Both the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers have seen better days. Both clubs boarded a plane to Munich with 2-7 records and more questions about the future than answers for the present. The Panthers took Bryce Young No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and at best his tenure could be described as a work in progress. His struggles have been well documented, but the franchise’s ability to return to the top of the draft isn’t solely up to him. Carolina’s defense ranks last in the league allowing nearly 400 yards and 33 points per game.

The Giants’ quarterback situation isn’t much better, but it is significantly more expensive. Only Gardner Minshew and Bo Nix have lower passer ratings than Daniel Jones this season, among quarterbacks with at least eight starts. Jones is in year 2 of a four-year, $160 million contract that the Giants could get this offseason if they choose to release him, with $22 million in dead money for next year’s salary cap. However, being away from home could be a boon for Jones and the Giants; only two of Jones’ eight touchdown passes this year have come at MetLife Stadium, where the Giants are 0-5.

How Giants vs. Panthers – NFL Germany Game to watch