The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
Wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins will find the end zone for the fourth time in five games
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Let's just play the odds here. This could be a Darius Slayton, Daniel Bellinger or Richie James week. Or maybe Saquon Barkley or Daniel Jones run it in a couple of times? The Colts have done a very good job of preventing big plays through the air this season with Gus Bradley's Cover-3 zone, so this will be a game for rushing touchdowns, not passing touchdowns.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Get on the Hodgins bandwagon because seats are filling up fast. His knowledge of the offense from his time in Buffalo is paying dividends.
Lance Medow: Fiction – Isaiah Hodgins has clearly built some great chemistry with Daniel Jones since he joined the team in early November and Jones has leaned on him to move the chains in key spots as well as in the red zone. Those factors alone bode well for Hodgins' chances to find the end zone but don't overlook the Colts defense despite the team's record. They rank 11th in the NFL against the pass and didn't surrender a passing touchdown to Justin Herbert in Monday night's loss to the Chargers. It's also possible Hodgins could see a lot of Indy's best corner Stephon Gillmore. The latter factors have me leaning away from Hodgins getting another receiving touchdown.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Hodgins has been great over the last month and has emerged as one of Daniel Jones' most reliable targets. But all good things must come to an end at some point, and for Hodgins' touchdown streak, that end might come on Sunday. Hodgins, along with Darius Slayton, are likely to see coverage from Colts shutdown cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who lines up outside. When the Giants get into the red zone, it wouldn't be surprising to see the offense rely on Saquon Barkley and Jones' legs to punch the ball into the end zone. Chargers QB Justin Herbert did not throw a touchdown pass against the Colts last week, but RB Austin Ekeler scored twice. The Giants could follow a similar blueprint in the red zone on Sunday.
Saquon Barkley will have 100 yards rushing on Sunday
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Saquon Barkley has not run for 100 yards since Week 10 against the Houston Texans. He has only topped 80 yards twice since then, with both those games coming in the last two weeks. The Colts have a very good defensive front, and their 4.07 rush yards allowed per rush play ranks seventh in the league. Barkley is going to have one of those grind-it-out, tough-sledding games where the yards won't come easy.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Barkley has been the closer during games and now has a chance to seal the Giants' playoff berth with a big game. These have been the most important games of the careers for the vast majority of Giants players, and someone like Barkley isn't going to want to squander it.
Lance Medow: Fiction – Saquon Barkley hasn't hit the century mark on the ground since Week 10 against the Texans (152) – and that was seven weeks ago. The Colts have a solid defensive front led by DeForest Buckner, who has nine tackles for loss. Fellow defensive lineman Kwity Paye is tied for the team lead with linebacker Zaire Franklin at 10 tackles for loss. This group will be quite the challenge for Barkley and the offensive line to navigate. To make matters even more difficult, Derrick Henry is the only running back to pile up at least 100 rushing yards against the Colts this season and he accomplished that feat twice. No one else has reached that mark against Indy since Week 7.
Matt Citak: Fact – Barkley has not run for 100 yards since Week 10, but that will change on Sunday. After a rough five-game stretch, the star running back has rushed for 84 or more yards in each of the last two games. He averaged a stellar 6.0 yards per attempt against the Vikings last week, but only garnered 14 carries due to the offense leaning on the aerial attack against Minnesota's weak pass defense. Indianapolis' defense offers the opposite approach, as the unit's strength lies in its pass defense. The Colts rank 20th in the league with 122.2 rushing yards allowed per game while the pass defense ranks 11th. The offensive game plan will likely lean more toward the run this week, giving Barkley a great opportunity to top the 100-yard mark on the ground.
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts.
New York Giants linebacker Corey Miller (57) forces a fumble by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jeff George (11) in East Rutherford, NJ, Dec. 12, 1993.
