Houston, TX — The New York Giants found redemption in dramatic fashion Sunday, defeating the Houston Texans 27-21 in overtime behind a powerful performance from running back Cam Skattebo and a decisive touchdown run by Devin Singletary.
Two weeks after Skattebo’s overtime fumble contributed to a missed opportunity in New York’s 27-27 tie with Washington, the rookie running back delivered when his team needed him most. Skattebo rushed for 124 yards on 17 carries, scored a fourth-quarter touchdown and broke loose for a 42-yard run in overtime that set up Singletary’s 30-yard game-winning score.
The victory improved the Giants to 4-2-1 and provided an encouraging start for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who made his first start of the season after head coach John Harbaugh benched Jameis Winston. Houston dropped to 2-5 after struggling to generate consistent offense in the second half.
Skattebo’s impact was particularly significant after he was held without a carry the previous week following his costly mistake against Washington. Rather than allowing that moment to define him, he responded with a performance that helped New York secure a hard-fought road victory.
“When I fumbled against Washington, it wasn’t in my mind to take care of the ball in that moment,” Skattebo said. “This week, I made sure I took care of it. I can protect the ball if I need to and when I have the right mindset.”
His biggest contribution came in overtime. Houston received the ball first but failed to capitalize on the opportunity, with the Giants’ defense forcing a three-and-out. Kayvon Thibodeaux had a chance to intercept quarterback C.J. Stroud on second down but could not hold on to the pass.
New York then took possession and quickly moved into scoring position. On second down, Skattebo burst through the Texans’ defense for a 42-yard gain, putting the Giants in position to finish the game. Singletary took care of the rest, breaking free for a 30-yard touchdown run that secured the victory.
The finish capped a productive afternoon for the Giants’ offense and gave McCarthy a winning debut as the team’s starting quarterback.
McCarthy completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards, showing poise and accuracy while operating in a stadium where he helped Michigan win the national championship in January 2024.
Harbaugh praised the young quarterback’s performance, emphasizing that McCarthy did enough to put his team in position to win.
“I thought he did a great job,” Harbaugh said. “He made some great throws. I’m sure he didn’t play perfect, but he played a heck of a football game, and he deserves a lot of credit.”
The Giants opened the scoring after Houston took an early 3-0 lead on a field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn. New York answered with a two-yard touchdown run by Tyrone Tracy Jr., set up by a 42-yard reception from Malik Nabers.
Fairbairn later connected on a 57-yard field goal to pull Houston within 7-6.
New York extended its advantage before halftime when Winston scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak. McCarthy had helped set up the opportunity with a 29-yard completion to Thomas Fidone II, moving the Giants into scoring range.
Houston responded just before the break. Stroud connected with Marvin Harrison Jr. on a six-yard touchdown pass, and Cade Stover caught the two-point conversion to even the score at 14-14.
The Giants had a chance to regain the lead before halftime, but Dominic Zvada missed a 44-yard field-goal attempt wide right. He had also missed from 56 yards late in the first quarter, leaving New York without points on two potential scoring opportunities.
The teams remained close after the break, but Houston’s offense struggled to sustain drives. The Texans punted on their first three possessions of the second half, allowing New York to remain in contention and eventually take control.
With about nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Skattebo broke multiple tackles on a 16-yard touchdown run to put the Giants ahead 21-14. He celebrated the score with a backflip after receivers coach Chad Hall had encouraged him beforehand.
“I knew that means: it’s time to get in the end zone,” Skattebo said. “He believed in me, and I was able to make it happen.”
Houston responded late to keep its hopes alive. Stroud found Xavier Hutchinson for a three-yard touchdown reception with just under a minute remaining, tying the game at 21-21. The Giants could not get into field-goal range before time expired, sending the contest to overtime.
Stroud finished with two touchdown passes but threw for only 153 yards, his lowest passing total of the season. Houston’s offense had difficulty finding its rhythm after halftime, and the Texans could not take advantage of their late scoring opportunity once overtime began.
Houston’s defensive struggles were equally costly. The Texans surrendered a season-high 188 rushing yards, allowing the Giants to control key moments on the ground.
Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. acknowledged that his team needs to become more consistent.
“We’ve been very inconsistent of playing up to our standard,” Anderson said. “Sometimes we’re swarming, sometimes we’re not. Sometimes we’re tackling well, sometimes we’re not, and we’ve got to find a way to do it on a consistent basis.”
The game also marked the return of Texans wide receiver Tank Dell, who had been sidelined for nearly two years while recovering from a serious knee injury. Dell caught one pass for 43 yards and returned a punt for 14 yards, offering Houston an encouraging glimpse of what he could contribute moving forward.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed happiness for Dell after the receiver’s long road back to the field.
“Really exciting for Tank,” Ryans said. “Happy for all of the work he’s put in.”
Dell said he was comfortable returning to contact and viewed his performance as only the beginning.
“I’m a playmaker man,” Dell said. “I’m so used to making those plays and there’s so many more to come.”
Houston wide receiver Jaylin Noel left the game in the fourth quarter with a toe injury.
For the Giants, Sunday’s victory represented more than another win in the standings. Skattebo bounced back from a difficult moment, McCarthy delivered a steady performance in his first start of the season, and the defense came through when Houston had an opportunity to win in overtime.
The Texans, meanwhile, will have to address their offensive inconsistency and defensive issues during the upcoming bye week.
Up Next:
Both teams have a bye next week before returning to action on November 8. The Giants will travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles, while the Texans visit the Los Angeles Chargers.
