​5 reasons why Giants are ESPN’s ‘sleeper’ playoff team in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The New York Giants made some major changes to their team over the offseason, with the addition of John Harbaugh as their new head coach being the most obvious change from last season.But looking over this roster, there are plenty of other noteworthy changes. Whether it’s players getting healthy again or improvements to the roster, there is reason to believe in this Giants team.ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler agrees, as he named them the “sleeper” team for the 2026 NFL playoffs. He revealed five key reasons why, and they are all sound arguments for why the 2026 Giants are going to be a good team that can actually make the playoffs.Giants called a ‘sleeper’ playoff team due to five key reasons”They finally found an offensive line combination that works, resulting in a top-five rushing offense last season,” Fowler writes.An improved offensive line is a huge plus for the Giants heading into 2026, as that strong OL can not only help the running game with Cam Skattebo, but also protect Jaxson Dart.Speaking of Dart, Fowler revealed that the second-year QB is one of the reasons why 2026 could be a big season for the Giants: “Dart is widely viewed as a quarterback with an upward trajectory.”If Dart’s trajectory stays the course, he could be in store for a big 2026 season. While he might not be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, he could be more than good enough to bring the Giants to the playoffs.While the offense is a big topic, so too is the defense. Even with Dexter Lawrence II gone in a trade to the Cincinnati Bengals, Fowler believes in this defense.MORE: Jameson Williams predicted to be Lions leading receiver over Amon-Ra St. Brown”The defensive line is well-stocked, even without defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II,” Fowler writes. Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, Kaybon Thibodeaux, DJ Reader, Shelby Harris, and Chauncey Golston make up a strong defensive front for the Giants.Looking back to the offensive side of the ball, and to the coaching staff, it’s clear the return of Malik Nabers and the addition of Harbaugh will be instrumental in this team effort to return to the playoffs.”Add the John Harbaugh confidence boost and Nabers’ imminent return, and New York might have something,” Fowler writes. “So, give me the Giants as a sneaky NFC playoff team.”There are still plenty of concerns about this team. Can Dart, Nabers, and Skattebo stay healthy? That is a real issue for this Giants team.But with the improved OL, Nabers’ return, Harbaugh’s addition, the strong DL, and Dart’s projected rise to superstardom, the 2026 Giants are a good pick as a sleeper postseason team.More NFL news:Why Browns are making a massive mistake with Deshaun Watson as QB1 over Shedeur SandersRaiders name Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starter over Fernando MendozaPackers ‘motivated’ to sign Tucker Kraft to lon