As the NFL season hits its stride in October 2026, the New York Giants find themselves in unfamiliar territory: atop the NFC East with a surprising 3-1 record. Yet, despite their early success, the team is embracing an underdog mentality, using it as fuel for a pivotal Week 6 showdown against the Washington Commanders. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Giants are keenly aware that public skepticism lingers after back-to-back last-minute victories over the Titans and Cardinals, and they’re channeling that doubt into motivation.
“We’re underdogs every week,” cornerback Greg Newsome II said after Tuesday’s meetings. “That’s enough humbling for us.” Newsome’s sentiment echoes throughout a locker room that has taken notice of the betting lines and media predictions. The Giants, along with the Browns, Raiders, and Ravens, are the only teams with winning records listed as underdogs this week. For Newsome and his teammates, the external doubt serves as a rallying cry. “You always want something to go into a game and just give you an extra motivating boost,” he added. “We don’t really care what the outside world believes. We know what we have on this team.”
Underdog Mentality Rooted in Humility
The Giants’ 3-1 start is their best since 2015, when they also held sole possession of first place in the division after Week 11. That season ended in a 6-10 collapse, a cautionary tale that head coach John Harbaugh and his players are determined to avoid. “For sure you can play [as a first-place team] with an underdog mentality,” Newsome said. “[Because] 3-1 can easily turn into 3-14 if you’re not careful enough. If you’re not humble, you will get humbled. So we have to continue to have that mindset that we had in the beginning of the season, and we’re going to carry it the entire way.”
Running back Cam Skattebo, who has emerged as a fiery presence in the locker room, was particularly vocal about the Giants being installed as home underdogs against the Cardinals in Week 5. “It’s dumb to be underdogs at home,” Skattebo said after a 36-24 victory. “Especially when you are a good football team. When people want to bet against you at your own place and you’ve got a team coming from a six-hour flight on a time change, it’s a pretty difficult feeling as a team when you feel like you are put underneath them. So we came out here and handled business.”
Injuries Fuel Doubt, But Depth Shines
The Giants have been without key contributors, including franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Brian Burns. Their absence has contributed to the perception that the Giants’ success is unsustainable. Yet, the team has found ways to win, with players like linebacker Arvell Reese stepping up. Reese, a rookie sensation, intercepted a pass in the second quarter against Arizona and has been a bright spot on defense. His celebration with Newsome after the pick underscored the camaraderie and resilience building in East Rutherford.
As the Giants prepare for the Commanders, who are favored by 2.5 points, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win would not only improve their record to 4-1 but also silence some critics and solidify their standing in a wide-open NFC East. Harbaugh emphasized the importance of the matchup: “We have a game this week — a very pivotal game, a very big game — in terms of the opportunity that it presents our football team now, where we’re at. We have an opportunity to make headway on the season.”
Looking Ahead: Opportunity Knocks
The Giants are fully aware that another win might not change many opinions, but they’re not playing for validation—they’re playing for each other. The underdog label has become a badge of honor, a constant reminder that nothing is given in the NFL. As Newsome put it, “No matter who we play, we just have to play to the best of our ability and try to find a way to go 1-0.”
For fans and analysts alike, the Giants’ approach is a refreshing blend of humility and confidence. As highlighted on Vulius, the team’s ability to block out noise and focus on the task at hand could be the difference between a fleeting hot start and a sustained playoff push. With the Commanders looming, the Giants are ready to prove—once again—that they thrive when counted out.
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