke his foot in the spring and missed a good portion of the summer, then he suffered a high ankle sprain on the first play of his rookie year, landing him on injured reserve. He never really got going as a result of that missed time, but with a full offseason in 2023, he bounced back in a big way. He’s elusive, quick, and runs with surprisingly good power despite being undersized. He’s exactly the type of back Sean McVay needed.
Dexter Lawrence or Aaron Donald?
That is a fun debate. Dexter Lawrence certainly has the edge as a run defender, partly thanks to his size in the middle, but I’d still lean Aaron Donald as a pass rusher. Even in what some are considering a down year, Donald has 78 total pressures — 14 more than any other interior defender. Lawrence is an awesome player and really fun to watch, but I still give the overall edge to Donald.
Is there any specific area you believe the Giants have an advantage over the Rams?
I honestly don’t think so. Maybe with Lawrence going up against Coleman Shelton on the interior, but the Rams’ offensive line as a whole is playing well and shouldn’t have too much trouble with the Giants’ pass rushers. The Rams’ receivers have an advantage over New York’s corners, too, as do the Rams’ corners against the Giants’ wideouts. This matchup greatly favors the Rams, so long as Matthew Stafford can handle the blitz.
Let's hear some predictions. Who wins on Sunday, what's the final score and how do you see the game playing out?
I really like the Rams in this one, and I’m shocked the spread is only 5.5 points. The Rams have extra rest after playing on Thursday, they’re as healthy as they’ve been in two years and I don’t see the Giants stopping Williams. I expect the Rams to jump out to an early lead and coast to a win on the road. Rams 28, Giants 17.
Follow the Giants Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
