J.J. McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston and Jaxson Dart to lead the New York Giants to a 27-21 overtime victory over the Houston Texans on October 25, 2026, improving the team to 4-2-1.
McCarthy Wins Debut Against Texans
John Harbaugh and the New York Giants coaching staff made the definitive switch to McCarthy. This followed a rocky start by veteran backup Jameis Winston during a Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Winston had taken over after starter Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the year. But after McCarthy provided an electric fourth-quarter spark in that same Saints game, the team elected to hand the 23-year-old his first career start on the road against the Houston Texans.
A week of redemption for JJ McCarthy and Cam Skattebo, and a season of redemption for John Harbaugh and the Giants lead the Week 7 takeaways https://t.co/diTijNN30k
The gamble paid off at Reliant Stadium. McCarthy completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards, posting a 99.1 passer rating in the 27-21 overtime win.
His performance included multiple deep strikes to wide receiver Malik Nabers. This helped secure an overtime triumph that pushed New York’s record to 4-2-1.
JJ McCarthy gets a win in his first start as the Giants QB. pic.twitter.com/BsU4wCd1Q0
Nabers Earns Fourth Straight 100 Yard Game
McCarthy wasted no time establishing a downfield connection with his top target. Nabers hauled in 7 catches for 111 yards against Houston.
This marked his fourth consecutive game with over 100 receiving yards. It placed him alongside Odell Beckham Jr. in franchise history for consecutive century marks.
Devin Singletary scores the game winner vs. his former team.Giants beat Houston, hold on to first place in the NFC East. pic.twitter.com/aGSicjpuNO
The partnership flourished despite McCarthy having been teammates with Nabers for less than a month following his trade from Minnesota.
Throwing precise slot fades and deep routes in the first half, McCarthy leaned on his star receiver to jump-start an offense that had struggled to sustain a ground game early on.
Unreal ending to Giants/Texans—Against the vaunted Houston defense, ball at the 28 in OT, New York wins it with a 42-yard run by Cam Skattebo, then a 30-yarder down Main Street from Devin Singletary.Giants 4-2-1, and in first place going into their bye.
Ground Game Secures Overtime Victory
While McCarthy commanded the passing attack, New York’s backfield delivered when it mattered most in the second half and overtime.
Running back Cam Skattebo rebounded from a fumbling issue the previous week by rushing 17 times for a career-high 124 yards and a touchdown.
Skattebo broke loose for a 42-yard run in overtime that immediately set up Devin Singletary’s 30-yard scoring scamper on the very next play to end the game.
The ground game also featured a 16-yard rushing score from Skattebo in the fourth quarter. The ground game featured a 16-yard rushing score from Skattebo.
This gave the Giants four different players—including Tyrone Tracy Jr.—who have rushed for touchdowns over the course of the season.
Giants Lead NFC East Standings
The victory gives the Giants a 2.5-game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East as the division approaches the midway point of the season.
Harbaugh acknowledged the pressure surrounding the franchise after losing their initial starting quarterback so early in the campaign.
With McCarthy securing his first victory as the quarterback job holder, New York prepares to evaluate its offensive identity under its coaching staff.
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