The Giants (3-1-1) will return home for Sunday's game against the 1-4 New Orleans Saints. Here's a closer look at the matchup:
Saints (1-4) at Giants (3-1-1)
Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
What channel is Giants vs Saints game?
TV: FOX
Giants vs Saints spread
Spread: Saints by 1
Saints’ keys to victory
QB Tyler Shough has gotten a lot of praise and this was supposed to be a great showcase between the Saints’ signal caller and Jaxson Dart. So it’s unfortunate we’re not getting that due to Dart’s season-ending knee injury. The Saints have lost three in a row after a promising start, and they have a lot to fix.
Giants’ keys to victory
The Giants might have to play differently on offense than they want. John Harbaugh prefers a run-first attack, but with Jameis Winston and without the ground threat of Dart added to that mix, the passing game featuring Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely has both sizzle and steak. What Winston showed in the fourth quarter in Washington is that the Giants can make things happen through the air. OLB Abdul Carter and ILB Arvell Reese continue to wreak havoc on opponents, and in a variety of ways.
Matchup to watch
Saints QB Tyler Shough vs. Giants DC Dennard Wilson: The Vikings' defensive pressure created problems for Shough and the Saints throughout last week’s matchup. Wilson might not bring the heat to the level of Minnesota’s Brian Flores, but he’s ramped up the pressure each of the past two games. His approach was blitz-heavy against Jacoby Brissett and Jayden Daniels, and expect more of that this week.
Giants vs Saints prediction
When does a tie feel like a win? Well, the Giants were not throwing a celebration after escaping Washington after a 27-27 tie. Yet somehow, they increased their first-place lead in the NFC East by a half-game. There is a reason the Giants believe, and his name is John Harbaugh, who has built a gritty team.
The Giants have faced three brutal-weather games in a row, and are 2-0-1 in that stretch. The early forecast is for sun in North Jersey, where the Giants are undefeated. We’ll lean in that direction given the extremes both of these teams are experiencing right now.
Giants, 23-16
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Giants vs Saints preview with prediction, spread and TV info