The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
Stopping the run is the biggest key to victory against the Panthers.
John Schmeelk: Fiction - Although the Panthers will try to recommit to their running attack on Sunday, they lack a top offensive line and a proven running back. Even if they run the ball with some consistency it is unlikely to be very explosive. It is far more important to put pressure on Sam Darnold, which could lead to some mistakes and turnovers that can completely change the tenor of the game. If the Giants can keep Darnold under siege they will have a good chance to win the game.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – Matt Rhule's pledge to refocus the game plan on running the ball, but the team's fortunes are tired to turnovers. Sam Darnold threw just one interception in Carolina's 3-0 start; he has thrown six during the three-game skid. Win the turnover battle, win the game.
Lance Medow: Fact - Panthers head coach Matt Rhule emphasized this week he wants his team to pound the ball and there's likely some substance behind his words. In Carolina's first three games, all wins, they ran the ball and had a turnover differential of plus-1. In comparison, in their last three games, they've had to play a bit from behind and their turnover differential was minus-5. Rookie running back Chuba Hubbard has shown some flashes in place of the injured Christian McCaffrey and they'll look to get him as many touches as possible. On top of that, the Giants rank 29th in the NFL against the run and are surrendering 137 yards per game. Until they clean that up, why wouldn't opponents look to test them in that area.
Matt Citak: Fact - Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has not been shy to admit that he wants to pound the football on the ground. Carolina enters Week 7 ranked 10th in the league with 170 rush attempts, averaging out to 28.3 attempts per game. They have rushed for 100+ yards in four consecutive games and five out of six this season. Meanwhile the Giants' defense is No. 29 in rushing yards allowed at 137.2 yards per game, including three games of 165+ yards on the ground surrendered. While Patrick Graham's unit will not have to face Christian McCaffrey (on IR with a hamstring injury), they will see plenty of rookie RB Chuba Hubbard, who over the last four games has run for 271 yards on 62 carries (4.4 avg.). After allowing a total of 332 rushing yards in the last two weeks, the Giants will have to shut down Carolina's run game to have a chance Sunday.
Sunday will be a high-scoring game, much like the teams' previous two meetings.
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Neither team is likely to reach 30 points in this game and you can expect the Giants' defense to slow down the Panthers' offense, especially if wide receivers Alex Erickson and Terrace Marshall aren't on the field. Meanwhile, the Panthers' defense is very fast and the Giants' offense is very banged up – they will likely be without Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Saquon Barkley and Andrew Thomas, among others. If a team gets to 24 points, they should be able to win the game.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – Both sides are missing offensive firepower due to injury, and both sides want to run the ball and play turnover-free football to get back on track. In other words, you might not see a repeat of the past two meetings, which produced 137 combined points.
Lance Medow: Fiction - Many said the same about the game with the Falcons in Week 2 and that ended up a 17-14 win for Atlanta. The Giants have only scored 31 points over their last two games and have tallied 20 or less in four of their six contests this season. And they will also be without several notable offensive weapons. Carolina has also been hit-or-miss on offense this season.
Matt Citak: Fiction - The Giants' offense has been decimated by injuries. Three offensive linemen (Nick Gates, Shane Lemieux, Andrew Thomas) from the Week 1 starting lineup are on IR, while the starting running back (Saquon Barkley), two of the top wide receivers (Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney) and the team's top tight end (Evan Engram) might all miss this game with injuries, too. That is not likely to help the No. 27 scoring offense entering Week 7, especially when going up against the Panthers' No. 6 scoring defense. While Carolina's offense has had more success this year, their 23.8 points per game only ranks 16th.
