Rams-Giants called ‘best-case scenario’ following Australia

TL;DR

The Los Angeles Rams face a challenging Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, but will return home for a potentially favorable game against the New York Giants in Week 2. This setup is seen as the 'best case scenario' for the Rams given their circumstances.

Key points

Rams play 49ers in Australia in Week 1
Rams host Giants in Week 2 on Monday Night Football
Giants have a new head coach, John Harbaugh
Giants struggled with the worst run defense last season
Rams are favored due to extra rest and home advantage

Mentioned in this story

Sean McVayJohn Harbaugh

Los Angeles RamsNew York GiantsNFL

Oct 17, 2024; London, United Kingdom; The jerseys of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9), Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson (18), New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers (1), Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1), Miami Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle (17), quarterback (7), quarterback (8) and quarterback (3) at the NFL Shop at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Rams having to give up a home game to has been called the worst case scenario for Sean McVay. Given that disadvantage, then perhaps an extra day of rest and a home game against the New York Giants to follow is the “best case scenario” under those circumstances. The Rams are rumored to be hosting the Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 2, which John Breech of CBS Sports called the “best case scenario” because L.A. will have slightly more rest than if they played on Sunday and will be at home against a team that had to fly across the country. And of course, the Giants were one of the worst teams in the NFL last year and for the past decade. The Giants have a new head coach, the highly-respected John Harbaugh, but how much franchise development will he have been able to accomplish in one week? Quarterback was better than expected as a rookie in 2025, but has a long ways to go to establish himself as a long-term NFL starter. It is also improbable that star receiver Malik Nabers will be back from a torn ACL at the beginning of the season. The Giants had the 32nd-ranked run defense last season in terms of yards per carry allowed. It could be an ideal setup for and McVay’s 13-personnel heavy offense. Facing the 49ers in Australia in Week 1 was the last thing that McVay wanted. But without any choice in the matter, then a team that has lost at least 10 games in 10 of the last 12 seasons is the NFL’s way of saying, “We’re sorry”.

Q&A

Why is the Rams-Giants matchup considered a best-case scenario?

The matchup is seen as favorable because the Rams will have extra rest and play at home against a struggling Giants team that has to travel across the country.

What challenges do the Rams face in their Week 1 game in Australia?

The Rams face the disadvantage of giving up a home game and traveling across the world to play the 49ers, which is considered a worst-case scenario for the team.

How has the New York Giants' performance been in recent seasons?

The Giants have struggled significantly, losing at least 10 games in 10 of the last 12 seasons, and had the 32nd-ranked run defense last season.