Washington Redskins at New York Giants: Week 3 Prediction

Dec 14, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during the second half against the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Romo is down and with him the possible playoff hopes of Dallas. That leaves the NFC East wide open for the taking. The Washington Redskins and New York Giants will know that going into Thursday Night Football. Which team takes advantage?

Injuries

Jon Beason practicing fully after knee injury

The Giants defense is about to get a much-needed shot in the arm on defense. One of their key playmakers and leaders is set to return as middle linebacker Jon Beason seems about fully healed from a knee injury that kept him out the past two weeks. He will be able to relieve rook Uani Unga.

Perry Riley Jr. questionable after not practicing all week

On the other hand, the Redskins linebackers could be without one of their starters as Perry Riley Jr. nurses a calf strain. He has not practiced all week for the defense and is questionable for game time.

Key Matchups

Matt Jones vs. Giants DL

One of the biggest surprises of the young 2015 season has been rookie running back Matt Jones. In the blink of an eye he’s trotted former Pro Bowler Alfred Morris to the bench and has Washington ranked 1st in the NFL in rushing. He’ll have his hands full with the Giants though, led by a big defensive front that has helped the team rank 3rd in run defense. Something will have to give.

Jason Hatcher vs. Justin Pugh

Probably the most active pass rusher thus far for a strong Redskins defense has been defensive end Jason Hatcher with a sack and several pressures. Giants left guard Justin Pugh has the unenviable task of trying to block him. Pugh hasn’t been too bad to start the season but must continue to embrace the new position because Hatcher won’t give him the benefit of time to adjust.

Fantasy

Sit: Odell Beckham Jr.

Washington has the 2nd best pass defense in the league. This is due to both a solid pass rush and a mix of veteran and young cornerbacks who have lots of speed and athleticism. That could make it difficult for Odell Beckham Jr. to have one of his typical big days. Best to leave him on the bench for the week.

Start: Kirk Cousins

Being the sideshow suits Kirk Cousins just fine as long as he knows the starting job is his. For the first time that appears true and his best game may be yet to come. The Giants defense doesn’t have the best pass rush and they just got news that starting cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is out for the game. If their pass defense was bad before, it’s gotten worse. That could mean a big day for Cousins.

Prediction: Giants win 30-20

Why side with New York when it seems Washington holds a lot of advantages? Eli Manning. He always seems to save his best performances for the Redskins when you least expect them. Last year he threw for 550 yards, completed 69.9% of his passes and had seven touchdowns to just one interception. If he gets good protection and with home field advantage, he could have a big night.

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