The Giants.com crew discusses key players heading into another playoff-clinching opportunity this week against the Indianapolis Colts:
John Schmeelk: There was an abundance of Christmas spirit that allowed my three compatriots to select first in this week's Cover 4, and they were kind enough to leave me some very nice low-hanging fruit - Saquon Barkley.
The Giants, at their core, are still a running team. In games when Saquon Barkley has rushed for at least 70 yards, they are 8-2. This is not a case where in those games the Giants had leads and were running it late in the game to dilate the stats. They were winning those games because of Barkley and big runs he made in those games. In games Barkley had a run of 20+ yards the Giants are 5-3.
It was encouraging that the Giants were able to pass the ball as well as they did against the Vikings on Sunday, but all those yards came along with a lost fumble and interception that eventually cost them the game.
Against a team like the Colts which has had trouble scoring points this year, the Giants should be able to control the ball on the ground, focus on playing a better brand of football and win the turnover battle, and walk away with a playoff clinching win.
Dan Salomone: For the vast majority of Giants players, this has been the most important stretch of football in their NFL careers. And, fair or not, quarterbacks shoulder the burden of wins and losses, agony and defeat. Daniel Jones has accepted that responsibility since the moment he took the torch from Eli Manning. His first few seasons were devoid of meaningful games in December and January, but that's not the case in the first year under Brian Daboll. Now the Giants can clinch a playoff berth by winning one of their last two games, starting New Year's Day at home against Indianapolis.
"It's a huge opportunity for us," Jones said after the last-second loss to the Vikings, which delayed a potential playoff-clinching moment by at least a week. "We're looking forward to it, and we'll do everything we can to prepare as well as we can this week and get ready for a good opponent on Sunday. Take it day by day, do everything we can, get the most out of each day so that we are as prepared as we can be, and then cut loose Sunday. We're excited for the opportunity."
View photos of the all-time history of New York Giants in the Pro Bowl.
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) drops back to pass while the Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) gets set to block him during Pro Bowl Games in Hawaii in 1986. (AP Photo)
NFC New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) chases the action during the NFL Pro Bowl Football game against the AFC on Feb. 6, 2000 in Honolulu. The NFC won the game 51-31. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) of the East rolls out to pass as Baltimore Colts defensive tackle Fred Miller (76) of the West applies pressure during the 1968 NFL Pro Bowl in Los Angeles, Calif., Jan. 21, 1968.
Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Robinson (89) and Detroit Lions Hall of Fame cornerback Lem Barney (20) pursue New York Giants running back Ernie Koy (24) of the East during the 1968 NFL Pro Bowl in Los Angeles, Calif., Jan. 21, 1968.
New York Giants quarterback Norm Snead (16) of the NFC throws a pass during the 1973 NFL Pro Bowl in Irving, Texas, Jan. 21, 1973. The AFC defeated the NFC 33-28 at Texas Stadium.
New York Giants running back Ron Johnson (30) of the NFC runs away from Houston Oilers defensive end Elvin Bethea (65) of the AFC during the 1973 NFL Pro Bowl in Irving, Texas, Jan. 21, 1973. The AFC defeated the NFC 33-28 at Texas Stadium.
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) takes a defensive stance during the NFL Pro Bowl football game between the AFC and the NFC in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 29, 1984. The NFC won the game 45-3.
NFC defensive back Mark Haynes (36) of the New York Giants runs with the football after intercepting a pass during the NFC's 45-3 victory over the AFC in the 1984 NFL Pro Bowl played on January 29, 1984 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo)
NFC linebacker Brad Van Pelt (10) of the New York Giants in action during the NFC's 21-7 victory over the AFC in the 1981 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 1, 1981 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson (53) at the NFL Pro Bowl, a 16-13 AFC victory on January 31, 1982, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
NFC quarterback Joe Theismann (7) of the Washington Redskins congratulates Giants place kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh (6) after kicking a 23-yard field goal during the NFC's 45-3 victory over the AFC in the 1984 NFL Pro Bowl played on January 29, 1984 at Aloha S
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) drops back to pass while the Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) gets set to block him during Pro Bowl Games in Hawaii in 1986.
