The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
Limiting Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty is the Giants' top priority this week.
John Schmeelk: Fiction - I was locked and loaded to write about Brock Bowers here and how he is the best tight end in the NFL even if the numbers might not show it right now, but then the Raiders put him on injured reserve Wednesday morning. But I can't still go with "fact" here. Why? Despite what Jeanty did last week, the Raiders have the worst running game in football. They rank last in running DVOA, EPA per run, success rate, rush yards per game, rush yards per play, and rushes of 10+ yards. Maxx Crosby, on the other hand, is still one of the best edge rushers in the NFL and the effort level he plays with will not wane, even with the Raiders only having 2 wins through 15 games. Especially with the injury to Andrew Thomas, slowing down Crosby will be mission number one.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – With the way it looked last week, getting Jaxson Dart and the offense back on track is the priority. That starts up front, where the Giants were missing 60 percent of their starting offensive line by the end of the game. Dart was sacked five times while the offense netted just 13 passing yards.
Matt Citak: Fact – Even before the news of the Raiders placing Brock Bowers on injured reserve came out, my answer would have been fact here. Jeanty is coming off his best overall performance of the season with 188 total yards of offense, an average of 5.3 yards per carry, and two touchdowns, including an impressive 60-yard touchdown reception. While the Raiders' O-line still struggles to create running lanes for him, the rookie back has still found a way to shine this season. Considering the Giants' struggles at slowing down the run, containing Jeanty has to be the top priority this week.
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (906) and RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (812) will both reach 1,000 yards from scrimmage with two games to go.
John Schmeelk: Fact - Tyrone Tracy jr. has been playing excellent football, with 70 or more scrimmage yards in five of his last six games, including at least 130 in back-to-back weeks against the Packers and Lions. The only game he failed to reach 70 yards was the one he left early with a hip injury. I expect him to be heavily involved against two weaker defenses in the Raiders and Cowboys. It will be tough to get to 188 yards over two weeks, but I think he does it late against Dallas in Week 18. Robinson has a much easier path, just needing 94 yards over two weeks.
Dan Salomone: Fact – They would be two bright spots in an otherwise difficult season. That would mean the first for Robinson while Tracy could start his career with back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns. Who knows, maybe the former gets there with a run and the other with a catch?
Matt Citak: Fact – Robinson has an easier road to 1,000 as he sits just 92 total yards shy. Tracy has more of an uphill battle to get there, but with how he's performed over the last six weeks, I think he can get there. Tracy will need to average 94 yards from scrimmage over the next two weeks to reach 1,000 yards. Over his last four full games, he's topped 94 yards three of four times, including two games with 130 or more yards of offense. It won't happen until Week 18, but both Tracy and Robinson will hit the 1,000-yard mark.
View rare photos of the history between the Giants and Raiders.
JIm Otto (00) of the Oakland Raiders is pictured in action during Sunday's game against the New York Giants in Oakland, Ca., on Nov. 5, 1973. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) breaks a block during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) moves toward the play during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) runs upfield against the New York Giants in 1983. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Floyd Eddings (88) evades tacklers during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders Howie Long (75) wrestles with an opponent during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983.The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders' Jim Plunkett is dogged by New York Giants' George Martin, Sunday, Sept. 22, 1986 during NFL game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon)
Los Angeles Raider Jim Plunkett (16), the oldest quarterback in the NFL, gets popped from behind by New York Giants' Andy Headen, forcing an early turnover during first-half action at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Sept. 21, 1986. Also in on the play are Giants' Jerome Sally (78), and Raiders' Mickey Marvin. (AP Photo/Bob Galbraith)
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) is dogged by New York Giants George Martin during their game at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Sept. 22, 1986. (AP Photo/Lennox Mclendon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) raises his arms and calls an audible during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ottis "OJ" Anderson (24) runs the ball during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) chases Los Angeles Raiders running back Bo Jackson (34) during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on Dec. 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 34-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) and New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (7) chat following a 34-17 Giants victory on December 24, 1989, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Los Angeles Raiders' quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) is sacked for a nine yard loss by New York Giants' Johnie Cooks in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 24, 1989. (AP Photo/Tim Clary)
