Giants at Redskins -- Week 13

Where: FedEx Field, Landover, Md. (grass, outdoors)

When:  Monday, 8:30 ET (ABC)

Spread: Giants by 2.5

2012 records: Redskins (Overall: 5-6; NFC East: 2-1); Giants (Overall: 7-4; NFC East: 2-2)

Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Oct. 21, 2012 (Giants 27, Redskins 23), Dec. 18, 2011 (Redskins 23, Giants 10). Series record: Giants lead 93-64-4.

What matters: The Redskins’ secondary. Washington feels as if it has a good read on New York’s passing offense, which is one reason the defense has limited Eli Manning throughout his career (73.0 career passer rating in 16 games). They fare particularly well when they take away his primary target. But Manning still stung them with a 77-yard TD pass late in the game in the first meeting this season. The safeties, Madieu Williams and DeJon Gomes, must play well.

Who matters:  WR Pierre Garcon. The Redskins did not have him in the first game at New York (they also lost TE Fred Davis early in that contest). Garcon changes the Redskins’ offense. He provides a receiver capable of big plays at any time; he creates separation and he’s physical. Garcon already has two touchdowns for 59 yards or longer among his 16 grabs in five games.

Key matchups: Redskins OL vs. Giants DL. Yes, the premier matchups are on the outside with LT Trent Williams and RT Tyler Polumbus vs. DEs Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul. However, the Redskins OGs, Chris Chester and Kory Lichtensteiger must handle DTs Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard. The Giants’ duo is healthy and playing better.

Inside stuff: This will be the first time a defense gets a second look at Robert Griffin III. It’s often difficult to get a feel for his speed and quickness just from watching film. The Redskins, though, have been countering new looks all season. The Redskins took advantage of the Giants’ DEs in the first game, especially on Griffin keepers around the edge. Too often, they bit hard on the fakes to the RBs. In some games, the Redskins haven’t used the keeper that often, but it was a big part of their attack vs. the Giants. How this play is handled on both sides Monday will help determine the outcome. 

Connections: Redskins NT Barry Cofield played for the Giants from 2006-10; WR coach Ike Hilliard played for New York from 1997-2004. The Giants have three former Redskins coaches: OL coach Pat Flaherty (2000), DL coach Robert Nunn (2003) and TE coach Mike Pope (1997-99).

Injury report: LB London Fletcher (sprained left ankle) and LT Trent Williams (deep bruise in left thigh) likely will be questionable and perhaps even game-day decisions. They weren't able to practice Monday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Forecast: Sunny, temperatures in the low 60s.

Stat you should know: RB Alfred Morris is 18 yards shy of becoming the second Redskins rookie running back to surpass 1,000 yards rushing in a season -- Reggie Brooks gained 1,063 in 1993. But Morris also is on pace to rush for 1,428 yards this season, which would be the fourth most in franchise history. Meanwhile, the team is on pace to rush for 2,616 yards, which would be second-most in franchise history (2,625 in 1983). 

Looking ahead: The Redskins host Baltimore and then travel to Cleveland and Philadelphia before closing out the season at home vs. Dallas. Without a split of the next two games, the Redskins’ playoff dreams will evaporate. The Ravens will be tough to beat, even at home, but the two road games are winnable -- especially at collapsing Philly. That last game could be for a wild card spot.

Prediction: Giants 24, Redskins 23

John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSRedskinsor and @John_Keim.