How many games can NY Giants realistically win this season?

Editor's note: This is Part 1 of 26 in Art Stapleton's New York Giants summer series Q&A

The standard by which John Harbaugh wants his New York Giants to be judged was set forth in the opening statement of his introductory news conference as head coach six months ago.

“To be on the biggest stage in the biggest sport, I know the challenges. I understand the expectations,” Harbaugh said. “I know the fans are hungry for a winner. We're here with one mission: to become, to earn the right to be called the world champions in New York, and that's what we plan to do."

So what's the plan to make that happen? No longer is Harbaugh the unknown coach named to lead the Baltimore Ravens 18 years ago, when seemingly everyone outside of his inner circle had the same question: "Who is this guy?"

At 63, Harbaugh does not need to sell himself to anyone. He brings instant credibility to the job at hand, and the entire organization is encouraged by what they have seen so far. 

For now, there are far more questions than answers. But we hope to set the table for the summer and beyond with 26 questions that will define the 2026 Giants season.

Question #1:How many games can Giants win this season?

There is optimism for the Giants. The schedule does not appear as daunting as it did one year ago, but this won't be a cake walk, either.

With 180 regular-season wins on his resume, 13 more in the playoffs and a Super Bowl ring with his name on it, Harbaugh knows what that level of success looks like. He's also walked in here with eyes wide open, much in the same manner Mike Vrabel returned to New England this time a year ago.

The Patriots' reality did not match up to the coach's expectations.

Four wins last season, just like the Giants.

A talented quarterback entering Year 2, just like the Giants.

The undeniable resume for an experienced coach who demanded change for the better. Sound familiar?

When nobody believed in the Patriots, their coach made the players believe. His personality helped forge a new identity, holding the locker room - everyone in the building, really - to an unwavering standard, far surpassing their projected win total of 8.5 during an improbable Super Bowl run.

The Giants' projected win total is pegged at 7.5, and when you look at how close they were in far too many losses a year ago, this is a team that can flip the script if things come together.

Harbaugh's final team with the Ravens finished 8-9 and lost out on the AFC North championship when kicker Tyler Loop's potential game-winning field goal sailed wide on the final night of the 2025 season.

Yes, the Giants have won seven games total over the last two years with 10 double-digit loss seasons since 2014. In stark contrast, though, Harbaugh's teams in Baltimore have seven double-digit win seasons over that span - and the Giants have just one. 

The Harbaugh impact won't be measured by the Giants' chances of making a Super Bowl run, of course. But the prospects of turning the corner quicker than anticipated are there with a talented defense, a potential breakout performer at QB with Jaxson Dart and a coach who knows how to get it right.

The Giants' two most recent playoff trips came in the first seasons of Ben McAdoo (2016) and Brian Daboll (2022), and each of those teams finished with double-digit victories.

"The plan is to win every game. I mean, one game at a time, you go into every game planning to win that game," Harbaugh said. "That's our expectation. We will be expecting to do that. But we've got to earn the right to expect that by how we go to work and prepare, and what kind of a team that we make ourselves into."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How many games can NY Giants realistically win this season?