Detroit Lions vs New York Giants: 5 Players To Watch

3 of 6

Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Eli Manning

Quarterback play will be something to keep an eye on when both teams are on the field. While Stafford has led multiple fourth quarter comebacks, the same cannot be said for Eli Manning. Manning is struggling recently and the Giants need a good performance from their veteran signal-caller.

The Giants have won in spite of Manning many times this season. He has not reached the 200-yard passing mark for three straight games, yet the Giants are 2-1 over that span. He has not reached 250 yards since Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles as the struggles have basically been a season-long thing.

If Manning is going to get anything going, Detroit presents a good opportunity to do it. The Lions allow the highest completion percentage in the NFL, as opponents connect on 72.9 percent of their passes. They rank 20th in yards allowed per game and have the second worst QB rating allowed at 101.3; only the Cleveland Browns are worst and over 100 like the Lions.

The Lions do not even present much of a pass rush as they have only 22 sacks on the season. With the return of Justin Pugh, the Giants offensive line should improve as well. It could be the recipe for a bounceback game from Manning, who needs one in the worst way.

Home/New York Giants