NFL power rankings roundup 2026: How do New York Giants fare in Week 7?

The New York Giants are heading into Week 7 with plenty to prove after a disappointing 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints .

Despite maintaining a 3-2-1 record and their position atop the NFC East, the Giants have lost ground in several national power rankings following their Week 6 performance.

New York's latest rankings reflect a team that has shown flashes of promise but continues to struggle with consistency. The Giants surrendered 34 points to New Orleans, committed multiple turnovers and ultimately benched quarterback Jameis Winston in favor of J.J. McCarthy.

While McCarthy provided a spark during the fourth quarter, the loss raised questions about the team's direction heading into a difficult road matchup against the Houston Texans .

Here's where the Giants stand in the latest NFL power rankings entering Week 7:

Channeling former SportsCenter anchor Kenny Mayne, J.J. McCarthy's passing output Sunday projected to nearly 1,000 yards over four quarters − that would be a record or something. Easier to throw on every play when you're in the ditch and denying Cam Skattebo any touches .

It should be J.J. McCarthy time. He did a nice job coming in for Jameis Winston at quarterback against the Saints.

The Giants officially have a quarterback controversy, if it's even controversial. J.J. McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston and threw for 243 yards in 11 minutes. It would be a surprise if he's not given a start, though perhaps New York wants to wait for his first start with a tough Houston defense up next. The other weird story from Sunday's loss was Cam Skattebo getting zero carries . He fumbled in overtime against the Commanders in Week 5, but it's hard to believe him not getting a carry was due only to that. It's harder to believe John Harbaugh, who tried to gaslight everyone by saying Skattebo wasn't benched.

The Giants officially have a quarterback controversy, if it's even controversial. J.J. McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston and threw for 243 yards in 11 minutes. It would be a surprise if he's not given a start, though perhaps New York wants to wait for his first start with a tough Houston defense up next.

The other weird story from Sunday's loss was Cam Skattebo getting zero carries . He fumbled in overtime against the Commanders in Week 5, but it's hard to believe him not getting a carry was due only to that. It's harder to believe John Harbaugh, who tried to gaslight everyone by saying Skattebo wasn't benched.

The second-year running back didn't get a carry Sunday. He wasn't benched, coach John Harbaugh said, but Skattebo told Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic he was "punished" for last week, when he had a key fumble. The confusion is no fun for fantasy managers, who already were frustrated with Skattebo. He was drafted 37th on average but is 162nd in scoring (8.6 ppg).

Head coach John Harbaugh benched Giants backup quarterback Jameis Winston in favor of JJ McCarthy, who was acquired three weeks ago. Truthfully, this outcome was expected. Winston has always lived by Bruce Arians' "No risk it, no biscuit" mantra. The 2015 No. 1 overall draft pick can sling the ball all over the yard, but it's only a matter of time before he makes a critical mistake and throws it to someone wearing the wrong jersey. McCarthy should be viewed differently, because his game brings the Giants closer to what Jaxson Dart could do. Granted, Dart's return to the lineup remains highly anticipated. Until then, McCarthy deserves a chance to see what he can do since the team knows exactly what it'll get from Winston on a week-to-week basis.

Head coach John Harbaugh benched Giants backup quarterback Jameis Winston in favor of JJ McCarthy, who was acquired three weeks ago.

Truthfully, this outcome was expected. Winston has always lived by Bruce Arians' "No risk it, no biscuit" mantra. The 2015 No. 1 overall draft pick can sling the ball all over the yard, but it's only a matter of time before he makes a critical mistake and throws it to someone wearing the wrong jersey.

McCarthy should be viewed differently, because his game brings the Giants closer to what Jaxson Dart could do.

Granted, Dart's return to the lineup remains highly anticipated. Until then, McCarthy deserves a chance to see what he can do since the team knows exactly what it'll get from Winston on a week-to-week basis.

The Giants are not a good team and they showed it for 48 minutes on Sunday, falling into a 34-10 hole at home against the Saints. Then QB J.J. McCarthy took over for Jameis Winston and nearly pulled off another Miracle at the Meadowlands. He didn't, but he was impressive, throwing for 243 yards and a touchdown in his short time, and coming within inches of making the comeback complete. The Giants are in first place and might have a clear path to the NFC East title. But they're still not good. And the injuries are piling up. Maybe they'll get some more McCarthy Magic over the next few weeks. But honestly, the best thing that can be said about them is that the rest of the division is trash.

Connor Orr, Sports Illustrated : 21 (--)

Last week's ranking: No. 21Last week's result: lost to Saints, 34–27This week: at Texans My column on why I think Jameis Winston deserves one more week —a take that I fear John Harbaugh isn't much interested in listening to.

Last week's ranking: No. 21Last week's result: lost to Saints, 34–27This week: at Texans

My column on why I think Jameis Winston deserves one more week —a take that I fear John Harbaugh isn't much interested in listening to.

The Giants lost by seven, but they were blown out by the Saints, who benched their starters and allowed J.J. McCarthy to accumulate tons of garbage-time production. So don't be fooled by that final score. Matt Nagy, by the way, proved that he's a very "special" coach with his decision to phase Cam Skattebo out of the offense.

The Giants lost by seven, but they were blown out by the Saints, who benched their starters and allowed J.J. McCarthy to accumulate tons of garbage-time production. So don't be fooled by that final score.

Matt Nagy, by the way, proved that he's a very "special" coach with his decision to phase Cam Skattebo out of the offense.

Biggest issue on offense: Finding a running back Six games into the season, the Giants are still searching for dependable running back options. Cam Skattebo is coming off a game in which he was demoted into a role that didn't yield a single carry because of fumbling issues. New York had four running backs active, and none averaged more than 3.5 yards per carry. The offensive line has to do its part, but as coach John Harbaugh said after Sunday's loss, "Nobody has really taken the bull by the horns." Harbaugh's Giants were supposed to be a running team. So far, they are below average.

Biggest issue on offense: Finding a running back

Six games into the season, the Giants are still searching for dependable running back options. Cam Skattebo is coming off a game in which he was demoted into a role that didn't yield a single carry because of fumbling issues. New York had four running backs active, and none averaged more than 3.5 yards per carry. The offensive line has to do its part, but as coach John Harbaugh said after Sunday's loss, "Nobody has really taken the bull by the horns." Harbaugh's Giants were supposed to be a running team. So far, they are below average.

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