NFC running back Joe Morris of the New York Giants carries the football during the NFC's 28-24 victory over the AFC in the 1986 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 2, 1986 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
NFC New York Giants nose tackle Jim Burt (64) looks on during the 1987 NFL Pro Bowl football game between the AFC and the NFC on February 1, 1987 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The AFC won the game 10-6. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (Hall of Fame Class of 2004) has his pass batted down by Giants defensive tackle Leonard Marshall (70) during the AFC's 10-6 victory over the NFC in the 1987 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 1, 1987 at Aloha Stadium.
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson signs autographs for fans at the NFL Pro Bowl, a 15-6 AFC victory on February 7, 1988, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
NFC linebacker Carl Banks of the New York Giants during the NFC's 15-6 loss to the AFC in the 1988 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 7, 1988 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Giants safety Terry Kinard (43) picks off a pass during the NFL Pro Bowl, a 34-3 NFC victory on January 29, 1989, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor (57) at the NFL Pro Bowl, a 27-21 NFC victory on February 4, 1990, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
NFC center Bart Oates of the New York Giants signs autographs for fans before the NFC's 23-21 loss to the AFC in the 1991 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 3, 1991 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
NFC punter Sean Landeta (5) of the New York Giants kicks the football away during the NFC's 23-21 loss to the AFC in the 1991 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 3, 1991 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
NFC tackle William Roberts of the New York Giants during the NFC's 23-21 loss to the AFC in the 1991 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 3, 1991 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
NFC cornerback Reyna Thompson (22) of the New York Giants and safety Mark Carrier (24) of the Chicago Bears line up opposite AFC punt team gunner Steve Tasker (89) of the Buffalo Bills during the NFC's 23-21 loss to the AFC in the 1991 NFL Pro Bowl.
NFC center Bart Oates (65) of the New York Giants sets to snap the football during the NFC's 21-15 victory over the AFC in the 1992 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 2, 1992 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Giants running back Rodney Hampton on Pro Bowl Media Day before the AFC's 23-20 overtime victory over the NFC in the 1993 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 7, 1993 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
NFC running back Rodney Hampton (27) of the New York Giants carries the football during the NFC's 17-3 victory over the AFC in the 1994 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 6, 1994 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan at photo day for the NFL Pro Bowl on January 31, 1998, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
NFC defensive end Michael Strahan (92) of the New York Giants in action during the AFC's 29-24 victory over the NFC in the 1998 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 1, 1998 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
AFC head coach Bill Belichick (facing camera) and NFC New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, who is retiring from pro football, embrace on the field following the Pro Bowl football game at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007.
Antonio Pierce #58 and Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants during pregame introductions as the AFC and NFC All-Stars compete in the 2007 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 10, 2007 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The AFC defeated the NFC 31-28. (AP Photo)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72), of the NFC team, is introduced as the lone Super Bowl champion Giants player before the Pro Bowl football game in Honolulu, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008.
New York Giants football players from left to right, Zak DeOssie (51), Eli Manning (10), Chris Snee (76), Justin Tuck (91), John Carney (5), Shaun O'Hara (60), and Jeff Feagles (18) pose for photos with hula dancers before an NFC practice.
NFC All-Stars Tiki Barber #21, Osi Umenyiora #72, David Tyree #85, and Michael Strahan #92 pose for a team photo
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) celebrates a touchdown catch with tackle David Diehl (66) during first quarter of the NFL football Pro Bowl Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in Miami. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) talks to center Shaun O'Hara (60) during the NFL football Pro Bowl Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in Miami. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, left, and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, pose for photos with their dad Archie Manning, center, before Pro Bowl football practice in Kapolei, Hawaii, Friday Feb. 6, 200
NFC All-Stars quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass against the AFC All-Stars in the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 8, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC All-Stars punter Jeff Feagles #18 of the New York Giants punts the ball to the AFC All-Stars in the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 8, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC All-Stars place kicker John Carney #5 of the New York Giants kicks a fourth quarter field goal to give his team a 30-21 lead against the AFC All-Stars in the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 8, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck flashes a Hawaiian "shaka" sign on the field before Pro Bowl NFL football game at Aloha Stadium, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) points to a first down during the NFL football Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara (60) of the National Football Conference NFC All-Stars during the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl, January 31, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The AFC won the game 41-34. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants guard Chris Snee (76) of the NFC plays in the NFL Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011 in Honolulu.
