The New York Giants selected Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Ole Miss product is set to be the team’s future quarterback after six years of mediocrity with Daniel Jones. Unlike his predecessor, Dart has the luxury of sitting and learning the nuances of being an NFL quarterback before being thrown into the fire as a rookie. With the additions of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, two capable veterans, the Giants don’t need to rush Dart onto the field until they’re confident he’s ready.
However, the team will still likely want to see their rookie signal caller at some point in 2025. Finding an ideal matchup for a rookie’s debut is a tricky game. Here are the three best games for Jaxson Dart to make his debut in 2025.
The Best Matchups for Jaxson Dart’s Debut
Game 1: Week 10 at Chicago Bears (Nov 9)
Ideally, teams want to make sure their rookie quarterback’s debut is at home and against a conceivably weaker opponent. The Chicago Bears check one of those boxes. They might be a sleeper playoff contender, but as of right now, they’re a middle-of-the-pack team with a below-average defense. The game might not be at home, but an early November game in Chicago could be a nice test to see how Dart responds to playing in the elements. This could very easily be a crisp, rainy day at Soldier Field.
The downside of this scenario is that it’s only week 10. If Dart gets his first start before Thanksgiving, it probably means the Giants have another poor record and are out of playoff contention.
Game 2: Week 13 at New England Patriots (Nov 30)
The Patriots are another sleeper playoff contender. But again, based on last year and the rest of the Giants’ schedule, this is one of their easier matchups. The Patriots’ roster is still one of the worst in the NFL. Their defense will be coached better under Vrabel, but they shouldn’t scare Brian Daboll from starting a rookie quarterback.
The downside? This is a Monday night game. Brian Daboll will be taking a huge risk starting a rookie quarterback on primetime in front of a national audience. If Dart struggles, it could harm his confidence due to increased media coverage. This might be a fun matchup for Dart’s second or third start, he’ll need the primetime exposure at some point. Daboll might be coaching for his job here as well. Starting Dart, no matter the circumstance, might be the best way for him to come back in 2026.
Game 3: Week 15 vs. Washington Commanders (Dec 14)
It’s no secret the Commanders are a better team. They’ll probably be playing for first place in the NFC East in this matchup. However, they’re a divisional rival who still have a suspect defense. With a heavy RPO scheme, Dart could find success on the ground and in the intermediate parts of the field in a simplified offense.
This could be a sleeper matchup for Dart to have an inspiring debut in front of home fans against a rival. If he plays well, this could be Dart’s coming-of-age moment in New York, no matter the team’s record.
There’s never a “right” or “wrong” game for a rookie to make his debut. There are only ideal situations. The truth is, the Giants will start Jaxson Dart when they feel like he gives them the best chance to win games. Hopefully, for the team and fans’ sake, he does win games early and often. He has the physical traits to succeed and the quarterback whisperer head coach to maximize his potential. Jaxson Dart’s debut will change the course of the Giants’ foreseeable future.
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