Johnny Sample of the Baltimore Colts knocks the ball away from Bob Schnelker of the New York Giants, during third period of title game in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 27, 1959. As ball bounds away, fellow Colts chase it. Colts are: Dick Szymanski (52) and Don Shinnick (66). Giants are: Rosey Brown (79) and Frank Gifford (16). (AP Photo)
Johnny Sample of the Baltimore Colts knocks the ball away from Bob Schnelker of the New York Giants, during third period of title game in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 27, 1959. As ball bounds away, fellow Colts chase it. Colts are: Dick Szymanski (52) and Don Shinnick (66). Giants are: Rosey Brown (79) and Frank Gifford (16). (AP Photo)
Johnny Sample of the Baltimore Colts knocks the ball away from Bob Schnelker of the New York Giants, during third period of title game in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 27, 1959. As ball bounds away, fellow Colts chase it. Colts are: Dick Szymanski (52) and Don Shinnick (66). Giants are: Rosey Brown (79) and Frank Gifford (16). (AP Photo)
Johnny Sample of the Baltimore Colts knocks the ball away from Bob Schnelker of the New York Giants, during third period of title game in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 27, 1959. As ball bounds away, fellow Colts chase it. Colts are: Dick Szymanski (52) and Don Shinnick (66). Giants are: Rosey Brown (79) and Frank Gifford (16). (AP Photo)
Lennie Moore (24) of the Baltimore Colts catches a pass from Johnny Unitas in behind Linden Crow (41) of the New York Giants during the first quarter of play in New York, Dec. 27, 1959. Dick Nolan (25) of the Giants looks on. The play was good for a total of 60 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants' Pat Summerall kicks for 28 yards and a field goal with less than three minutes to play Nov. 9, 1958, to win the game against the Baltimore Colts in New York's Yankee Stadium. Holiding for the kick is Charley Conerly. Giants won 24-21. Colts, right, are halfback Milt Davis (20), and Andy Nelson (80). Summerall also kicked the three points after touchdown for the Giants. (AP photo/Harry Harris)
Bob Schnelker (85), New York Giants end, catches a long pass as Carl Taseff of the Baltimore Colts misses in his try to knock the ball away in the second quarter of the championship game in Baltimore, Dec. 27, 1959. Charlie Conerly of the Giants threw the pass. (AP Photo)
Baltimore Colts fullback Alan Ameche advances through a big opening provided by teammates to score the winning touchdown in overtime period against the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dec. 28, 1958. Colts' Lenny Moore gets a good block on Giants' Emlen Tunnell (45) at left. Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas (19) is at right along with Giants' Jim Patton (20). Batimore won, 23-17, for National Football League title in the first overtime finish in title history. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Greg Larson (53) blocks for Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game agains the Baltimore Colts on November 3,1968 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Baltimore Colts beat the New York Giants 26-0. Greg Larson played for 13 years, all with the New York Giants and was a 1-tim Pro Bowler(David Durochik via AP)
Gary Jeter, defensive end for the New York Giants, dives to the ground and brings down quarterback Bert Jones of the Baltimore Colts as he gets off a pass in the first quarter of their NFL exhibition game in Baltimore, Md., Aug. 22, 1980. The Colt's running back Mark Bailey (41) races to block another Giant defender, as Jones' pass fell incomplete in the end zone. (AP Photo/Joe Giza)
New York Giants running back Billy Taylor is surrounded by Baltimore Colt tacklers in the first quarter in their NFL exhibition game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Aug. 15, 1981. Mike Woods (59), Herb Orvis (88) and Ed Simonini (56) make the stop for the Colts. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Duane Bickett (50) helps makes a tackle against New York Giants fullback Kenyon Rasheed (44) in East Rutherford, NJ, Dec. 12, 1993. The Giants defeated the Colts 20-6. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Rodney Hampton (27) in action in East Rutherford, NJ, Dec. 12, 1993. The Giants defeated the Colts 20-6. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants guard William Roberts (66) and Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Tony Siragusa (98) clash in East Rutherford, NJ, Dec. 12, 1993. The Giants defeated the Colts 20-6. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Luke Petitgout (77) lines up in a two-point stance (77) during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 22, 2002. The Giants defeated the Colts 44-27 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is tackled as he reaches for the end zone during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, in Indianapolis. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants guard Rich Seubert (69) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, in Indianapolis. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins (5) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, in Indianapolis. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, in Indianapolis. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 22, 2002. The Giants defeated the Colts 44-27 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, points out the defense before taking the snap from center Shaun O'Hara as Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett (58) looks on during first quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) runs with an interception of a third quarter pass intended for Indianapolis Colts Dallas Clark (44) during NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress (17) pulls in an Eli Manning pass on his way to a touchdown near the end of the second quarter as Indianapolis Colts' Nick Harper (25) defends during NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Indianapolis Colts corner back Nick Harper grabs New York Giants' Plaxico Burress (17) during the first quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett, right, during third quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Colts beat the Giants, 26-21. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) attempts to go over the top as Indianapolis Colts' Antonio Bethea, right, Nick Harper and Gary Brackett (58) converge during fourth quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Colts beat the Giants, 26-21. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins (98) during first quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) points out the defense before taking the snap from center Jake Scott as New York Giants defensive tackle Michael Strahan (92) looks on during first quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, runs from Indianapolis Colts defensive end Keyunta Dawson during an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Giants 38-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants blocks against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Giants 38-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs with the football against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Giants 38-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waits to take the snap as the Indianapolis Colts defense waits during an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants points as he calls out signals at the line of scrimmage prior to the snap of the football against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Giants 38-14. