The Washington Commanders defeated the New York Giants 24-21 on Thursday at MetLife Stadium, keeping their NFC East division title hopes alive with a late touchdown.
The victory, which improved Washington’s record to 3-5-1, allows the team to remain two games behind the 5-3-1 Giants while securing the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels orchestrated a three-play, 71-yard scoring drive in the final minute to overcome two fourth-quarter interceptions. Diggs, who finished the game with six catches for 83 yards, walked into the end zone to secure the 80th touchdown catch of his career, making him the 30th player in NFL history to reach that milestone.
The Giants, who entered the contest as 1.5-point favorites, appeared to be in control after taking a 21-17 lead with 8:13 remaining. That advantage came on a 66-yard catch-and-run by tight end Isaiah Likely, who finished the night with nine receptions for 127 yards. Despite the lead, the Giants’ offense struggled to move the ball on the ground to drain the clock.
The Giants have kept Washington out of its base defense for all but one play tonight. It's helped their run game
Late in the fourth quarter, the team opted to punt rather than attempt a 55-yard field goal in wet, blustery conditions. On their final possession, while attempting to reach field goal range, quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s deep throw intended for Malik Nabers was intercepted by Commanders cornerback Rasul Douglas with 25 seconds left, effectively ending the game.
J.J. McCarthy, making his first home start since being acquired from Minnesota in late September, threw for a career-high 293 yards, completing 23 of 36 passes with one touchdown and one interception.
JAYDEN TO DIGGS FOR THE LEAD. WASvsNYG on Prime Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qo77Y8f2Vf
The Giants’ ground attack was led by running back Cam Skattebo, who carried 18 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Skattebo, who previously gained notoriety for a three-touchdown performance against the Philadelphia Eagles as a rookie in 2025, added three catches for 44 yards in the loss.
The game was a back-and-forth affair featuring four lead changes in the second half. Washington’s defense kept the team within striking distance by forcing turnovers. Linebacker Frankie Luvu punched the ball away from Malik Nabers late in the third quarter at the Washington 16-yard line, and safety Jeremy Reaves recovered the fumble. Safety Jevon Holland also forced a turnover on downs earlier in the final period.
In a bizarre sequence with 3:27 remaining, Giants backup quarterback Jameis Winston attempted to disrupt the Commanders’ defensive alignment by shouting a hard count of “Who Let the Dogs Out?” followed by a series of barks. The attempt resulted in a delay-of-game penalty against the Giants, forcing them to punt.
Regarding health, Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo left the game in the second quarter with a back injury but returned after halftime. Giants safety Jason Pinnock also exited early in the third quarter due to a back injury.
ANOTHER INTERCEPTION FOR THE GIANTS. WASvsNYG on Prime Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/slrEYfPyCj
The Commanders (3-5-1) turn their attention to a home matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, November 23. The Giants (5-3-1) are scheduled to host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, November 22. These games are part of a challenging stretch for both clubs during the second half of the season.
Earlier coverage: Commanders defeat Eagles 27-10 after scoring 27 unanswered points
