Abdul Carter’s snap surge to 67 in Week 2 yielded five pressures but not enough finishing power as the Giants fell to Dallas in overtime. The rookie’s blitz pressure helped force a Prescott throw, yet the defense couldn’t close out drives, widening the gap in an early-season NFC East grind. With injuries piling up at linebacker, New York retooled and remains focused on maximizing Carter’s edge upside ahead of a high-profile meeting with Kansas City.

New York’s wide-ranging roster moves—signing Neville Hewitt, Curtis Jacobs, and adding Swayze Bozeman while shuffling practice squad—underscore how critical it is to unlock Carter’s peak impact. Russell Wilson’s day and Nabers’ two long strikes highlighted the urgency for a more explosive, better-matched pass rush as the Chiefs loom on Sunday Night Football, demanding sharper finishes and cohesive fronts from the defense.

Week 3 IDP focus centers on the latest risers, pitfalls, and matchup plays across DL, LB and DB units. Byron Young bursts out for the Rams, while Kevin Byard stumbles for the Bears, shaping waiver decisions and start-sits. The piece also notes high-upside plays like Watt, Hendrickson, Bosa and Parsons, with caution flags around Philly and Buffalo matchups.

The emphasis on snap rates, pass rush grades, and opponent offensive lines gives fantasy managers a sharper lens for rostering top DLs, linebackers, and defensive backs, while identifying safer floor plays in two-IDP formats. Week 3 intrigue lands across the entire IDP slate.

Dallas aims for its first 2025 win against New York, a team they’ve dominated lately. The Giants come in as underdogs with Daboll on the hot seat after back-to-back poor seasons, while Kafka shifts play-calling duties to focus on development. Fantasy angles hinge on Cowboys’ RBs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders carrying the ground game, Dak Prescott leaning on play-action, and Giants’ front seven trying to slow the run and pressure Prescott.

Giants personnel like Leonard Williams, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Bobby Okereke headline a defense that must curb the rushing attack, while Russell Wilson faces a must-improve day as New York’s opponent. The Dallas defense will also test a vulnerable New York run game, and odds emphasize a Cowboys edge despite the rivalry history. DFS and prop bets should hinge on pace, red-zone opportunities, and game-script for both sides.