New York Giants long snapper Zak DeOssie (51) comes out on the field prior to the NFL AFC/NFC 2011 Pro Bowl on Sunday January 30, 2011 in Honolulu, HI. The NFC won the game 55-41. (AP Photo/ Jim Mahoney)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, left,, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, center, and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) share a laugh before the NFC team photo at the NFL Football Pro Bowl in Kapolei, Hawaii, Friday, Jan. 25, 2013.
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) of the NFC breaks away from Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis (98) and Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) of the AFC to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the NFL football Pro Bowl game in Honolulu, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013.
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) of the NFC celebrates a touchdown reception by doing the salsa during the NFL Pro Bowl all-star football game at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 27, 2013. The NFC defeated the AFC 62-35.
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) of the AFC pulls down New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) of the NFC after Pierre-Paul made an interception during the forth quarter of the NFL Pro Bowl football game in Honolulu, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. The NFC beat the AFC 62-35.
New York Giants offensive lineman Chris Snee (76) of the NFC blocks at the line of scrimmage during the NFL Pro Bowl all-star football game, Sunday, January 27, 2013 in Honolulu. The NFC defeated the AFC 62-35.
New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) of Team Rice before the start of the NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014, in Honolulu.
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) hugs Michael Irvin after being selected by Team Irvin during the Pro Bowl draft at the Arizona Biltmore on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona.
New York Giants' Odell Beckham shakes hands with young spectators before the NFL Football Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz.
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) of Team Irvin runs the ball as Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) of Team Carter defends during the 2015 NFL Pro Bowl game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, January 25, 2015 in Glendale, AZ.
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13), of Team Rice, makes a one handed catch following practice on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Kahuku, Hawaii.
New York Giants Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) intercepts a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. (13) during the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10), of Team Rice, celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during an NFL Pro Bowl football game against Team Irvin on, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu.
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) of Team Irvin returns an interception during an NFL Pro Bowl Game against Team Rice on January 31, 2016. Team Irvin defeated Team Rice 49-27.
New York Giants safety Landon Collins (21) runs upfield during the NFC football practice for the NFL Pro Bowl, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 at Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
New York Giants Odell Beckham Jr. (13) competes in the Drone Drop event at the 2017 Pro Bowl Skills Challenge on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
AFC fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), of the Baltimore Ravens, is tackled by NFC linebacker Anthony Barr (55), of the Minnesota Vikings, and defensive back Janoris Jenkins (20), of the New York Giants, after catching a pass during the first half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017.
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) lines up during the NFL Pro Bowl football game Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, in Orlando, Fla.
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) and his teammates pose in the end zone before the 2017 NFL Pro Bowl football game Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017 in Orlando. The AFC won 20 - 13.
Michael Strahan of the New York Giants laughs as he answers a question during a press conference to promote the Pro Bowl during festivities for Super Bowl XL in Detroit Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
NFC linebacker Kevin Greene of the Carolina Panthers looks innocent enough after getting Michael Strahan, Reggie White, and John Randle to crack up on Pro Bowl Media Day before the AFC's 23-10 victory over the NFC in the 1999 NFL Pro Bowl played on Februa (Paul Spinelli via AP)
HONOLULU, HI - FEBRUARY 9: New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan #92 of the NFC runs in pursuit against the AFC in the 2002 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 9, 2002 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The AFC defeated the NFC 38-30. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan at photo day for the NFL Pro Bowl on January 31, 1998, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
HONOLULU, HI - FEBRUARY 9: New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan #92 of the NFC tries to beat a block against the AFC in the 2002 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 9, 2002 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The AFC defeated the NFC 38-30. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Left to right, Barry Sanders, who retired from the Detroit Lions, Michael Strahan of the New York Giants, Tony Gonzalez of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers speaks during a press conference to promote the Pro Bowl during festivities for Super Bowl XL in Detroit Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora, center left, and Michael Strahan, center right, clown around as they get ready for a team photo with hula dancers Anreana Tseu, left, and Liana Green, right, prior to NFC practice for the Pro Bowl Friday, Feb. 10, 2006, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
HONOLULU, HI - FEBRUARY 9: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez #87 of the AFC runs a pass pattern against New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan #92 of the NFC in the 2000 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 6, 2000 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 51-31. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Michael Strahan, left, of the New York Giants, and Tony Gonzalez of the Kansas City Chiefs, take questions during a press conference to promote the Pro Bowl during festivities for Super Bowl XL in Detroit Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
