Giants' Rooting Guide for 2025 NFL Draft Implications of Week 9

The New York Giants are currently in a logjam at the bottom of the NFL standings.

Six teams, including the Giants, currently have 2-6 records heading into Week 9. The Miami Dolphins sport a similar 2-5 record while the Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers each have just a single victory on the season.

The Giants got a little help from their stadium partner when the New York Jets improved to 3-6 with a victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday, but the Giants will need some more help to solidify a high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Several struggling teams will face each other this week, but some others will head into their matchups as heavy underdogs. New York fans will hope some of those teams can pull off an upset and give the Giants some more room at the bottom of the standings.

The Giants host the Washington Commanders in Week 9, but Giants fans do have a few other matchups to monitor.

Browns over Chargers

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 27: Jameis Winston #5 of the Cleveland Browns attempts a pass in the first quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Cleveland may be 2-6 but the Browns finally have some positive momentum.

Deshaun Watson had been struggling prior to his season-ending Achilles tear but his loss still represented even more despair for a then 1-6 Browns squad. However, backup quarterback Jameis Winston showed that he can still sling it in the team's 29-24 Week 8 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Winston went 27-of-41 for 334 yards and three touchdowns in the win, and this performance came against a Ravens team that had won five straight games heading into the matchup.

While it may be difficult to repeat that performance, Winston still could bring some fireworks against a Chargers team that has struggled on offense a few times this season.

Jaguars over Eagles

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 27: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars drops back to pass /G during the second half at EverBank Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

It's never too much of an ask to get Giants fans to root against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Philadelphia already trails the Washington Commanders in the NFC East standings and more losses would only make the quest for a division title harder. Having that happen while a 2-6 team claims a victory would only be the cherry on top for New York.

Jacksonville started the season 0-4 but has gone 2-2 in the last four games and has looked much more competitive. This includes victories over the 4-4 Indianapolis Colts and the 2-6 New England Patriots and an overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Jacksonville is playing much better and head coach Doug Pederson should have some extra motivation when playing the team he led to a Super Bowl.

Dolphins over Bills

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 27: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks on in the first quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Miami isn't 2-6 yet but the Giants hope they don't get there this week.

The Dolphins are currently 2-5 and have looked dreadful in several of their matchups. This came after starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills and the team had to rely on Tyler Huntley to handle the offense.

Tagovailoa made his return in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals, going 28-of-38 for 234 yards and a touchdown. It came in a losing effort, but Miami still looked far more competent than it had in weeks.

With Tagovailoa back, the Dolphins need to string some wins together to potentially get in the playoff hunt. A perfect opportunity to do that comes against the Bills, who lead the AFC East with a mark of 6-2.