This week’s top matchups

Washington Redskins ( 4- 2) at New York Giants ( 4- 2)

Sunday, 1 p. m. ET

Surface: FieldTurf. by 2.

Keys to the game: Something has to give. The Redskins enter the game allowing 14 1 rst downs a game, and the Giants enterwith the league’s top scoring defense at 28.8 points a game. Washington has been beat up in the secondary, so the key for the Giants is to 1 nd a good runpass balance in order to control the clock because their own defense is struggling mightily. If New York is unable to contain Redskins RB Clinton Portis, the Giants’ much- maligned secondarywill have little chance against the speed of WRs Santana Moss ( four 100- yard receiving games in last 1 ve weeks) and David Patten. Also essential is a strong pass rush to keep QB Mark Brunell from setting his feet and looking down 1 eld.

Fast facts: Redskins:

Portis needs 42 rushing yards to reach 5,000 in his 51st career game, which would pass Baltimore’s Jamal Lewis for 1 fth- fastest all time. Giants: Barber needs four rushing TDs to tie Rodney Hampton’s ( 49) franchise record.

Injuries: Redskins: Probable: LB LaVar Arrington ( hamstring); QB Mark Brunell ( calf); DT Cornelius Grif n ( hip); K John Hall ( right quadriceps); DT Aki Jones ( hamstring); DT Cedric Killings ( ankle); C Casey Rabach ( ankle); CB Carlos Rogers ( ankle); DT Joe Salave’a ( foot); S Sean Taylor ( ankle). Giants: Out: CB William Peterson ( back). Questionable: WR Plaxico Burress ( shoulder); LB Carlos Emmons ( pectoral); WR David Tyree ( elbow). Probable: DE Michael Strahan ( illness). Sunday, 1 p. m. ET

Surface: FieldTurf. by 31⁄ 2.

Keys to the game: The health of Lions DT Shaun Rogers could be critical considering Bears RB Thomas Jones rushed for 139 yards in the 1 rst meeting against a far healthier Detroit defense. The Lions also will be without CB Dre’ Bly, but don’t expect Chicago to attempt too many shots down 1 eld vs. a defense with 13 interceptions. The teams are playing for 1 rst place in the NFC North, and a loud crowd could give the Lions a leg up vs. rookie Bears QB Kyle Orton. The key for Detroit is sustaining drives against one of the league’s best young defenses. Considering the Bears have allowed just one TD in 13 red- zone possessions this season, the Lions must get improved ground production.

Fast facts: Bears:

Have held consecutive opponents without a touchdown for the 1 rst time since 1987. Lions: K Jason Hanson has converted his last six 1 eldgoal attempts from 50 yards or longer.

Injuries: Bears: Out: WR Bernard Berrian ( thumb); QB Rex Grossman ( ankle). Questionable: G Ruben Brown ( chest). Probable: WR Mark Bradley ( knee); RB Thomas Jones ( knee); P Brad Maynard ( calf); T Fred Miller ( ankle). Lions: Out: CB Dre’ Bly ( wrist). Questionable: T Jeff Backus ( ankle); DT Marcus Bell ( shoulder); WR Eddie Drummond ( knee); C Don Muhlbach ( knee); DT Shaun Rogers ( knee); WR Roy Williams ( quadriceps). Probable: DT Dan Wilkinson ( back). Sunday, 4: 15 p. m. ET

Surface: Natural grass. Broncos by 31⁄ 2.

Keys to the game: Because the Eagles face yet another top- 1 ve run defense, don’t expect this to be the week coach Andy Reid leans more on his running game. Denver’sweakness defensively is its pass rush ( tied for a league- low eight sacks), and if QB Donovan McNabb has time he will try to pick on Broncos rookie CBs Darrent Williams and Domonique Foxworth. The game could hinge on the Broncos’ ability to run the ball and keep their defense off the 1 eld. Philadelphia held Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson to 7 yards last Sunday. RBs Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell, the NFL’s only tandem with at least 450 rushing yards apiece, must keep the production high to prevent Eagles from blitzing QB Jake Plummer.

Fast facts: Eagles: Lead the series 6- 3, but this is the 1 rst meeting since 1998. Broncos: Are 17- 4 (. 810) at home against the NFC under coach Mike Shanahan.

Injuries: Eagles: Out: K David Akers ( right hamstring). Doubtful: LB Jason Short ( ankle). Probable: DE Trent Cole ( hamstring); P Dirk Johnson ( groin); QB Donovan McNabb ( sports hernia); RB Ryan Moats. ( concussion); WR Terrell Owens ( shoulder); TE Stephen Spach ( ankle); DT Darwin Walker ( thigh). Broncos: Doubtful: S Sam Brandon ( shoulder). Questionable: CB Lenny Walls ( groin). Probable: CB Champ Bailey ( hamstring); LB Keith Burns ( shoulder); S Nick Ferguson ( ankle); T George Foster ( knee); QB Jake Plummer ( left shoulder). Sheridan’s line: Giants

Chicago Bears ( 3- 3) at Detroit Lions ( 3- 3) Philadelphia Eagles ( 4- 2) at Denver Broncos ( 5- 2)

Sheridan’s line: Lions Sheridan’s line: