[1] The Giants had a 4–10 record for the season and finished in last place in the National Football Conference East Division.

[2] The Giants selected Rocky Thompson in the 1971 NFL draft, with the 18th overall pick.

[3] After a winless preseason, New York began the regular season with a 2–1 record before posting a 2–9 mark in its final eleven games.

[4] Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams

Rookies in italics Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.