CB Dominique Rodgers-CromartieWhile he is not expected to shadow Detroit's Calvin Johnson exclusively, there will be plenty of matchups between the two as Rodgers-Cromartie mans the left side and tries to limit one of the best wide receivers in the game. In fact, Rodgers-Cromartie said earlier this week that there's "no question" that Johnson is the top player at his position.Meanwhile, right cornerback Prince Amukamara and nickel corner Walter Thurmond III will also need to be on their game on Monday night against a talented group of weapons at quarterback Matthew Stafford's disposal. "A guy like that, you have to play physical with," Rodgers-Cromartie said of Johnson. "You have to get up there and put your hands on him and try to disrupt him as much as you can."

G Weston RichburgWhen the Giants drafted him the second round, it was inevitable that Richburg would someday be a starter for the organization. But the rookie's path to that point was expedited in the preseason by injuries to starting guards Geoff Schwartz and Brandon Mosley.Now Richburg is slated to start at left guard in his first NFL game on the road, on Monday Night Football, and against a talented Detroit line. "We will have, right away, an issue indoors with the excitement of the first game and Monday night and all of that stuff to deal with," coach Tom Coughlin said. "Hopefully our guys will settle in."

QB Eli ManningThe preseason is over. It's now time to see what Ben McAdoo's new system can do when the games count. And it all starts with No. 10. "I definitely want to play better than I did last year, that's for sure," Manning said. "I am just trying to go out there and do my job and each game is going to be different. Plays are going to have a challenge in it and try to go out there, enjoy the challenge, and enjoy playing football."  

LB Jon BeasonThe starting middle linebacker and recently-named defensive co-captain returned to practice this week on a limited basis for the first time since injuring his foot in spring football. His plan the whole time was to make the opener in Detroit, and he looks to be on track for that.But while we'll see how much is put on his plate during the game, his presence alone is a boost for the defense -- just like it was when he joined the Giants midway through the 2013 season. "We were 0-6 and we started winning when we had him at middle linebacker," defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul said. "He's a big part of our defense. Without a middle linebacker, we have nothing. I'm just glad he's back out there. I know he wouldn't have gotten out there unless he's ready, so that's a plus for us."

DE Jason Pierre-PaulAfter two difficult seasons as he struggled with injuries, Pierre-Paul vowed early on to bounce back in 2014. Since his breakout campaign in the Giants' 2011 championship season, Pierre-Paul has notched 8.5 sacks, including just two in 2013. The offensive line has been under the microscope this offseason, but the defensive linemen know they have to produce more to get back to the playoffs."We all know that it's for real now," Pierre-Paul said. "We've got our 53 [man roster]. Every game counts from here on out. Let's start strong and finish strong and do what we can."