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, right, greets his brother New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning following an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. Indianapolis won 38-14. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) in action during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Giants in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, meets with his brother Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning following their NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. The Colts defeated the Giants 38-14. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) in action during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Giants in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Kavell Conner in the second half during an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. The Colts won 38-14. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a 54-yard touchdown reception while being defended by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jacob Lacey (27) during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
CORRECTS TO MONDAY, NOV. 3, 2014 FROM TUESDAY, NOV. 4, 2014 - New York Giants wide receiver Corey Washington, right, catches a pass for a touchdown as he is defended by Indianapolis Colts' Josh Gordy (27) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts defensive back Mike Adams (29) during an NFL football game at MetLife Stadium on Monday, November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Indianapolis won 40-24. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants defensive end Robert Ayers (91) during a week 9 football game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Indianapolis Colts take on the New York Giants during a week 9 football game on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Corey Washington (88) catches a pass for a touchdown as he is defended by Indianapolis Colts' Josh Gordy (27) during the second half of an NFL football game Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) rushes for a gain as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Greg Toler (28) defends during an NFL football game at MetLife Stadium on Monday, November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Indianapolis won 40-24. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Indianapolis Colts' Mike Adams (29) during the second half of an NFL football game Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) runs away from Indianapolis Colts' Darius Butler (20) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) talks with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) after a week 9 football game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
CORRECTS TO MONDAY, NOV. 3, 2014 FROM TUESDAY, NOV. 4, 2014 - New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) catches a pass in front of Indianapolis Colts' Mike Adams (29) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin gives a hug to former New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (14) after a week 9 football game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on Monday, November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Indianapolis won 40-24. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs away from Indianapolis Colts' Andy Studebaker (58) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) attempts to intercept a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) during a week 9 football game on November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) scores a touchdown in front of Indianapolis Colts defensive back Mike Adams (29) during an NFL football game at MetLife Stadium on Monday, November 3, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Indianapolis won 40-24. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams, front center, scores a touchdown as Indianapolis Colts' Mike Adams (29) and Sergio Brown (38) react during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Scott Simonson (82) dives in for a touchdown under Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs with the football as he is tackled by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis (94) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. The Colts won 28-27. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the football during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. The Colts won 28-27. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore (23) tries to strip the ball from New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during a week 16 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during a week 16 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the football during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. The Colts won 28-27. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31) after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during a week 16 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) following a week 16 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Pierre Desir (35) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) reacts during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) tries to get past Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Matthew Adams (49) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch over Indianapolis Colts free safety Malik Hooker (29) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
![New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)]](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album_2x/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ogbtb4qo2huscde3dewr.jpg)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)]
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore (23) chases down New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore (23) chases down New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants free safety Curtis Riley (35) intercepts a pass in the end zone against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch over Indianapolis Colts free safety Malik Hooker (29) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs in for a touchdown in front of Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch over Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Quarterback Daniel Jones is the most important offensive player in the win-and-in game
John Schmeelk: Fact – The quarterback is always the most important player in any game. The Colts have struggled to score points all year, and if the Giants protect the football and play sound football the Colts will likely make enough mistakes for the Giants to win the game. Daniel Jones will have the ball in his hands on every single play. He doesn't need to make a bunch of big dynamic plays or chuck the ball down the field. He just needs to make good decisions, protect the football, get the ball out quickly, and not make any big mistakes. If he does, the Giants should be able to win the game.
