Giants vs. Saints: Why Tonight Is Must-Win Game for Eli Manning and New York

The New York Giants hit the road to take on the surging New Orleans Saints tonight in a game that they have to win, or their chances of making the postseason will be in great jeopardy. 

Eli Manning and company have lost two games in a row since their surprise comeback victory over the New England Patriots, which means losing a third straight would spell bad news for the Giants. 

Life doesn't get easier for New York for the rest of the season, and that is why Monday night's game is very crucial. A win over the Saints would give the Giants a great boost of confidence moving forward, something they desperately need. 

After the game against New Orleans, New York will have to face the Dallas Cowboys twice, host the Washington Redskins, who aren't an easy win, as well as the undefeated Green Bay Packers and battle the other New York team, the Jets. 

The closing games of the Giants 2011 schedule are among of the toughest of any team in the league. Should New York fall to New Orleans tonight, the coming weeks will be unbearable. 

The Giants have to keep pace with the Cowboys in the NFC East, as it is the best way for them to reach the playoffs. Yes, a wild card spot is an option for the Giants, but the focus should be on winning the division. 

While Monday night's game is out of the division, it's still an important one for the Giants because they need to know they can beat the top teams in the NFL. 

If the Giants are demolished tonight, they will have to re-evaluate where they are as team, as it will be very important for the remainder of the 2011 season. 

They're a good team, so I don't see a blowout happening at the hands of the Saints, but winning the game is a completely different story. Manning has to be on his A-game, or the Giants will fail. 

With Ahmad Bradshaw still injured, the passing game will be heavily relied on. Sure, Brandon Jacobs will get a good deal of carries, but these past few weeks, he hasn't shown he can be the main guy, and that's why Manning has to step up. 

The Saints don't have a tremendous defense, so the Giants have a strong chance. However, stopping Drew Brees and company will be extremely difficult. 

Manning has to match Brees score for score, or the Saints could really blow this game open. With the brutal schedule ahead, the Giants are at a serious threat level if they lose to the Saints.