The Giants have a chance to carry their Week 1 momentum into Monday Night Football against the Rams. If Big Blue sticks to the same winning formula, they can make this a competitive night in Los Angeles.
The New York Giants opened the 2026 season by doing exactly what they needed to do against the Dallas Cowboys. They ran the football, protected Jaxson Dart, created pressure defensively, limited the big play and took care of the football on the way to a 28-20 victory.
Now comes another test as the Giants travel to Los Angeles for a Monday Night Football matchup against the Rams at SoFi Stadium. Despite the difference in preseason expectations surrounding these two teams, New York should not be heading west intimidated. The Rams are coming off a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, while the Giants are carrying some legitimate momentum after their Week 1 win.
There also seems to be a little swagger developing around John Harbaugh’s Giants. They do not need a completely different game plan Monday night because the formula for beating Los Angeles looks very similar to the one that helped them beat Dallas.
Here are five ways the New York Giants can beat the Rams on Monday Night Football.
1. Run the Ball
The Giants should start exactly where they started against Dallas by establishing the running game early and staying committed to it. New York rushed for 165 yards in Week 1, and Jaxson Dart’s ability to contribute with his legs added another element that Dallas had to account for throughout the night.
Cam Skattebo brings the physical running style that can wear down a defense, while Najee Harris gives the Giants another experienced option in the backfield. Dart’s mobility also makes defending New York more complicated because the Rams cannot simply crash down on the running backs without accounting for the quarterback.
Running successfully does more than produce yards. It shortens the game, keeps Matthew Stafford on the sideline, takes pressure off Dart and opens up play-action opportunities for Malik Nabers, Isaiah Likely and the rest of the Giants’ passing attack.
The Rams know what New York wants to do offensively, so the Giants should make them prove they can stop it.
2. Get to Matthew Stafford
f the Giants want to leave Los Angeles 2-0, their defensive front needs to make Matthew Stafford uncomfortable from the opening drive. Stafford remains one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in football, and allowing him time to sit comfortably in the pocket is asking for trouble.
That means Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter and rookie linebacker Arvell Reese need to make their presence felt. The goal does not necessarily have to be six or seven sacks because pressure, hits and moving Stafford off his spot can be just as valuable.
The Giants need to speed up Stafford’s internal clock and force him to throw before routes fully develop. If New York can slow the Rams’ running game and put Stafford into obvious passing situations, the pass rush becomes significantly more dangerous.
The Giants built this defense to get after quarterbacks, and Monday night is another opportunity to show how disruptive that group can be.
3. Do Not Allow Explosive Plays
This may be the biggest concern defensively because the Rams have players capable of changing the game with one play. Sean McVay is also one of the league’s best offensive coaches when it comes to creating favorable matchups and generating space for his playmakers.
The Giants’ philosophy should be simple: keep everything in front of them. Make Los Angeles put together long drives instead of allowing Stafford to flip the field with one deep completion or a missed tackle that turns into a huge gain.
That becomes even more important with Paulson Adebo on injured reserve and Deonte Banks dealing with a calf injury. The secondary does not need to gamble on every throw or try to make the spectacular play when the smarter option is forcing Los Angeles to stay patient.
If the Rams have to consistently put together 10- and 12-play drives, that gives Burns, Carter and the rest of the Giants’ defense more opportunities to create a negative play, sack or turnover.
4. Keep Jaxson Dart Clean.
Week 1 was another reminder of what the Giants have in Jaxson Dart when he is given time to operate. Dart threw three touchdown passes against Dallas, added 54 rushing yards and showed the combination of toughness and athleticism that has Giants fans excited about what this offense can become.
The priority against Los Angeles has to be keeping him clean. The Giants cannot allow consistent interior pressure to collapse the pocket and force Dart into rushed decisions or unnecessary hits.
Establishing the running game will help, as will quick throws, play-action and moving the pocket when necessary. Dart has already shown he can make plays outside of structure, but New York does not want its quarterback spending Monday night running for his life.
If the offensive line gives Dart enough time to get the football to Nabers, Likely, Odell Beckham Jr. and the rest of his weapons, the Giants should have opportunities to move the ball.
5. Win the Turnover Battle
Winning the turnover battle was one of the biggest keys against Dallas, and that should remain a major focus every week. Road games become much more difficult when you give an experienced quarterback like Matthew Stafford additional possessions or short fields.
Dart does not need to play hero ball. If the play is not there, he can take the checkdown, throw the ball away or use his legs to pick up what is available. Protecting possession and avoiding unnecessary risks will be critical.
On the other side, the Giants need their pass rush and secondary working together. Pressure Stafford, force him into hurried decisions and attack the football when opportunities present themselves.
One interception that creates a short field or one forced fumble could completely change the momentum of a Monday night road game.
The Giants Do Not Need to Change the Formula
The biggest takeaway from Week 1 may be that the Giants already showed what their winning formula looks like. They were physical, aggressive and disciplined enough to beat Dallas, and there is no reason to suddenly abandon that identity because they are going on the road.
The Rams entered the season with major expectations, but the Giants should not approach this matchup as if they are facing an unbeatable opponent. New York should head into SoFi Stadium with confidence while continuing to play the style of football John Harbaugh is trying to establish.
Run the ball, get after Stafford, limit explosive plays, protect Jaxson Dart and win the turnover battle. If the Giants can check those five boxes again, they should give themselves a real chance to make Monday Night Football a very interesting night in Los Angeles.
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