NFC Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, left, greets his twin brother NFC New York Giants running back Tiki Barber following the NFL football Pro Bowl Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
A detail view of the gold chain worn by New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) following an NFC Team Practice prior to an NFL Pro Bowl football game on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
NFC defensive back Michael Thomas (31), of the New York Giants, runs onto the field during player introductions before the NFL Pro Bowl football game against the AFC Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during the NFL Pro Bowl Football Game, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. The AFC beat the NFC 26-7. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) and New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrate after a play during the NFL Pro Bowl Football Game, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. The AFC beat the NFC 26-7. (Matt Patterson via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during an NFL Pro Bowl football game on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 in Orlando, Fla. The AFC team won 26-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) looks on following an NFC Team Practice prior to an NFL Pro Bowl football game on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
NFC running back Saquon Barkley (26), of the New York Giants, runs onto the field during player introductions before the NFL Pro Bowl football game against the AFC Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during the NFL Pro Bowl Football Game, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. The AFC beat the NFC 26-7. (Matt Patterson via AP)
New York Giants tight end Mark Bavaro (89) looks on from the sideline during the NFL Pro Bowl football game between the NFC National Football Conference and the AFC American Football Conference on Sunday, Feb. 1, 1987 in Honolulu. The AFC won the game 10-6. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) talks with New York Giants outside linebacker Olivier Vernon (54) during an NFL Pro Bowl football game on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 in Orlando, Fla. The AFC team won 26-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Michael Thomas (31) catches a pass during practice for the 2019 Pro Bowl, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019 in Kissimmee, Fla. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is seen during practice for the 2019 Pro Bowl, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019 in Kissimmee, Fla. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
NFC safety Landon Collins (21), of the New York Giants, watches from the sideline during the second half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game against the AFC in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. The AFC won 20-13. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
NFC quarterback Russell Wilson (3), of the Seattle Seahawks, hands off to running back Saquon Barkley (26), of the New York Giants, before the NFL Pro Bowl football game Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) jokes around with New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) at the NFL Pro Bowl football draft at Wheeler Army Airfield, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Wahiawa, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10), of Team Rice, celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during an NFL Pro Bowl football game against Team Irvin on, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor at the NFL Pro Bowl, a 27-21 NFC victory on February 4, 1990, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
NFC linebacker Jessie Armstead (98) of the New York Giants in action during the AFC's 29-24 victory over the NFC in the 1998 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 1, 1998 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) of the NFC is introduced during the NFL Pro Bowl all-star football game at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 27, 2013. The NFC defeated the AFC 62-35. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts)
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) of the NFC talks with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) of the NFC during Pro Bowl practice at Joint Base Pearl Habor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii on Thursday, January 24, 2013. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
Running back Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball while chased by AFC safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2005 NFL Pro Bowl All-Stars game on February 13, 2005 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The AFC defeated the NFC 38-27. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC linebacker Jessie Armstead (98) of the New York Giants in action during the AFC's 29-24 victory over the NFC in the 1998 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 1, 1998 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
NFC New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) and Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka wear leis as they pose for a team photograph during the week of the 1989 NFL Pro Bowl football game against the AFC on Jan. 24, 1989 in Honolulu. The NFC won the game 34-3. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Jessie Armstead at photo day for the NFL Pro Bowl on January 31, 1998, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
NFC running back Rodney Hampton of the New York Giants during Pro Bowl Media Day before the NFC's 17-3 victory over the AFC in the 1994 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 6, 1994 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan at photo day for the NFL Pro Bowl on January 31, 1998, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10), New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74), Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood (70), Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Logan Mankins (70) are seen at the NFL Pro Bowl football draft at Wheeler Army Airfield, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Wahiawa, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