Dan Salomone: Fact – When the pressure rises, more and more is put on the shoulder of quarterbacks. That's what they sign up for. They get the most scrutiny but also the most praise.
Lance Medow: Fact – The offensive line is the most important facet of that side of the ball because the Colts have a very strong defensive front and have recorded 43 sacks (sixth in the NFL) but you can't single out one lineman in particular as Indy will present several tough assignments across the board. If the focus is on one player, then it usually comes back to the quarterback and this is the latest test for Daniel Jones in essentially a playoff atmosphere. His decision making and ability to navigate the Colts defense will play a major role in determining how the offense fares.
Matt Citak: Fact – When Jones is firing on all cylinders, the Giants' offense is tough to stop. The unit scored 24 points last weekend, the highest total since Week 10, as Jones led the way with 334 passing yards, his second-most of the season, and a career-high 30 completions. The Giants gained a season-high 445 total yards of offense last week, and while Jones may have a tougher time throwing the football against Indy's defense, he is still the most important player on offense. The Giants and Lions are tied with a league-low 15 turnovers, and Jones has played the biggest part in that. If he can go another game without turning over the ball while continuing his steady efficiency throwing and running the ball, the offense will be in great shape.
Linebacker Landon Collins is the X-factor for the Giants' defense
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Landon Collins only played 46% of the snaps last week, and made a few key plays that helped the Giants hold the Vikings to just 24 points until their game-winning field goal. But it will be Dexter Lawrence against center Ryan Kelly and Kayvon Thibodeaux against rookie left tackle Bernhard Raimann that will determine if the Giants win the game. The Colts have allowed the second-most sacks in the league this season (56) and if Nick Foles is pressured, odds are good he will turn over the ball a couple of times.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Don't overlook the experience that he brings to the locker room in addition to the field. Collins, a three-time Pro Bowler, is the only member of the active roster who was around for the Giants' last playoff berth.
Lance Medow: Fiction – Landon Collins has shown some nice flashes in the last two games but Sunday's contest will come down to play in the trenches, especially since the Colts' offensive line has had plenty of issues and movable parts this season. Indy quarterbacks have been sacked 56 times (second-most in the NFL), including seven Nick Foles absorbed in Monday's loss to the Chargers. Two weeks ago, Kayvon Thibodeaux's motor was non-stop against the Commanders and his effort produced several disruptive plays. Thibodeaux can be the X-factor. If he can capitalize on some attractive matchups, that could very well influence the outcome of the game.
Matt Citak: Fiction – The X-factor for the Giants' defense this week is Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Colts are coming off a game in which they surrendered seven sacks, bringing their season total to 56. Only the Broncos (57) have given up more. We all know how much Wink Martindale loves blitzing the quarterback, and as he told the media on Thursday, "there's definitely blood in the water." The Giants are going to pressure Nick Foles throughout Sunday's contest, and Thibodeaux could be the key to the pass rush hitting home. Don't forget, we're only two weeks removed from his breakout game. As we've already seen against both Baltimore and Washington, the rookie tends to show up in the biggest moments.
Limited tickets available for Giants vs. Colts
