[1] The Giants finished in last place in the National Football Conference East Division with a 4–12 record.
[2] In the 1980 NFL draft, the Giants selected defensive back Mark Haynes with their first-round pick, which was eighth overall.
[3] New York won its opening game of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals, 41–35, behind a five-touchdown performance by quarterback Phil Simms.
[4] The Giants lost the following game to Washington by two points, the start of an eight-game losing streak.
[2] Two Giants players, Dave Jennings and Brad Van Pelt, were selected for the 1981 Pro Bowl.