NFC running back Rodney Hampton of the New York Giants carries the football during the NFC's 23-20 overtime loss to the AFC in the 1993 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 7, 1993 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) of the NFC team catches punts in a sumo suit during a NFC Team Practice on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants safety Terry Kinard (43) picks off a pass during the NFL Pro Bowl, a 34-3 NFC victory on January 29, 1989, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson signs autographs for fans at the NFL Pro Bowl, a 15-6 AFC victory on February 7, 1988, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor shakes hands with then-Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Alan Page at the NFL Pro Bowl, a 15-6 AFC victory on February 7, 1988, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) of the NFC makes a touchdown reception during the NFL Pro Bowl all-star football game at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 27, 2013. The NFC defeated the AFC 62-35. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) of the NFC signs autographs after NFC Pro Bowl practice at Kapolei High School in Kapolei, Hawaii on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) of Team Rice throws a pass during the NFL Pro Bowl football game against Team Irvin on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016 in Honolulu. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) of Team Rice makes a play during the first quarter of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
NFC All-Stars punter Jeff Feagles #18 of the New York Giants punts the ball to the AFC All-Stars in the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 8, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. of Team Rice catches a pass with one hand during NFL Pro Bowl football practice, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Kahuku, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner) Team Rice
New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) of Team Rice during the third quarter at the NFL Pro Bowl football game at Aloha Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) of the NFC team dunks a football during a NFC Team Practice on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) of the NFC signs autographs after NFC Pro Bowl practice at Kapolei High School in Kapolei, Hawaii on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts)
NFC free safety Antrel Rolle, of the New York Giants, and linebacker Jon Beason (52), of the Carolina Panthers, celebrate during the first quarter against the AFC in the Pro Bowl NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/ Marco Garcia)
(L-R) NBC Sports game analyst Al Michaels poses for a photo with quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants and father Archie Manning prior to the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl against the AFC All-Stars at Aloha Stadium on February 8, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC All-Stars place kicker John Carney #5 of the New York Giants kicks a fourth quarter field goal to give his team a 30-21 lead against the AFC All-Stars in the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 8, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC All-Stars guard Chris Snee #76 of the New York Giants blocks AFC All-Stars defensive tackle Shaun Rogers #92 of the Cleveland Browns in the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 8, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) points to a first down during the NFL football Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the National Football Conference NFC All-Stars New York Giants drops back to pass at practice the day before the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 7, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC All-Stars quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants looks to hand off the ball on a running play against the AFC All-Stars in the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 8, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC All-Stars punter Jeff Feagles #18 of the New York Giants punts the ball to the AFC All-Stars in the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 8, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Hula girls flank members of the NFC All-Stars (L-R) Zak DeOssie #51, Eli Manning #10, Chris Snee #76, Justin Tuck #91, John Carney #5, Shaun O'Hara #60, and Jeff Feagles #18 of the New York Giants at team photo day the week of the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at the Ihilani Resort and Spa on February 6, 2009 in Kapolei, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the National Football Conference NFC All-Stars New York Giants drops back to pass during practice the week of the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at the Ihilani Resort and Spa on February 6, 2009 in Kapolei, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC All-Stars quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants hands off the ball on a running play against the AFC All-Stars in the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 8, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Long snapper Zak DeOssie #51 of the National Football Conference NFC All-Stars New York Giants works out at practice the day before the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 7, 2009 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl (66) talks to center Shaun O'Hara (60) during the NFL football Pro Bowl Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in Miami. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the National Football Conference NFC All-Stars New York Giants has some fun on the field with guard Chris Snee #76 of the New York Giants during practice the week of the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl at the Ihilani Resort and Spa on February 6, 2009 in Kapolei, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Antonio Pierce #58 and Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants during pregame introductions as the AFC and NFC All-Stars compete in the 2007 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 10, 2007 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The AFC defeated the NFC 31-28. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC and New York Giants' Tiki Barber waves to the crowd at the end of the Pro Bowl football game, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Ronen Zilberman)
AFC head coach Bill Belichick (facing camera) and NFC New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, who is retiring from pro football, embrace on the field following the Pro Bowl football game at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007. The AFC won, 31-28. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) celebrates a touchdown catch with tackle David Diehl (66) during first quarter of the NFL football Pro Bowl Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in Miami. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber heads for an NFC touchdown in the second quarter of the Pro Bowl football game at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Ronen Zilberman)
Running back Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants National Football Conference NFC All-Stars gets upended by Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos at the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 12, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 23-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) of the NFC is introduced during the Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 27, 2013. The NFC won 62-35. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts)
