The Giants face off against the Indianapolis Colts in a pivotal Week 17 matchup on New Year's Day.
If the Giants win one of their final two games, they will secure their first playoff berth since 2016. If they lose both contests, they can still make the postseason with some help. Here are all of the ways the Giants can clinch a playoff spot this weekend:
- NYG win OR
- NYG tie + SEA loss or tie + WAS loss or tie OR
- NYG tie + SEA loss or tie + DET loss or tie OR
- NYG tie + WAS loss or tie + DET loss or tie + GB loss or tie OR
- SEA loss + WAS loss OR
- SEA loss + DET loss + GB loss or tie OR
- WAS loss + DET loss + GB loss
The Colts have a short week as they fell to the Los Angeles Chargers, 20-3, on Monday Night Football. Veteran Nick Foles started at quarterback for the first time this season.
Here are five players to keep an eye on in Sunday's game:
QB Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones put together one of his strongest performances of the season against the Vikings on Christmas Eve. The fourth-year quarterback completed a career-high 30 pass attempts with a completion percentage of 71.4, marking the sixth time he's topped the 70 percent mark this season. Jones threw for 334 yards, seven shy of his season-high, with one touchdown and one interception for a passer rating of 92.8. He added four carries for 34 yards (8.5 avg.).
Despite throwing the interception, Jones is still having by far his best season when it comes to protecting the ball. Through 15 games, which is a new career-best, the 25-year-old has a 13-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio with a 1.1 interception percentage, the latter of which is the top mark in the NFL. Jones' 298 completions, 66.5 completion percentage, 3,028 passing yards, five interceptions and 90.7 passer rating are each the best of his young career. He is one of only three quarterbacks in the NFL with 3,000+ pass yards, 500+ rush yards & 5+ rush touchdowns this season.
Although the Colts' defense has seen mixed results this season, their pass defense has been the strength of the unit. Indianapolis ranks 11th in both passing yards and touchdowns allowed on the season, but have struggled when it comes to interceptions as their eight picks are tied for 26th. Chargers QB Justin Herbert threw for 235 yards and one interception on Monday, but completed 77.4 percent of his passes (24 of 31).
"I think it's a great opportunity for us," Jones said on Wednesday. "It's a good opponent coming in and we've got a chance to play our best game and do what we've got to do. We're excited for it, an opportunity to get in front of the home fans and another opportunity to go play a good game…
"They're a good group on defense. They're consistent, they do what they're supposed to do, they're in the right spots. Don't blow assignments much or give you a lot of that. I think they try to prevent the big plays and they do a good job with that. They've got a lot of good players, a lot of talented players, some veterans in some key spots. We'll have to be ready. We've got a good game plan and we'll need to be prepared on Sunday."
WR Isaiah Hodgins
Isaiah Hodgins had a career day against the Vikings last week. The second-year wide receiver matched Saquon Barkley and Richie James with a team-high eight receptions, which went for 89 yards and a touchdown, with his longest reception going for 29 yards. It marked the third-time Hodgins has caught a touchdown pass from Jones in the last four games. In just seven games with the Giants, Hodgins has registered 29 receptions for 309 yards and three touchdowns, with his three receiving scores matching James for the most on the team.
"I think he's smart, tough, dependable," Daboll said about Hodgins. "He works extremely hard. In between periods, he's usually throwing there with Daniel on a variety of routes, or they're talking about things that we've installed and make sure that he sees it through the eyes of a quarterback. So, he's done a good job for us since he's been here."
The Colts have one of the league's top shutdown cornerbacks in Stephon Gilmore. The veteran has recorded two interceptions and 11 passes defensed this season, along with a career-best 63 total tackles. On Monday Night Football, Chargers WR Mike Williams was limited to four receptions for 76 yards.
WR Darius Slayton
After a two-game stretch that saw him gain just 65 total receiving yards, Darius Slayton got back on track with a solid outing against the Vikings. The fourth-year wide receiver caught four passes for 79 yards (19.8 avg.), including a long of 32. Slayton has at least one reception of 20+ yards in nine of the past 11 games.
Slayton has been the team's leading receiver this season, totaling 710 receiving yards on 44 receptions. His 16.1 yards per reception is also the most on the team, as Slayton has served as Jones' most reliable deep threat this season. The 25-year-old has been on the receiving end of some of Jones' longest receptions this year, including three that went for more than 40 yards. Mike Williams had a long reception of 26 yards last week, while Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn had a 63-yard reception against the Colts in Week 15.
"All of those guys who have come in have done a really good job," Jones said about the team's current group of wide receivers. "They're all guys who work really hard, who understand what we're trying to do and can do it and are willing to put in the work to get on the same page to build the chemistry and do what we need them to do. Whoever it is that's stepped up I think has done a great job and they deserve a lot of credit."
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)
DL Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence has led the way for the defensive line this season. The talented 25-year-old added to his career-high with his 25th quarterback hit of the season last week in Minnesota. Lawrence has registered at least one quarterback hit in each of the past eight games, totaling 15 in that span with 2.5 sacks. He also registered seven total pressures on Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, along with three stops in the run game.
The Colts have struggled to protect the quarterback this season, regardless of who's under center. In Monday night's loss, Indy's offensive line surrendered seven sacks of Nick Foles, bringing their season total to 56 - only the Denver Broncos have allowed more (57). The Giants' first-time Pro Bowler will look to add to his team-high 6.5 sacks on the season.
DL Leonard Williams
Leonard Williams was right there with Lawrence last weekend as he finished the game with five total pressures, including a sack, and two run stops. Williams has registered at least one quarterback hit in seven of his past eight games, and both he and Lawrence have each had a game with five quarterback hits.
The Colts have been a run-first offense all season, even with starting running back Jonathan Taylor on injured reserve. In their first game without Taylor, Indianapolis ran the ball a whopping 43 times against the Vikings. They had only 14 rushes on Monday night, but a big reason for that was likely due to the Chargers jumping out to an early lead. Williams has played a big role up front this season, and with Azeez Ojulari's status for Sunday up in the air, the defense will need its two starting linemen to step up in Week 17.
Limited tickets available for Giants vs. Colts