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) is tackled by the Caroline Panthers' Chris Gamble (20) and Dan Morgan (55) after a one yard gain in the second quarter of their NFC wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (Julie Jacobson/AP Photos)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) is tackled by the Carolina Panthers' Dan Morgan (55) in the first quarter of their wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (/AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers' quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) is sacked by the New York Giants' Michael Strahan (92) for an eight yard loss in the second quarter of their NFC wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (Kathy Willens/AP Photos)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress (17) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs through the line for a short gain during the Giants' 27-13 win over the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. Barber went over 10,000 career yards rushing in the second quarter on the way to his fifth 100-yard game of the season. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
New York Giants' Gibril Wilson (28) reaches out to intercept a pass intended for Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) as New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) defends during the third quarter of the Giants' 27-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) knocks a pass away from Carolina Panthers' Drew Carter (18) during the fourth quarter of the Giants' 27-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs past Carolina Panthers' Na'il Diggs (53) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Chris Weinke, left, throws a pass under pressure from New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora, right, during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, center, barrels past Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs, left, and Thomas Davis, right, during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) gains some of the 82 yards he contributed to the Giants final scoring drive that helped them score the winning touchdown in the Giants 34-28 overtime victory over the Carolina Panthers in their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning fakes a handoff to Madison Hedgecock during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) drives over Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs (53) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Giants' Madison Hedgecock (39) blocks on the play. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) breaks across the line as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back for a pass during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play in the first quarter of the Giants NFL football victory over the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs for 13 yards past Carolina Panthers safety Chris Harris (43) during a Giants scoring drive in the Giants' 34-28 overtime victory in an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward, left, runs for a 34-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs for a 51-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas during overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs for a 51-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers, from left, Chris Harris, Thomas Davis, Na'il Diggs and Jon Beason (52) in overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) breaks a tackle from Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants go up against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley (52) celebrates a tackle against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Mathias Kiwanuka (94) looks to defend a pass against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty (99) applies pressure against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs past Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as he is rushed by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Bruce Johnson (25) defends Carolina Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad (87) in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass as he is defended by Carolina Panthers' Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a third quarter touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 24-16 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a third quarter touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 24-16 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen (02) gets hit by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 14-9 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a tip toe sideline pass while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) intercepts a pass to Carolina Panthers' Gary Barnidge (82), over Giants' Jonathan Goff (54) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks over the defense during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers face off at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore, right, avoids a sack by New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) fumbles as he is sacked by New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. Carolina recovered the ball. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) is tackled by New York Giants' Barry Cofield (96) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. Moore fumbled, but Carolina recovered. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates with teammate Ahmad Bradshaw as Carolina Panthers' Sherrod Martin (23) walks away during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Martellus Bennett (85) catches a touchdown pass past Carolina Panthers safety Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) tries to break a tackle in an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Thursday, September 20, 2012, in Charlotte, NC. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) starts his run as Carolina Panthers' Frank Alexander (90) pushes away from New York Giants' Will Beatty (65) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants cornerback Jayron Hosley (28) intercepts a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) strips Carolina Panther Joe Adams (15) during a week 3 Thursday night football game against the Carolina Panthers on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) tackles Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game against the Carolina Panthers on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) runs past Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) and Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) gets some help from teammate, Henry Hynoski (45) as he muscles over Carolina Panthers' Chris Gamble (20) and Luke Kuechly (59) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) scrambles for a gain against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs after a catch as Carolina Panthers linebackers Jon Beason (52) and James Anderson (50) defend during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive back Stevie Brown (27) is tackled by Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) after interception a throw during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Jay Bromley (96) tackles Carolina Panthers' Fozzy Whittaker (43) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Kerry Wynn (72), Jasper Brinkley (53) and Cullen Jenkins (99) tackle Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert (35) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) tackles New York Giants' Andre Williams (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) breaks a tackle by Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) and Josh Norman (24) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) scores a touchdown in front of Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Will Tye (45) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) tackles him during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Shane Vereen (34) gets up after being tackled by Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) in the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) as Thomas Davis (58) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) scrambles as Carolina Panthers' David Mayo (55) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (Tom DiPace via AP)
in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Mike Adams (29) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Mario Addison (97) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
The Carolina Panthers line up against the New York Giants in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Jermaine Carter (56) for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Wes Horton (96) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers' Jermaine Carter (56) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) is upended by Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs against the Carolina Panthers the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99), Azeez Ojulari (51)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Daniel Jones (8)
Leonard Williams (99)
Daniel Jones (8)
Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) chases Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during a week 7 football game on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers' Sean Chandler (34) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22), Oshane Ximines (53)
Jihad Ward (55)
Dane Belton (24)
Leonard Williams is the Giants' X-factor in Week 7.
