Giants vs. Falcons: X-Factors for Both Sides in Clash of NFC Division Leaders

Squarely in the driver's seat of their respective divisions heading into Week 15, Sunday's game between the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons may well be an NFC Championship Game preview.

Neither team has exactly exuded much confidence of late, but as recent history has shown, all you need is a ticket to January to have a chance at the big dance. That means Sunday's contest will be a duality between trying to get a critical inter-conference win, while also scouting for a potential meeting down the line.

But, alas, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. Sunday's game will certainly be a playoff litmus test for both sides and will answer some of the lingering questions floating around in New York and Atlanta. 

With that in mind, here is a look at a couple of keys to the contest for both sides in preparation of Sunday's game. 

New York Giants

Establish the Run

Already a middling rushing attack, Ahmad Bradshaw's absence on Sunday certainly won't be helping matters on the surface. The Giants announced Friday that their starting running back would not make the trip due to a knee sprain suffered last week.

Luckily for New York, this could become a classic "blessing in disguise" case. Subbing in for Bradshaw in Week 15 will be rookie David Wilson, who had a brilliant performance last week against the Saints.

The former Virginia Tech star carried the ball just 13 times, but broke out for 100 yards and two rushing touchdowns while adding a score in the return game as well. With his explosive tendencies finally resulting in points, it looked like the Giants were a far scarier offense last week with Wilson on the field.

We'll find out on Sunday whether that was a one-week aberration. Atlanta heads into Week 15 ranked No. 23 against the run and having given up 14 rushing touchdowns this season, which is fifth most in the NFL.

If Wilson is able to repeat his effectiveness from last week, it would go a long way toward helping the Giants get a critical victory.  

Set Up Deep Coverage Against Julio Jones

Roddy White has missed practice all week due to a knee injury and is considered a game-time decision, according to head coach Mike Smith. While if I had to lay money down, I'd expect White to be in the lineup, he will probably be limited even if he does suit up on Sunday.

That means Matt Ryan will be relying heavily on Jones to get open down the field. The second-year receiver has emerged as a star this season, grabbing 63 passes for 997 yards and seven touchdowns, with the latter statistic tied for most on the team.

However, much of Jones' big-play ability comes from White and Tony Gonzalez's ability to draw coverage underneath. In other words, despite Jones' otherworldly physical gifts, the sum of the parts is greater than one individual force with the Falcons.

If White is out or limited, the Giants can scheme heavily toward stopping Jones and force Atlanta to become a dink-and-dunk attack. 

Atlanta Falcons

Harry Douglas or Drew Davis Must Step Up

Even if White is in the lineup, the Falcons will undoubtedly be playing "next man up" with their receiving corps. Douglas is the most obvious and experienced option, but he's listed as questionable with a rib injury and could miss Sunday's action as well.

Davis is basically a complete unknown. Undrafted out of Oregon in 2011, Davis has mostly been used in special teams this season. With just four receptions for 40 yards, his ability to make plays and grasp of Atlanta's offense are both question marks.

Nevertheless, one of those two men has to be ready to perform, even if White plays. With the top seed in the NFC looking likely, the Falcons aren't going to risk White aggravating the injury and would pull him with even the slightest discomfort.

Whether it's Douglas or Davis, neither has to become Roddy White. They just have to do a poor man's impression, good enough to draw respect from the defense and allow Jones and Gonzalez space in the passing game.

Continue Subtly Dominating Pass Defense

Though not critically lauded among the best secondaries in the NFL, Atlanta has quietly been one of the stingiest pass defenses in the league this season. Giving up a little less than 235 yards per game, the Falcons rank right in the middle of the pack in terms of yardage, but their underlying numbers are far more forgiving.

According to Football Outsiders' DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) metric, Atlanta has the 10th-best pass defense in the NFL, giving up 4.4 percent less production than a replacement-level unit would against similar competition.

That's all well and good. But it's the Falcons' ability to stop opposing teams from scoring via an aerial assault that is their true calling card. Heading into Week 15, Atlanta has given up only 13 passing touchdowns and made 16 interceptions, making it one of just five squads in the league with a negative ratio.

With Eli Manning's play being inconsistent at best of late, the Falcons could take advantage and come away with a huge victory. 

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