New York Giants beat Houston Texans 27-21 in OT on Singletary run
On Oct. 25, 2026, the New York Giants closed their pre-bye slate with a 27-21 overtime victory over the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Devin Singletary scored the game-winning touchdown on a 30-yard run with 7:25 left in the extra period to end the contest. The win moved the Giants to 4-2-1 while the Texans fell to 2-5.
The Texans received the opening overtime kickoff and were forced to punt, setting up New York’s final sequence. Cam Skattebo, who had no touches a week earlier, finished with a career-high 124 rushing yards and broke a 42-yard run in overtime that set the stage for Singletary’s walk-off. Skattebo also scored a 16-yard touchdown late in regulation that put the Giants ahead 21-14 with 8:55 remaining.
J.J. McCarthy made his first start for the Giants after being acquired in a trade less than a month earlier and became the club’s third starting quarterback this season. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards with a 99.1 passer rating, and his first five completions covered 96 yards, including a 42-yard strike to Malik Nabers. McCarthy also connected on a 47-yard pass to rookie Malachi Fields, who finished with four catches for 83 yards.
Four different Giants scored rushing touchdowns, the fifth time in franchise history and the first since 1950. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston executed four quarterback sneaks and scored a one-yard rushing touchdown that gave New York a 14-6 lead late in the first half. Tyrone Tracy Jr. suffered a hamstring injury with 5:10 left in the second quarter and did not return.
The Giants’ defense played without several regulars but received reinforcements from others. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds was placed on injured reserve, and Micah McFadden made his first start since the 2025 opener, finishing with 10 total tackles, eight solo and two for losses. Safety Jevón Holland and cornerback Greg Newsome II missed the game with concussions, while Tyler Nubin and cornerback Paulson Adebo returned after earlier absences. Houston tied the game late in regulation on a C.J. Stroud touchdown pass to Xavier Hutchinson before New York prevailed in overtime.
The Giants entered their Week 8 bye leading the NFC East regardless of Sundays result. New York will resume play in Week 9 with a trip to Philadelphia, followed by a home game against Washington on Thursday Night Football. The Cowboys and Eagles meet on Monday night while Washington is idle, leaving the Giants atop the division during the break.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Giants earned a timely victory that highlighted depth on both sides of the ball. J.J. McCarthy produced an efficient debut start with several big plays to Malik Nabers and Malachi Fields, while the running game delivered a rare four-rusher touchdown outburst led by Devin Singletary and a breakthrough from Cam Skattebo. Defensive absences, including Edmunds on injured reserve, remain a concern, but Micah McFadden’s return and the availability of Tyler Nubin and Paulson Adebo provide some reinforcement. Entering the bye at 4-2-1 and atop the NFC East gives New York a window to regroup and address health and depth before consecutive division games resume in Week 9.