Here is a breakdown of the New York Giants, who host the Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

Record: 8-6 (4-3 at home), 3rd in NFC East, 1 game out in NFC Wildcard

Last Week: Blew out the Redskins 45-12 on Monday Night Football, as Eli Manning threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns.

Last Game vs. Panthers: Giants won 34-28 at the Meadowlands on Dec. 21, 2008, as Derrick Ward ran for 215 yards and set up Brandon Jacobs’ winning touchdown run in overtime.

Key Injuries: RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankles, foot) has been held out of practice, along with G Rich Seubert (knee) and CB Corey Webster (knee). WR Hakeem Nicks (hamstring) and CB Aaron Ross (hamstring) have been limited.

Players to Know: QB Eli Manning (61.2 CMP%, 3,584 YDS, 26 TD, 11 INT), RB Brandon Jacobs (834 YDS, 3.8 AVG, 5 TD), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (712 YDS, 4.9 AVG, 7 TD), WR Steve Smith (90 REC, 1,092 YDS, 6 TD), CB Terrell Thomas (70 TACK, 1 SACK, 5 INT, 13 PASS DEF), DE Justin Tuck (47 TACK, 5.5 SACK, 8 PASS DEF), K Lawrence Tynes (26-31 FG, long of 52)

Ranks: Offense – Pts/G: 6th, Pass: 9th, Run: 10th. Defense – Pts/G: 26th, Pass: 10th, Run: 8th

Storyline: The Giants currently are on the outside looking in on the NFC playoff picture, but are still firmly in contention, one game behind Dallas and Green Bay in the wildcard race. Big Blue owns the tie-breaker against the Cowboys after beating them twice, so New York needs to gain one game on its division rival in the final two weeks. Dallas, which broke a two-game skid against the Saints last week, finishes against Washington and Philadelphia. Considering what’s on the line, it will be interesting to see if the Giants can replicate their MNF performance against the Panthers, who also stepped up on national TV last week, beating the Vikings.

Additional Reading: This batch of links includes a couple of pieces about the Giants playing their final game at the Meadowlands.

-- ANDREW SIMON