NFL Picks: Will Rams or Giants Prevail on Monday Night Football?

Tonight, the New York Giants take on the St. Louis Rams in a well-matched contest of teams trying to dig themselves out of Week 1 losses and difficult injuries.

Both need wins to compete not only in their respective divisions, but also to prove to the entire league that they remain contenders despite their setbacks.

The Giants have suffered an incredible number of injuries dating back to training camp, with 10 players currently on injured reserve and five other starters recovering.

The Rams dealt with injuries to quarterback Sam Bradford and starting running back Steven Jackson in Week 1. (While Bradford is probable for tonight's contest, Jackson looks to still be a game-time decision.)

Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, who has been dealing with a knee injury, plans to play tonight, but was limited in practice on Saturday. Look for Mario Manningham to get more looks and more snaps tonight than Nicks.

Injuries aside, the teams need to play up their own strengths and take advantage of their opponent's clear weaknesses tonight in the pursuit of victory.

Considering that these strengths and weaknesses are far more apparent for both teams, this should prove to be a tough win for whichever team comes away with a victory.

I believe that team will be the Rams. While St. Louis struggled mightily to stop the run in their Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, I see them improving significantly this week against the Giants' running attack of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.

The Giants have suffered the most injuries in their secondary: Look for the Rams' Bradford to take advantage of this mismatch and take to the air more than to the ground.

While St. Louis boasts a solid No. 2 running back in Cadillac Williams (should Jackson be a no-go), the Giants' defense is focused around its defensive line and linebackers, especially considering their injury-plagued secondary.

Running the ball will be difficult for the Rams tonight.

That should not prove to be much of a problem, however, if the Rams' defense can maintain the kind of pressure they were able to put on the Eagles' Michael Vick in Week 1.

Considering that Giants quarterback Eli Manning is not as elusive and fast as Vick, the Rams defense has an even better chance of getting to him.

If they can keep the Giants grounded, they can speed the game up with the pass when their offense takes over.

I see the Rams controlling the pace of the game from the beginning, and forcing the Giants into situations where they are the most weak: defending the pass and running the ball.

This will be a close contest, not unlike last night's Falcons-Eagles match up, albeit a lower-scoring affair.

My prediction: 24-20, St. Louis.