Giants vs. Patriots 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online

Even though he likely won’t be playing, all eyes will probably be on Tom Brady following the DeflateGate verdict.

Sep 3, 2015, 2:40 PM UTC

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants and Patriots have had a number of number of epic duels over the last decade. Most notably, the G-Men ended the Patriots' undefeated season in Super Bowl XLII, and beat New England fours years later in Super Bowl XLVI.

The stakes will be much lower when the two clubs meet at Gillette Stadium for the preseason finale Thursday night.

It's rare for many starters to play in the fourth week of the preseason, and both teams are expected to hold out the bulk of their starting lineups. That may not be comforting for Giants fans, though, considering their club was walloped last week by the lowly Jets.

It has not been an impressive summer for the Giants, who allowed Ryan Fitzpatrick to throw all over them last week. Fitzpatrick finished with a 133 quarterback rating, and threw two touchdown passes as well.

The Giants’ defense was just as porous as their offense last Saturday night. When Eli Manning was on the field, the Giants punted three times and turned the ball over once. New York running backs combined for a measly 2.6 yards per carry as well.

The Patriots fared better in their third preseason game, squeaking by the Panthers 17-16. Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the game for the Pats was Tom Brady's performance, as he led the Patriots on his first touchdown drive of the preseason as the first half was coming to a close. Brady ran the two-minute drill to perfection, and he orchestrated a seven-play, 80-yard drive in 1:23. Longtime Bills tight end -- and thorn in the Patriots' side -- Scott Chandler caught three passes, including an 18-yard touchdown.

It’s unlikely Brady will play Thursday night, but all eyes will probably be on him regardless following Judge Richard Berman’s decision to overturn the four-game Deflategate suspension issued by the NFL. Brady is now eligible to play Week 1, even if the NFL appeals.

Even if the results are meaningless, it is almost always enjoyable when the Patriots and Giants get together. As Pats Pulpit notes, a number of ex-Patriots now play in New York, including running back Shane Vereen, tight end Daniel Fells, linebacker Jonathan Casillas, and safety Brandon Meriweather.

Bill Belichick was a longtime defensive assistant coach with the Giants under Bill Parcells, as he manned the Meadowlands’ sidelines from 1979-1990.