Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants: 5 matchups to watch in Week 1

The Washington Commanders open the 2025 season Sunday with an NFC East showdown against the New York Giants. The Giants had dominated the series in recent years until Washington swept them last season. However, the games are often close between the longtime rivals.

How will Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels begin his second NFL season? Daniels was excellent in both of his games against the Giants last season, completing almost 75% of his passes with 435 passing yards, two touchdowns and 79 rushing yards. Compared to other teams, New York did a better job of not allowing Daniels to burn them with big plays.

As with every other NFL game, matchups dictate outcomes. We look at five key matchups in Sunday's NFC East battle.

Commanders C Tyler Biadasz vs. Giants NT Dexter Lawrence

The Commanders have struggled with Lawrence for years. Lawrence doesn't always put up big numbers, but that's not necessarily his job. Lawrence is one of the NFL's most dominant interior defenders because he can singlehandedly wreck a running game. When you consider the success of New York's linebackers and edge rushers, Lawrence is a primary reason for that success. Biadasz was quietly one of Washington's MVPs last season. He knows Lawrence well, having faced him for four years before signing with the Commanders. Biadasz will likely receive some help, as Washington understands Lawrence's overall impact.

Commanders OTs Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly vs. Giants EDGEs Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux

Thibodeaux hasn't had a ton of NFL success, but he has been excellent against the Commanders, specifically Andrew Wylie. Wylie is no longer the right tackle. That's the rookie Conerly. Conerly matched up well against Carter last season when the two were in college. The Commanders are counting on the five-time Pro Bowler Tunsil to shut down the other side. For the first time in years, you like Washington's chances of its offensive tackles matching up one-on-one with opposing edge rushers.

Commanders WR Deebo Samuel vs. Giants CB Dru Phillips

The Giants feel good about Phillips, a second-year cornerback, manning the slot in 2025. While the focus will be on who defends Terry McLaurin on the outside, whether it's Paulsen Adebo or Deonte Banks, the real matchup to watch is inside with Samuel. The former 49er has had an outstanding camp, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was excited about the possibility of lining up Samuel everywhere. He'll play in the slot, line up outside, in the backfield, or go in motion. How Phillips defends Samuel could go a long way in determining how successful the Giants are in stopping Washington's passing game.

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. vs. Giants QB Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson isn't even close to being the same player he once was with Seattle. However, the 14-year veteran is still capable of beating you. Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. praised Wilson's deep ball as one of the NFL's best. Whitt should know. The Commanders seemed to have the Steelers beat last season when Wilson threw a beauty to Mike Williams late in the game, giving Pittsburgh the lead and the eventual win. The Giants have some players capable of making big plays.

Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore vs. Giants WR Malik Nabers

When we told you the Giants have players capable of making big plays, it begins and ends with Nabers. Nabers had a phenomenal rookie season and was productive in both games against Washington last season. The Commanders have dramatically improved their cornerback position, and we'll find out a lot about the rebuilt room on Sunday. Nabers is a massive test. We should see how healthy Lattimore's hamstring is when he faces Nabers. How Washington defends Nabers will go a long way in determining how successful its defense will be in Week 1.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders vs. Giants: 5 matchups to watch in Week 1