New York Giants quarterback Daniel jones (8) and running back Saquon Barkley (26). Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Keyshawn Johnson calls Giants top-five team in NFL, Stephen A. Smith incredulous

By Sam Nestler | Last updated 10/25/22

The New York Giants are 6-1 and former NFL receiver Keyshawn Johnson is all about it. But on 'First Take' Tuesday, insider Stephen A. Smith laughed at the idea that they are a top-five team in the NFL at this point.

"I got a lot of respect for them. I just don't think they are top-five material," Smith said.

To Keyshawn's point, there is a lot to like about the Giants. They are 6-1, found a way to come back, albeit against a poor Jaguars team, on Sunday, and have the best version of Saquon Barkley running all over opponent's defenses.

"They're 6-1, they got a two-headed monster in the running game last week with Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley and their defense is solid. They're 6-1," Johnson argued.

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Smith opted to go with the more traditional teams in his top five rankings. The Eagles, Bills, Chiefs, Cowboys and Bengals all made the cut, while the Giants were left hanging.

"If you could pick the Giants or the Cincinnati Bengals to go on the field for a playoff game right now, who would you go with?" Smith asked.

When Johnson replied with 'I'm going to go with the Giants', Smith was shocked.

The truth is, the Giants have a far better record than the Bengals (4-3). They defeated the Baltimore Ravens while the Bengals fell 19-17 to those same Ravens on the road. And Daniel Jones has fewer turnovers and a higher QB rating than Joe Burrow this season.

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