What happened: ESPN's Dan Graziano said it is time to take the New York Giants' NFC East chances seriously. New York reached the late-October stretch in position to contend for the division crown after taking sole possession of the NFC East earlier in October.

Why it matters: An NFC East title brings a home playoff game and a clearer path through the NFC bracket. Staying in first place into late October keeps tiebreakers and roster decisions under postseason pressure.

What to watch: Upcoming division games will decide whether New York holds its ground through November.