New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 5

The New York Giants (3-1) are looking to keep their winning ways rolling as they travel to face the Washington Commanders (1-3) at Northwest Stadium in Week 5.

After winning three of their first four games, the Giants currently sit alone atop the NFC East for the first time since 2015. Meanwhile, Washington is coming off a disappointing 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London and is still searching for its first divisional victory of the season.

There are plenty of intriguing battles that could determine Sunday's outcome, particularly with Jayden Daniels expected to return for Washington after his gruesome elbow injury against the Dallas Cowboys.

This is a battle that could go either way depending on a few matchups taking place on both sides

of the ball, so let's take a look at three that will likely determine the outcome of this Week 5 bout.

Giants WR Malik Nabers vs. Commanders CBs

This is a matchup the Giants should look to exploit early, especially if Malik Nabers is healthy enough to play.

Nabers is coming off his best game of the season against the Cardinals, catching six passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. The Commanders, meanwhile, have struggled to defend the pass. Washington has allowed 970 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns through four games, ranking 25th and 30th in the league, respectively.

The Giants will likely move the former first-rounder around the formation to prevent Washington from simply assigning one cornerback to him throughout the afternoon. If New York can get the ball into Nabers' hands early, it could force the Commanders to adjust their coverage and create opportunities for Isaiah Likely and the rest of the receiving corps.

Nabers did miss Wednesday's practice with knee soreness, however, so his health will be something to monitor throughout the week. If he's able to go, this is a matchup the Giants need to win.

Giants DBs vs. Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

After missing the last two games with an elbow injury, Daniels returned as a full participant in Wednesday's practice and is trending toward making his return Sunday. Through six quarters this season, he has completed 56.9 percent of his passes for 260 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions while adding 100 rushing yards on 12 carries.

The Giants' defense has been opportunistic this season, with reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Month Jevon Holland already recording three interceptions. Deonte Banks also just delivered a game-clinching 98-yard interception return for a touchdown against Arizona.

Washington's receiving corps could make that task even more complicated if healthy. Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs were both dealing with hamstring injuries and did not practice Wednesday. Diggs leads Washington with 18 receptions, 170 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while McLaurin has 141 yards and a touchdown.

If those receivers are limited or unavailable, the Giants can devote more attention to containing Daniels and forcing Washington's secondary targets to beat them.

Giants EDGE Abdul Carter vs. Commanders OL

With Daniels potentially returning, New York cannot afford to give him a clean pocket. Carter and the rest of the Giants' front seven will need to generate pressure while also maintaining disciplined rush lanes.

The Commanders are dealing with their own problems up front. Washington's offensive line remains unsettled, particularly at center, and the team has already dealt with injuries along the line this season.

That gives Carter an opportunity to make his presence felt.

The former first-round pick has taken on an even more important role since Brian Burns was lost for the season. With Burns no longer available to command attention on the opposite side, Carter has taken over as a game-breaker.

The second-year stud has recorded 11 pressures and a 16.9% pass-rush win rate, according to Pro Football Focus. If Carter and the Giants' defensive front can pressure Daniels while keeping him contained, New York's opportunistic secondary could have another chance to make game-changing plays.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 5