GIANTS GAMEDAY
The Game: Redskins (0-3) at Giants (1-2), MetLife Stadium, 1 p.m. (FOX)
The Line: New York by 3
History: The Giants lead the all-time series, 101-69-4. The teams have split the last six meetings since the start of the 2016 season.
Key Matchups:
Giants LT Nate Solder vs. Redskins OLB Ryan Kerrigan: Solder struggled last week against Tampa Shaquil Barrett, who had four sacks. The line may need extra help slowing down Giants killer Kerrigan. Washington’s four-time Pro Bowler had three tackles-for-loss and four QB hits in two games against New York last season. Giants RB Wayne Gallman vs. Redskins front seven: Gallman enters his first NFL start averaging 4 yards per carry in three seasons (169 attempts). Washington is allowing the fifth-most rushing yards per game (142). The Giants’ offensive line has generated a solid push so far, so Gallman should be effective in this matchup. Giants CB Janoris Jenkins vs. Redskins WR Terry McLaurin: Jenkins was torched repeatedly by Tampa’s Mike Evans last week, and the veteran has surprisingly allowed 287 yards in coverage this season already, according to Pro Football Focus. He desperately needs a bounce back outing against Washington’s speedy rookie. McLaurin is the first receiver in NFL history to have at least five receptions and a touchdown in each of his first three games.
Giants LB Ryan Connelly vs. Redskins TE Vernon Davis: The Giants’ fifth-round pick out of Wisconsin is starting to carve out a significant role already. Connelly played 92 percent of the defensive snaps against the Bucs, recording seven tackles and a fourth-quarter interception. He’ll replace defensive signal-caller Alec Ogletree in the starting lineup this week. Washington’s veteran tight end has nine receptions for 118 yards thus far.
Injury Report:
Giants: OUT: RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), LB Tae Davis (concussion), LB Alec Ogletree (hamstring).
Redskins: OUT: TE Jordan Reed (concussion), C Chase Roullier (knee). QUESTIONABLE: WR Terry McLaurin (hamstring), G Brandon Scherff (ankle).
Giant Facts: Daniel Jones’ 336 passing yards were the second-most in rookie debuts in the past 10 seasons (Cam Newton). … The defense is allowing 23.3 first-half points per game, the most in the NFL. … The team is averaging 45.5 net yards per punt attempt, which ranks third in the NFL.
The Prediction: Giants 30, Redskins 24