# Giants Hold at No. 20 in Power Rankings as McCarthy-or-Winston Debate Looms

> Giants stay at No. 20 in NFL rankings despite loss as quarterback decision looms.
- Title: Giants Hold at No. 20 in Power Rankings as…
- Summary: Giants stay at No. 20 in NFL rankings despite loss as quarterback decision looms. New York Giants remain No. 20 in NFL power rankings after 34-27 loss to…
- Keywords: new york giants, j.j. mccarthy, jameis winston, nfl, metlife stadium, power rankings, seahawks, nfc east, sports, Giants, Hold, Power
- Source: New York Giants On SI — https://si.com/nfl/giants/onsi/giants-hold-at-no-20-in-power-rankings-01m5dbbcnmkt
- Published: 2026-10-21T14:30:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new york giants, j.j. mccarthy, jameis winston, nfl, metlife stadium, power rankings, seahawks, nfc east, sports
## Giants Start Strong
New York Giants began John Harbaugh's era with a positive start before facing New Orleans Saints.
## Saints Take Lead
Giants carried 10-0 lead deep into second quarter before losing momentum.
## Giants Lose 34-27
Giants handed New Orleans 34 unanswered points after fumble by Charlie Jones.
## Harbaugh Pulls Winston
Harbaugh pulled Jameis Winston in garbage time to let J.J. McCarthy earn meaningful game reps.
## McCarthy Shines
McCarthy took five snaps, two passing, for 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
## Power Rankings Update
SI.com's Conor Orr moved Giants up to No. 20 in MMQB NFL power rankings for Week 7.
## Quarterback Debate
Giants face decision on whether to keep Winston or start McCarthy next week.
## Saints Reeling
Saints team reeling from three-game losing streak steamrolled Giants at home.
## Running Back Struggles
Giants ran four suited running backs for just 34 yards, 2.3 yards per carry.
## Defense Let Down
Giants defense allowed 175 yards from 30th-ranked Saints unit.
## Giants 3-2-1
Giants are 3-2-1 after six games and still lead NFC East.
## Next Game
Giants face Houston Texans next week with tough divisional schedule ahead.
## Harbaugh's Goal
Harbaugh aims to change team culture to win football games no matter what.
## McCarthy's Future
Giants must decide if McCarthy can build long-term future in NFL after strong debut.
## Key takeaway

New York Giants remain No. 20 in NFL power rankings after 34-27 loss to Saints, with debate over whether J.J. McCarthy or Jameis Winston should start next week.