Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J. (grass, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
Spread: Giants by 6
2012 records: Redskins (Overall: 3-3, NFC East: 0-0); Giants (Overall: 4-2, NFC East: 0-2)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Dec. 18, 2011: Redskins 23, Giants 10; Sept. 11, 2011: Redskins 28, Giants 14. Series record: Giants lead 92-64-4.
What matters: The pass rush. The Redskins have not applied much heat on opposing quarterbacks this season, particularly since outside linebacker Brian Orakpo was injured. They did record four sacks last week, but in 52 pass attempts -- and the pressure was inconsistent. However, they succeeded vs. Eli Manning last year in part because they did a good job collapsing the pocket. The coverage helped by making him hesitate enough to let the linemen get to him.
Who matters: Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. Though he made a big play vs. Atlanta, scoring a touchdown, his pass rushing has been quiet of late. Against Minnesota, Kerrigan rarely got to the quarterback and wasn’t credited with a pressure, despite him rushing on 80 percent of the pass attempts. He needs to be a bigger factor in this area.
Key matchups: Redskins LT Trent Williams and RT Tyler Polumbus will have a difficult matchup with ends Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul. Williams is having a strong season. CBs Josh Wilson and DeAngelo Hall vs. WR Victor Cruz. The Redskins in the past have kept their corners on one side against the Giants. They held Cruz to 44 yards receiving in the second win last season.
Injuries of note: WR Pierre Garcon is doubtful, and the only way he'll play is if something happens to one of the Redskins' other receivers. P Sav Rocca (knee) is questionable after hurting his knee jogging in practice earlier this week. Rocca will test the knee Saturday to see if he can punt; the Redskins worked out three punters Friday, including Chas Henry. S Jordan Pugh (concussion) is questionable but has a good chance of playing.
Inside stuff: The Giants have faced the zone read this season against Carolina’s Cam Newton in a 36-7 win in Week 2. However, Redskins QB Robert Griffin III runs it differently -- and probably better -- than Newton. He does a better job of selling the fakes, causing linebackers to bite harder and opening more lanes, whether in the run or the pass.
Connections: Redskins NT Barry Cofield played for the Giants from 2006-10; WR coach Ike Hilliard played for New York from 1997-2004. The Giants have three former Redskins coaches: OL coach Pat Flaherty (2000), DL coach Robert Nunn (2003) and TE coach Mike Pope (1997-99).
Stat you should know: In the last four games, the Redskins have done a terrific job against Manning, holding him to one touchdown and six interceptions. Last year, they sacked him seven times. His QB rating against Washington in 2011 was 56.8.
Looking ahead: The Redskins travel to Pittsburgh and then host Carolina before their Nov. 11 bye week. At 3-3, the Redskins are in position to make a move, but they can’t afford consecutive losses, even against tough competition. They’re playing with confidence, in part because of Griffin, and they need to continue getting positive results.
Prediction: Giants 28, Redskins 24
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSRedskins or @John_Keim.
