EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Make no mistakes, this match-up between the New York Jets (6-5) and New York Giants (5-6) will be for much more than bragging rights. This game will have major playoff implications, and is a must win game for both sides.
Currently, the Giants only realistic shot of making the playoffs is to win the NFC East. The Giants share the same record as the Washington Redskins (5-6), and split the season series. Washington sits in first place due to a better divisional record (2-1) than the Giants (2-3). The Philadelphia Eagles (4-7) are still in the mix, and beat the Giants once this year.
Currently the Jets only realistic shot of making the playoffs is to take an AFC Wild Card spot. The Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) hold the first Wild Card spot, and own the tie breaker over the Jets. The Houston Texans (6-5) hold the final Wild Card spot, and also own the tie breaker over the Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5).
Its a tight playoff race coming down the stretch for both New York teams. The only way to into the playoffs is to control your own destiny. The only way to do that is to win games. With just five weeks remaining, the Jets and Giants can not afford to lose any games.
Here’s a couple things to watch for in today’s “Battle for New York”:
1) Which Eli Manning shows up today?
In games that the Giants have lost this season, Eli Manning has thrown 5 interceptions and been sacked 15 times. The Giants are only going to go as far as Manning will take them. Manning will need to make good decisions all day, and that includes throwing the ball away when necessary. Five of his nine interceptions on the year have came on 3rd down. Manning gets into trouble when he is trying to force the issue. However, when Manning has been on he has been brilliant. In the games the Giants have won this season, Manning has a 96.1 QB rating. Manning in those wins tallied 1,315 yards for 10 TDs. in the month of November, Manning has had his most productive month. Last month, Manning threw for 1,245 yards and 12 TDs. Look for Manning to continue the production into the month of December, starting with a 230+ yard and 2 TD (0 INT) day against the Jets.
2) Jets Secondary
The Jets have been hit with the injury bug at the worst possible time. Darrelle Revis and his backup Marcus Williams will both be out against the Giants this Sunday. This might be a recipe for disaster for the Jets secondary. Odell Beckham Jr. is playing terrific football, and currently has a four game streak of 100+ receiving yards. Dexter McDougle or Buster Skrine will be looked on to fill Williams and Revis’ shoes. Antonio Cromartie will need to be on his “A” game as well. It will take a committee effort from the banged up Jets secondary to hold off the Giants 9th ranked passing offense.
3) Where has the Giants rushing game been?
The Giants seemed to have forgotten that there is another option other than passing the football. The Giants currently own the 28th best rushing attack in the NFL, with just 983 yards on the year. No Giant running back has had a 100 yard rushing game this season. This seems almost unheard of, with the Giants being known for a power run game in previous years. Rashad Jennings hasn’t seen the production that was expected from him. Jennings has just one TD on the year. Shane Vereen has been the more effective back, but in the passing game. Vereen has three receiving TDs on the year. The Giants run game will continue to struggle against a stingy Jets run defense that is top ranked in the NFL.
Prediction: Giants 17 – Jets 26
Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732