The New York Giants’ matchup with the Arizona Cardinals this weekend is a must-win game. That might sound ludicrous against a team with a losing record, in the early stages of a rebuild and without a star quarterback. However, the Giants have been through plenty of adversity, and this is one of the few chances for this team to learn what its identity is, not just for this year but for 2027.

I know many Giants fans don’t want to completely bail on this season, but we’re going to have to look ahead. Arizona is also in the first year with a new head coach, and this feels like the type of game that will be looked back on as a building block. As I dug into in my preview earlier this week, the Cardinals have plenty of weaknesses for New York to capitalize on.

Instead of rehashing that preview, here are my predictions for which Giants players will step up, using probabilities from the Kalshi prediction market.

The Giants need a second target to emerge

Outside of a great Week 1 from Isaiah Likely, the Giants have yet to see a consistent secondary option in the passing game. I still think Likely is that second guy, but it begs the question: can any receiver outside of Malik Nabers make an impact?

That question matters more now. With Jaxson Dart done for the year, the Giants will be starting Jameis Winston or J.J. McCarthy the rest of the way. This game could be a chance for Darnell Mooney or Malachi Fields to emerge as an additional piece. Otherwise, we’ll be talking a ton about receivers in the 2027 NFL draft and free agency.

Darnell Mooney: At least two catches (57%)

Mooney has cleared this mark in every game this season. He hasn’t produced huge numbers, but we’ve seen flashes of what he could be with a larger role. His veteran presence is underrated in this receiver room. If he keeps stacking a couple of catches each week, the next step is expanding that role.

Malachi Fields: At least two catches (59%)

Fields has also cleared two catches in every game, and he’s the player I’m most focused on. He’s made a few nice plays early in the year, but the pattern has been frustrating. He catches a pass, and then you wait the rest of the game for another big play that never comes.

To be fair, the last two games have been tough. He’s played in torrential rain with Winston at quarterback, which makes an impactful game an uphill battle. Still, I’m waiting for him to explode.

As I’ve said before, I don’t think Fields becomes a 1,000-yard receiver or an elite option. He’s not Tee Higgins. If the Giants draft a receiver next year, though, he could be a highly impactful X receiver who doubles as a productive red zone target.

Arizona ranks 30th in EPA per pass allowed, and its cornerback room is banged up. This needs to be the game where Fields shows he’s more than a low-end WR4. He was never going to create consistent separation; he wins with power. A dominant possession receiver is supposed to succeed regardless of the quarterback or the weather. We got glimpses of that in the preseason, and now it needs to show up.

Isaiah Likely: Four or more catches (57%)

Likely has hit this mark in 67% of his games, and I expect him to keep it rolling. No matter who’s dropping back, you can throw it over the middle and trust him to catch it and turn upfield. He hasn’t broken away for explosive gains every week like he did against the Cowboys, but that reliability matters.

It matters even more considering Theo Johnson has been the polar opposite. Despite his athletic gifts, Johnson hasn’t been someone you can trust to come down with the football. The Giants are probably turning the page to him being a decent TE2, while Likely is already showing he’s worth his contract.

Cam Skattebo: Over 15 receiving yards (56%)

Skattebo has gone over this number in two of three games, with the only miss coming against Dallas when he didn’t catch a pass. He was a do-it-all player at Arizona State, and he’s been integral as a receiver when the wideouts can’t get going.

I also think the Giants will have a tougher time running the ball. Arizona ranks sixth in EPA per rush allowed, which makes it a sneaky good run defense. Considering interior pressure is the biggest weakness on New York’s offensive line, the Giants will need Skattebo catching the ball in space and turning upfield.

The Cardinals shouldn’t be favored

By the way, I was shocked to see the Cardinals with a 56% chance to win. They’re traveling all the way to New Jersey and still getting the benefit of the doubt. I know things aren’t great after losing Brian Burns and turning back to Winston, but come on.

I’m absolutely not overlooking Arizona. The Cardinals have shown competency and competitiveness, and I expect a tight game. However, I don’t believe the Giants will lose. They have the better, more experienced coaching staff, and that showed up last week when the Giants prevailed against the Titans despite a messy game in terrible weather.

Hopefully, the same thing happens Sunday, and one of these pass catchers finally gives the Giants a reason to feel good about this offense heading into 2027.