Giants vs. Redskins: Breaking down the matchups

The New York Giants (7-4) face the Washington Redskins (5-6) Monday night (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) in hopes of establishing themselves as the clear front-runner for the NFC East crown. Here is a pre-game look at some of the matchups.

When the Giants have the ball

The Giants love to have balance on offense, and they will try to get some semblance of a running attack going with Ahmad Bradshaw and David Wilson. The reality, though, is that offensively for the Giants this game is likely going to be about their ability or inability to take advantage of the porous Washington pass defense. The Redskins are third in the league against the run and 31st against the pass. They are also 27th in the league in quarterback sacks.

Eli Manning will try to take advantage with wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz and tight end Martellus Bennett. Can rookie receiver Reuben Randle continue to make strides and make a play or two to help the Giants.

When the Redskins have the ball

The Giants had no answers the last time the teams met, and were fortunate to create four Washington turnovers in a 27-23 victory. How will they defend Robert Griffin III, Alfred Morris, Santana Moss and the rest of the Redskins this time? Maybe more importantly, who will they do it with?

Linebacker Jacquian Williams is out, safety Kenny Phillips is doubtful, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul missed two practice Friday and Saturday, and defense end Justin Tuck is listed as questionable. The Giants can't afford to be handicapped on defense, and it look as if they might be.

Special teams

The Giants have respect for Washington kick and punt returner Brandon Banks, who averages 6.8 yards per punt return and 24.1 yards per kick return. Sav Rocca of the Redskins is averaging 44.0 yards per punt and only has two touchbacks. He has, however, had two punts blocked. Kai Forbath is 10-for-10 on field-goal attempts since replacing Billy Cundiff.

For the Giants, Lawrence Tynes is 29-of-32 on field-goal attempts and Steve Weatherford averages 46.7 yards per punt. David Wilson averages 25.3 yards per kickoff return. Ruebn Randle averages 7.5 yards per punt return.