Giants-Redskins Matchup

The ESPN analysts are picking the Redskins to come out on top. However, there is much more to this game than the Skins' D vs. Giants' O and vice versa. The main poits that is ignored is the intangibles factor.

The emotional aspect where the home team will be honoring Wellington Mara is a definitive edge. In addition, Antonio Pierce is highly motivated against his former compatriots. Brunell is playing against his former head coach in Tom Coughlin. Tim Hasselbeck knows the Skins' offense and has been briefing the Giants organization all week. These factors, combined with the fact that the Skins haven't solved the turnover problem (except for one week against the lowly Niners) will likely amount to big problems for the Redskins. It's easy to imagine that the Giants defense will elevate their level of play several notches, inspired by the emotional calling. They will probably play better than they have all season. Plus, once they force a couple turnovers, the face of the game changes completely.

CBS Sportsline has analysts who are believers of this latter theory. Plus, they point out that despite giving up a lot of yardage, the Giants defense has forced a league-leading 18 turnovers.