John Schmeelk: Fact - He certainly can be. All of the Panthers' interior offensive linemen (Dennis Daley, Matt Paradis, John Miller and Michael Jordan) have struggled at different points this year. If the Giants can manufacture some 1-on-1 reps for Williams (and Dexter Lawrence) against those players he should have a disruptive game.
Dan Salomone: Fact – After allowing 82 points in the past two weeks, the Giants need to stop the run and affect the passer. Leonard Williams has the ability to be a factor in both departments.
Lance Medow: Fiction - Leonard Williams is a critical defensive player every week, but that entire unit has to play better. The true onus is on the offense to consistently manufacture points. Andrew Thomas landed on injured reserve, so Matt Peart and Nate Solder are your X-factors. The Panthers have 16 sacks on the season but just two over the past three games. They showcase two dangerous pass rushers in Haason Reddick, who had five against the Giants last season when he was with the Cardinals, and Brian Burns.
Matt Citak: Fiction - Williams is the X-factor on the defensive side of the ball, but for the Giants to emerge with the victory, they're going to need a strong performance from Daniel Jones. Jones' season got off to a good start, as the third-year quarterback put together solid outings in each of the first four games. He left Week 5 early with a concussion, and after clearing the league's concussion protocol in time to start last week, Jones went on to register a career-high four turnovers against a dominant Rams defense. The Giants' two biggest losses came over the last two weeks when Jones left the game early and then had his worst outing – this is no coincidence.
Giants vs. Panthers will once again come down to a Graham Gano kick.
John Schmeelk: Fact - Why would it be any different? Both teams likely will have trouble manufacturing points, which means it should be a close game.
Dan Salomone: Fact – According to NFL Research, there have been 23 games with a game-winning score in the final minute of regulation or in overtime this season, the most such games through the first six weeks all-time. This league is built for close contests.
Lance Medow: Fiction - The last two meetings resulted in a Graham Gano game-winning kick. In 2015, he nailed a game-winning 43-yard field goal as time expired to lift Carolina, 38-35, and, in 2018, he drilled a career-high 63-yard field goal with one second left in Carolina's 33-31 victory. What's the chances that happens three times in a row?
Matt Citak: Fiction - The Giants had three straight one-score games from Weeks 2-4, the first two ending with heartbreaking losses while the third resulted in a thrilling overtime win. However, the team's other three losses were not nearly as close. As mentioned above, the Giants are currently dealing with a plethora of injuries, including numerous offensive playmakers. But the defense also lost its anchor in Week 3 when Blake Martinez was lost for the season to a torn ACL. Since then, the unit has allowed just over 34 points per game. The Giants will need a tremendous performance from both sides of the ball for this game to come down to a Graham Gano field goal attempt.
View photos of the custom Giants helmet designed by Marvel ahead of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.
New York Giants x Marvel Helmet
New York Giants x Marvel Helmet
New York Giants x Marvel Helmet
New York Giants x Marvel Helmet
New York Giants x Marvel Helmet
New York Giants x Marvel Helmet
New York Giants x Marvel Helmet
New York Giants x Marvel Helmet
New York Giants x Marvel Helmet
New York Giants x Marvel Helmet
Shop Giants gear at the official Giants Team Shop
Holiday shopping and special offers are now available at the Giants' online team shop.