Running back Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball while chased by AFC safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2005 NFL Pro Bowl All-Stars game on February 13, 2005 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The AFC defeated the NFC 38-27. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) dodges a tackle from AFC Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) in the first quarter of the NFL football Pro Bowl Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Running back Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball during the 2005 NFL Pro Bowl All-Stars game on February 13, 2005 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The AFC defeated the NFC 38-27. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) has the ball knocked loose as he is tackled by AFC Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Tro Polamalu, right, as AFC Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Deltha O'Neal (24) looks on in the first quarter of the NFL football Pro Bowl Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. The ball was fumbled out of bounds and the NFC retained possession.(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) participates in the Lightning Round — Splash Catch during the 2023 Pro Bowl Skills Showdown on Thursday, February 2, 2023 in Henderson, Nevada. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) throws the ball during the 2023 Pro Bowl Skills Showdown on Thursday, February 2, 2023 in Henderson, Nevada. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
NFC head coach Eli Manning holds the trophy alongside NFC captain Pete Davidson, right, and assistant coach DeMarcus Ware, left, after the NFC defeated AFC at the NFL Pro Bowl games, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
NFC running back Saquon Barkley (26) of the New York Giants attempts to run the ball past AFC outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) of the Buffalo Bills during the flag football event at the Pro Bowl Games, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Doug Benc/AP Images for NFL)
NFC head coach Eli Manning interacts with AFC head coach Peyton Manning after the Pro Bowl Games, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Doug Benc/AP Images for NFL)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) is seen during player intros prior to the 2023 Pro Bowl Games on Sunday, February 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) looks to avoid getting hit by a dodgeball during the 2023 Pro Bowl Skills Showdown on Thursday, February 2, 2023 in Henderson, Nevada. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
NFC Coach and former quarterback Eli Manning celebrates with Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) and Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) during the 2023 Pro Bowl Games on Sunday, February 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) arrives prior to the 2023 Pro Bowl Games on Sunday, February 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) participates in Epic Pro Bowl Dodgeball during the 2023 Pro Bowl Skills Showdown on Thursday, February 2, 2023 in Henderson, Nevada. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
NFC Coach Eli Manning and AFC Coach Peyton Manning are seen with an NFL Flag official during the 2023 Pro Bowl Games on Sunday, February 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
NFC defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) of the New York Giants films a Blue Man during the flag football event at the NFL Pro Bowl, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Lance Medow: If there's one area where the Colts have had major issues with this season, it's on the offensive line as they've surrendered 49 sacks, fourth-highest in the NFL. Azeez Ojulari (ankle) left the Vikings game and his status is up in the air, so all signs point to Kayon Thibodeaux needing to have a big day vs. Indianapolis game. The Giants will likely see Nick Foles under center after makes his season debut on Monday Night Football against the Chargers. Foles isn't a major threat to run but he does have a strong arm and the best way to fluster him is to provide pressure. That's where Thibodeaux comes in as he's recorded nine quarterback hits and two sacks over the past five games.
The Giants will need Thibodeaux to be a disruptive force, especially if they want to alleviate the secondary. The VIkings' Kirk Cousins threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns in last Sunday's game and while the Colts don't have the same firepower as Minnesota, they have several big targets for Foles (such as Michael Pittman Jr, Alec Pierce and Parris Campbell). With their top running back Jonathan Taylor out for the season, one of the reasons they inserted Foles as the starting quarterback is to get the passing game going and Nick won't hesitate airing it out. That's why it all circles back to Thibodeaux to make his presence felt.
Matt Citak: Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams could be the keys to the Giants clinching their first playoff appearance since 2016 on Sunday.
Despite star running back Jonathan Taylor going on injured reserve, the Colts still make it no secret that they want to run the football. In their first game without Taylor, Indianapolis registered 43 rush attempts for 171 yards against the Vikings in Week 15. Jeff Saturday's team plays on Monday Night Football in Week 16 so we'll see how their offense looks in that matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, but given LA's poor run defense, it's reasonable to assume they'll want to establish the run early and often. This is especially true considering Indianapolis is turning to veteran QB Nick Foles for the first time this year on MNF.
Whether it's in the run game or the pass rush, the Giants will need Lawrence and Williams to bring their A game on New Year's Day. The two made their presence felt in Minnesota on Saturday. According to Pro Football Focus, Lawrence registered seven total pressures on Kirk Cousins and three stops in the run game. Meanwhile, Williams added five total pressures (including a sack) and two run stops. They finished first and second on the team, respectively, in pressures and helped contribute to the team's total of 23. Additionally, Lawrence tied with Jihad Ward for the most run stops on the defense, with Williams finishing right behind them. With Azeez Ojulari's status up in the air following his ankle injury in Minnesota, the Giants will need Williams and Lawrence to generate as much pressure as possible from the interior while continuing their strong play in the run game.
