EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The playoffs are the payoff.
Although they have taken their customary "it's a big game because it's the next game" approach, the Giants know the stakes will be larger than usual when they conclude their home schedule against the Indianapolis Colts. A victory will improve the Giants to 9-6-1 and more importantly, guarantee their inclusion in the postseason for the first time since 2016 and just the second time since they won the Super Bowl in the 2011 season.
Despite the obvious prize, coach Brian Daboll scrupulously refrained from uttering the word "playoffs" publicly all week.
"Excited to play another game," Daboll said. "That's what we're excited about. They work hard. It's an important game for us. We're excited to play the Colts."
"We all realize what's at stake," quarterback Daniel Jones said. "But at the same time, we understand it's about handling business this week, focusing on what we have to do to win this game and making sure we're preparing as well as we can so that we play our best on Sunday."
The Giants can clinch a postseason berth at home for the first time in exactly 11 years. On Jan. 1, 2012, they defeated Dallas on the final night of the regular season to capture the NFC East title.
"The support we've gotten all year has been great," Jones said. "We really appreciate it. To do it in front of the home fans would be a great opportunity for us. We know we've got to take care of business and play as well as we can. That's what we're focused on."
View photos of the all-time series 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)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Landon Collins (21)
Landon Collins (21)
Richie James (80) Darius Slayton (86)
Julian Love (20), Jihad Ward (55)
The game also has a parallel with the Giants' title run in 2007. If the Giants win, they will eliminate the angst of needing a Week 18 victory against the NFC-leading Eagles – who beat them by 26 points in their first meeting - to ensure they will be one of conference's three wild card teams. In 2007, they clinched a playoff berth with a victory in their penultimate regular-season game, in Buffalo. That eliminated the pressure of having to play their way in by beating an undefeated New England Patriots team the following week.
Should they defeat Indianapolis, the Giants would be locked into the NFC's sixth seed and will travel to face the conference's third seed – either San Francisco or Minnesota - on Super Wild Card Weekend in two weeks. The 49ers currently hold that spot but can jump ahead of the Vikings in the season's final two weeks.
"I think everybody's aware of our situation and kind of what the reality is for a lot of teams around the NFL this time of year," wide receiver Darius Slayton said. "At the end of the day, you can only focus on the week you have, and the opponent you have ahead of you, and the rest of that will take care of itself."
"None of us are naïve in the sense that we don't know if we win this game what it means," safety Julian Love said. "That's on the back of all our minds, but you've got to stay true to what we've been doing all season. For me, that's to stay in my routine, that's attacking, playing with high effort, and giving our defense, a place to stand at all times. If I just do my job, hopefully we get the win we all know what happens if we do that."
The Giants are looking to rebound from their 27-24 loss last week in Minnesota, a defeat delivered by a 61-yard Greg Joseph field goal as time expired. They jumped to records of 6-1 and 7-2 and have stayed in the race all season with consistent contributions from Jones and Saquon Barkley, a pressure-focused defense, and Daboll's strategic and motivational leadership.
Indianapolis has struggled since opening day, when it played to a 20-20 with the Houston Texans, who have won just two games all season. The Colts fired coach Frank Reich on Nov. 7. Former Indianapolis center Jeff Saturday, who had no coaching experience above the high school level, took over on an interim basis. The Colts defeated Las Vegas in their first game under Saturday but have lost their last five and eight of nine overall. They've started three different quarterbacks – Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger and, last Monday, Nick Foles – and their best running back, Jonathan Taylor, is out for the season with an ankle injury. He rushed for 861 yards and caught 28 passes in 11 games.
Foles is 3-0 as a starter against the Giants, with victories in 2013, 2014 and 2017 with the Eagles, two of them in MetLife Stadium. He was also the MVP of Super Bowl LII when Philadelphia defeated New England five years ago.
"They just don't give out Super Bowl MVP trophies," defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said. "And he has one of those, and he's got a Pro Bowl. You can tell he has a live arm, and they're trying to push the ball down the field with him. (I've) been in it long enough that I've gone against him when he was at Philly and those other places. It's going go be a challenge because he's got plenty of weapons to work with>
But Foles struggled in his first action of the season last Monday night in a 20-3 loss to the Chargers, completing 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards, throwing three interceptions and getting sacked seven times.
The Giants hope to put him on the ground several times tomorrow.
"That's the first game he's played in a while," said Martindale, who has called more blitzes than any coordinator in the league. "It's going to do nothing but get better for him, seeing things, going at a faster pace of it. But there's definitely blood in the water."
The Giants can advance to the playoffs with a victory in either of their final two games and or losses by several other teams, notably some combination of defeats by Seattle, Washington, Detroit and Green Bay. But their control their own fate and have no interest in having to rely on someone else.
"You don't want to leave it to chance," said running back Saquon Barkley. "The way you do that is by doing what you got to do this week. That's really it. You just got to treat it like another week. One game at a time, it's the most important game because it's the next game on the schedule and try to do the little things, take care of the football, and go out there and try to win the football game."
If they do that, everything else will take care of itself.
*The Giants have lost their last four games against the Colts (in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018) and trail in the regular-season series, 10-6. Their most recent victory in the series was on Dec. 22, 2002, when they defeated the Colts, 44-27, in Indianapolis. The Giants last won a home game vs. the Colts on Dec. 12, 1994, 20-6.
*The Giants are 20th in the NFL in both points-per-game (20.7) and points allowed (22.6).
Limited tickets available for Giants vs. Colts
