The New York Giants (2-1) are looking to keep their winning ways rolling as they prepare to host the Arizona Cardinals (1-2) at MetLife Stadium in Week 4.
Though the Giants will be without a pair of star players in quarterback Jaxson Dart and edge rusher Brian Burns, there's still a chance Big Blue can come out with another home win against a vulnerable opponent. The Cardinals offense has some playmakers, but they're also 30th in yards per play (4.55) and 20th in red-zone conversion rate (54.6%).
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 4 bout.
Giants WR Malik Nabers vs. Cardinals CB Max Melton
This is a matchup the Giants should win if they can get
Nabers going, but that has been more difficult than expected to begin the season. Things looked good at the start of the campaign when Dart was under center, but Nabers has posted just 27 receiving yards over his last two games combined.
Melton exclusively plays on the outside so the Giants are likely to shift Nabers around. He's allowed an 87.2 passer rating and one touchdown in coverage this season. If the Giants can get Nabers going, though, it could help turn the tide.
Giants secondary vs. Cardinals TE Trey McBride
There is no singular player who can stick with McBride the entire game so it's going to take the effort of the entire secondary to contain the star tight end. Coming off an All-Pro season, McBride as picked up right where he left off with 26 receptions for 211 yards and two touchdowns.
The Giants have allowed 138 yards to the tight end position across three games, which ranks 14th-fewest in the NFL. Granted, they haven't exactly played against any studs at the position thus far. McBride is an entirely different animal and if the Giants can't find a way to at least contain him, it could be a long day for the defense.
Giants EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux vs. Cardinals LT Paris Johnson Jr.
This is going to be a major matchup for the Giants defense as a whole here. Though they could move the front around and get Abdul Carter some reps across from Johnson, it's likely that Thibodeaux will see the bulk of snaps across from the 25-year-old blindside anchor.
Johnson has enjoyed an excellent start to the season after being on of the most consistent tackles in the game over the last few campaigns. The former No. 6 overall pick has allowed just six pressures, including one sack, across three games, per Pro Football Focus. It will be a tough task for Thibodeaux, but this will be a necessary matchup for the Giants to claim if they want a win.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants vs. Arizona Cardinals: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 4
