Cowboys @ Giants

Week 13:

I've just about recovered from last week's game. The truth is, a win against (arguably) the best team in the NFC would have been nice, but not expected. And although almost doesn't really count, the Giants successfully established themselves as a playoff capable team. In order to actually get to the playoffs, however, the Giants pretty much have to win tomorrow. Unlike last week's game, this game will have more than a symbolic impact on the Giants' playoff hopes. The winner of tomorrow's game will have sole possession of the #1 spot in the NFC east with four difficult games for both teams left in the regular season.

The Giants have not had an easy time beating the Cowboys, especially since Bill Parcells took over. I think the difference tomorrow is that the Giants now know that they are good enough to beat the Cowboys. They came close a few weeks ago after a fourth quarter comeback, but eventually lost in overtime.

The Giants are in very good shape - all their key players are healthy and playing well. They also definitely have what is takes to score on the Cowboys. I'm not sure the defense will match up well against Drew Bledsoe's passing game, but if they do break up a few passes and force Dallas into a ground game, the Cowboys are in trouble.

I think as long as the Giants don't shoot themselves in the foot with penalties (last week's 16 penalties, I think, was a fluke - the Giants had made noticeable improvements in this area), the offense gets Tiki Barber involved early, and Eli Manning doesn't wait until the fourth quarter to grace us with his quarterback abilities, the Giants will win. I think they'll win mostly because they want this win more than the Cowboys do.