The Washington Commanders head into Thursday night’s matchup against the New York Giants needing a victory to regain momentum. At 2-5-1, Washington faces a difficult road against a Giants team that enters Week 10 at 5-2-1.

Injuries have complicated the Commanders’ season, and a short week leaves little time to make adjustments. Still, the first meeting between these teams ended in a 27-27 tie, offering a reminder that the gap in their records does not guarantee a one-sided game. With Jayden Daniels available and encouraging defensive results in recent weeks, Washington has reasons to believe it can leave MetLife Stadium with a win.

Let's take a look at three reasons for optimism in Week 10.

Jayden Daniels has already shown he can hurt this defense

Daniels gives Washington its strongest reason for optimism because he has already demonstrated how his mobility can trouble New York. In the Week 5 meeting, he rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries, averaging 11.4 yards per attempt. Those numbers provide a clear starting point for Washington’s offensive game plan in the rematch. Designed quarterback runs and well-timed scrambles could force the Giants to devote additional attention to containing him, potentially creating opportunities elsewhere. The Giants know they have to defend Daniels' legs, and it needs to be a top priority.

Daniels has also protected the football through the air, entering this matchup with 1,250 passing yards, seven touchdown passes and no interceptions. His 97.2 passer rating provides another encouraging sign for an offense navigating injuries around him. Washington does not need Daniels to manufacture a spectacular play on every possession; his combination of ball security and rushing ability offers multiple ways to sustain drives.

New York’s pass rush offers opportunities to attack

The Giants’ sack production deserves respect, but Washington has reason to believe it can move the ball if it handles pressure more effectively. New York is 18th in pressure rate at 29.5%, suggesting quarterbacks have opportunities to operate between its disruptive plays. They also rank last in pressure rate without blitzing (23%), which creates a potential opening for quick throws when the Giants send extra defenders and more patient passing concepts when they rush fewer players.

Brian Burns remains unavailable, while Abdul Carter was limited Tuesday with knee and back injuries, leaving his availability unresolved. Washington should still prepare for a dangerous front, particularly after Arvell Reese’s three-sack performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. Nevertheless, better protection decisions and faster answers against the blitz could give Daniels more manageable possessions than he had in the first meeting.

Washington’s recent defensive results provide a foundation

The Commanders’ defense has offered evidence that it can keep this game competitive. Washington defeated Philadelphia 27-10 before allowing 20 points in its loss to the Los Angeles Rams. That amounts to 30 points allowed across two games, an encouraging stretch for a team seeking consistency. Those performances do not erase the challenges created by injuries, but they provide something tangible to build upon. If Washington can deliver another similar effort, its offense should have a realistic opportunity to decide the game in the fourth quarter.

The latest practice report also offered positive signs for several defensive contributors. Cornerback Amik Robertson and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle were estimated full participants Tuesday despite ankle and shoulder issues, respectively. Their availability would help a depleted unit maintain continuity on a short week. Washington still needs to finish drives, tackle consistently, and avoid costly breakdowns, but its recent defensive performances give those goals a credible foundation.