New York Giants: Five Keys To Take Down the Washington Redskins

Major playoff implications will arise this week when the Giants travel to Washington to take on the Redskins. 

The Giants are currently one game behind Dallas for the final wild card spot and hold the head-to-head tie breaker over the Cowboys.

In order for New York to stay in the playoff race they will have to defeat a suddenly strong Washington team. There are five keys for the Giants to win this NFC East battle:

5. Contain Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter

These 2 defensive ends have terrorized opposing quarterbacks this year. Carter and Orakpo each have 11 sacks this season, including a combined six sacks last week against Oakland.

The Giants will most likely be without right tackle Kareem McKenzie, who was injured in Sunday night's loss to the Eagles. That means rookie William Beatty will start. Definitely a matchup to watch.

4. Limit Jason Campbell

Over Washington's last three games, Campbell has thrown for 820 yards, 7 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. In these games Washington stayed with the Eagles, almost gave the Saints their first loss and overwhelmed the Raiders.

The running game for the Redskins has struggled since Clinton Portis went down with a season-ending concussion. They have relied more heavily on the passing game.

3. Put the ball in Eli's hands

When Eli Manning has thrown for over 250 yards the Giants are 4-1 this season. When he has thrown for 249 or less... 3-6. Just saying.

2. Don't give up the big play

The Giants had a lot of trouble against the Eagles DeSean Jackson last week, letting him score on a punt return and a long receiving touchdown.

The Redskins aren't as explosive as Philadelphia, but they do have some players who can break a big one. Watch for double moves on the corners this week.

1. Don't turn the ball over

The Giants have 17 turnovers in their six losses this season. They have eight in their seven wins. Seems pretty simple on paper, doesn't it?