WHAT TO WATCH 4
Key matchup
It’s the same key matchup as in every Giants game: Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Odell Beckham Jr. The emotional receiver can be his own worst enemy when he can’t control his frustrations, but he is a spectacular, big- play player when he can.
The Vikings’ Xavier Rhodes got the best of Beckham in Week 4. He not only shut him down ( three catches, 23 yards, no touchdowns), but he baited Beckham into an unsportsmanlike- conduct penalty for taunting when he retaliated after a late hit by Rhodes. Two weeks later, Beckham had eight receptions for 222 yards — including touchdowns of 75 and 66 yards — in a victory against the Ravens.
The 5- 11, 198- pound Beckham is a superb, multidimensional athlete who can make fantastic catches and also is dangerous in the open field.
‘‘ Once he gets the ball in his hands, he’s great athlete,’’ Bears cornerback Tracy Porter said. ‘‘ We definitely have to be mindful of it and do what we can and play sound football and not let him get those explosive plays.’’
Trending
Since its worst performance of the season against the Cowboys in Week 3 ( 447 yards, 31 points), the Bears’ defense has improved from 27th in points allowed ( 27.7) to 16th ( 22.0).
For what it’s worth, the numbers indicate the Bears’ defense is faltering under the weight of the team’s lastplace scoring offense. In the first halves of six games since that loss to the Cowboys, the Bears’ defense is first in touchdowns allowed ( two) and second in yards allowed per play ( 4.6, behind the Seahawks). In the second halves of those games, the Bears have allowed 5.4 yards per play and 13 touchdowns — nine in the fourth quarter.
Player to watch
Receiver Cam Meredith has excelled in a complementary role behind Alshon Jeffery. But with Jeffery suspended, Meredith suddenly is the Bears’ No. 1 receiver.
After back- to- back 100- yard games against the Colts ( nine catches, 130 yards) and Jaguars ( 11 catches, 113 yards), Meredith has had one catch in each of the last three games ( 12, 24 and 50 yards).
X- factor
Though the Giants are 6- 3, they recently have been just as skittish as the Bears. They were 5- 4 at this time last season and lost six of their last seven games to finish 6- 10. In 2014, they lost seven in a row after a threegame winning streak. In 2012, they were 6- 2, then lost five of their next seven.