New York Giants fullback Maurice Carthon (44) get tackled from behind by Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Mike Wise (90) during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on Dec. 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 34-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) runs the ball during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders running back Eric Dickerson (29) is pursued by New YOrk Giants defensive back Mark Collins (25) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 1992, in Los Angeles. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10. (Kirby Lee via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) runs in pursuit during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 4, 1992. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants Phil Simms (11) in action during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders on October 4, 1992 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders beat the Giants 13-10.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders, Oct. 4, 1992. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (AP Photo/NFL Photos/Kevin Terrell)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders wide receiver Terry Mickens (85) get away from New York Giants linebacker Ryan Phillips (91). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell scrambles away from pressure against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants Tiki Barber runs for yardage against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive tackle Robert Harris runs through blockers as he rushes in against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive end Jessie Armstead rushes in as he fights off a block by the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants linebacker Marcus Buckley lunges to make a tackle against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell drops back as he looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) pulls way from Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders center Barett Robbins prepares to snap the ball against the New York Giants during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George throws a pass against the New York Giants during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Chuck Osborne (98) rushes New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell (13). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Grady Jackson (90) attempts to hold on to New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders tight end Rickey Dudley is tackled by New York Giants Tito Wooten (29) and Marcus Buckley (55) during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants full back Charles Way (30) gets away from Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants guard Greg Bishop (78) and tackle Roman Oben (72) touch hand before play starts. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard squeezes into the endzone for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 13, 1998 in Oakland, Calif.(AP Photo/John Todd)
New York Giants kicker Morten Andersen kicks a 47 yard field goal in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Nov. 25, 2001 in East Rutherford, N.J. The holder is Jason Garrett. Defending for the Raiders are defensive end Tony Bryant (94) and linebacker William Thomas (59). (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants' cornerback Will Allen, left, breaks up a pass intended for the Oakland Raiders' Jerry Porter (84) in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants catches a pass while defended by Stanford Routt #26 of the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Brad Badger #70 of the Oakland Raiders blocks Nick Greisen #54 of the New York Giants at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Visanthe Shiancoe #82 of the New York Giants on a pass catch and run against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Running back Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs (27) gets into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown as quarterback Eli Manning, left, looks on against the Oakland Raiders in the second half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants' receiver Plaxico Burress, left, stiff-arms the Oakland Raiders' Renaldo Hill on his way to a 78-yard touchdown catch and run in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) breaks through the Oakland Raiders' defense including cornerback Nnandi Asomugha, left, on his way to 95-yard rushing touchdown in the first half of NFL football on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. The touchdown gave Barber a team-record of 50 rushing touchdowns. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Kendrick Clancy, right, reaches to sack Oakland Raiders' quarterback Kerry Collins in the fourth quarter of their in NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. The Giants won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Oakland Raiders' quarterback Kerry Collins, left, throws under pressure from the New York Giants' Michael Strahan, right, in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber, top, dives over Oakland Raiders' Jarrod Cooper in the third quarter of their in NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. The Giants won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Chad Morton (29) returns a punt for 58 yards to the three-yard line against the Oakland Raiders in the second half of NFL football action on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. New York won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball 19 yards for his 2nd first quarter first touchdown that gives the Giants a 14-0 lead during the NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, October 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 44-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball 19 yards for his 2nd first quarter first touchdown that gives the Giants a 14-0 lead during the NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, October 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 44-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) strips Oakland Raiders quaterback JaMarcus Russell (2) during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Oakland Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) forces New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) outof bounds during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch over Oakland Raiders defender Nnamdi Asomugha (21) during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) makes a catch and gets tackled by defensive back Stanford Routt (26) against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw dodges a tackle by Oakland Raiders cornerback Chris Johnson during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks catches a pass with Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha defending in the third quarter during of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) reacts after Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) fumbled the ball while being sacked during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants recovered the ball, on the way to a 44-7 win. