Giants reach 3-1, lead NFC East for first time since 2015 despite underdog odds

The New York Giants defeated the Arizona Cardinals 36-24 at MetLife Stadium on October 4, 2026, moving to 3-1 and taking sole possession of first place in the NFC East, according to CBS Sports' game recap. It is the franchise's first time alone atop the division since November 2015, Fox News' Outkick and Yahoo Sports reported.

How the win happened

Arizona built an early 14-3 lead in the first quarter, but New York responded with back-to-back touchdowns in the second quarter, per CBS Sports. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston finished 18-of-29 for 250 yards and three touchdowns, though he also threw two interceptions, CBS Sports reported. Wide receiver Malik Nabers caught six passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, more than doubling his season receiving total through four games, according to CBS Sports.

Cornerback Deonte Banks sealed the result with a fourth-down interception on what would have been the game's final play, returning it 98 yards for a touchdown, Fox News' Outkick reported. Arizona's Jacoby Brissett went 21-of-35 for 166 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, and the Cardinals' rushing attack was held to 123 yards as the team fell to 1-3.

Playing without two key starters

The Giants reached first place without starting quarterback Jaxson Dart, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, and without All-Pro edge rusher Brian Burns, who sustained a similar injury in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans, according to Yahoo Sports. Winston has started at quarterback since taking over for Dart, Yahoo Sports reported, and said after the Arizona win that he felt himself improving with each game.

All three of the Giants' victories this season have come at MetLife Stadium, a home start the franchise has not matched since 2008, Yahoo Sports reported. That 2008 team finished 12-4 and won the division.

Players respond to underdog status

Despite the 3-1 record and division lead, the Giants entered the Arizona game as home underdogs on betting lines, a point running back Cam Skattebo criticized in comments carried by ESPN. "It's dumb. It's dumb to be underdogs at home, especially when you're a good football team," Skattebo said, before adding that the team still has most of its division schedule ahead.

Other players and the coaching staff struck a more measured tone. Outside linebacker Abdul Carter cautioned against overconfidence, saying the team needs to keep taking the season one game at a time, according to ESPN. Head coach John Harbaugh echoed that view, telling reporters the team is in a good position four games into the season but that it remains early, per ESPN. After the game, Harbaugh credited the team's ability to close out close games, according to CBS Sports.

NFC East picture and what's next

After four weeks, the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are tied for second in the division at 2-2, while the Washington Commanders sit fourth at 1-3, according to Yahoo Sports' division breakdown. That same report suggested roughly 10 wins could be enough to win the NFC East this season, indicating the race remains open despite New York's current lead.

The Giants' near-term schedule is considered favorable: a divisional road game at Washington, a home matchup against the New Orleans Saints, and a road game against the 0-4 Houston Texans before a Week 8 bye, per Yahoo Sports. The schedule grows more difficult afterward, with two games against the Eagles and matchups against the 49ers, Jaguars, Seahawks and Lions still ahead.