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith catches a pass for 43 yards as Oakland Raiders cornerback Hiram Eugene defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders defensive end Jay Richardson (98) tackles New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders' Jonathan Holland (23) is tackled by New York Giants' Jonathan Goff (54), Travis Beckum and Clint Sintim (97) on a punt return during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Oakland Raiders' Bruce Gradkowski (5) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled by Oakland Raiders' Tyvon Branch (33) and Hiram Eugene (31) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) is hit by New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka (94) as he throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, left, is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson during the third quarter during of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl, center, blocks Oakland Raiders defensive end Richard Seymour (92) as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes the ball during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck, left, during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. Russell fumbled the ball on the play which was recovered by Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game as Oakland Raiders Mike Mitchell (34) looks on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) reacts after catching a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) sacks and causes a fumble of Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Oakland Raiders in a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, catches a touchdown pass as Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) forces a fumble on Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle keeps his feet in bounds as he catches a touchdown pass as Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) bounces off Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Nick Roach (53) as guard David Diehl (66) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is tackled by Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) is hit by New York Giants outside linebacker Keith Rivers (55) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) tries to avoid New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, runs with the ball with Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) in pursuit during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants players follow safety Cooper Taylor (30) while celebrating after Taylor picked up a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown runs with the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Oakland Raiders strong safety Brandian Ross (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) is hit by New York Giants outside linebacker Keith Rivers (55) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs with the ball after making a catch as Oakland Raiders cornerback Phillip Adams (28) tugs on his jersey during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch during a week 10 football game against the Oakland Raiders on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass as Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Nick Roach (53) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) sacks and causes a fumble of Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs with the ball during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, December 3, 2017 in Oakland. The Raiders won the game 24-17. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
New York Giants' Shane Smith (43) tackles Oakland Raiders punter Marquette King (7) during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Xavier McKinney (29)
OLB Abdul Carter will have a sack for the fourth consecutive game.
John Schmeelk: Fact - The Giants have found a nice niche for Abdul Carter, lining him up as a stand-up rusher over the center behind a four-man front. It has created one-on-one rush opportunities against opposing centers and guards who are completely ill-equipped to deal with his quickness. He has managed a number of quick wins, often using spin moves, and giving him a clear path to the quarterback. I will not bet on the Raiders solving that equation this week.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – I'm doubling down on last week, when I was wrong in saying "fiction" out of respect for the difficult nature of getting three in a row. Four is even harder, so I'll go "fiction" here just for that reason. I'm sure I'll be wrong again.
Matt Citak: Fact – Carter has been on a tear since his first quarter benching in Week 13. Over the last month, the rookie outside linebacker is Pro Football Focus' second-highest ranked pass rusher in the league. He's getting after the quarterback on a consistent basis, and it's leading to strong results in the box score. No quarterback has been sacked more than Geno Smith this season, while the Raiders' 57 total sacks allowed is one shy of the Jets for the most in the NFL. Carter will continue his dominant end of the season with another sack on Sunday.
The NFC is better than the AFC this season.
John Schmeelk: Fact - Before the season, I would have answered this differently, mostly because of the group of quarterbacks sitting on top of the AFC - Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, just to name a few. Whether due to injury or the rosters around a lot of those quarterbacks not meeting expectations, only two of those quarterbacks (Allen and Herbert) are likely to make the playoffs. Young quarterbacks like Drake Maye, Trevor Lawrence, and Bo Nix (supported by strong supporting casts) have stepped in to fill the void, but the rosters do not measure up to teams like the Rams, Seahawks, Eagles, and Packers in the NFC.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – Even with Kansas City out of the playoff picture for the first time since 2014, the AFC is a gauntlet of teams nobody wants to play late in the season. The NFC West alone makes this a conversation for that conference, but if you take the top two teams from each division, it is more spread out in the AFC.
Matt Citak: Fact – It's been a weird season across the NFL. Heading into Week 17, the Chiefs and Ravens both have below .500 records, the AFC South has three teams over .500, and the NFC West has three teams with double-digit wins. Up is down, left is right, and for the first time in a while, the NFC seems to be stronger than the AFC. With the regular season nearing its end, there is no clear favorite to win or even make the Super Bowl. Everything is up for grabs, but I still lean towards the NFC over the AFC.
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