The New York Giants (3-1-1) will look to get back in the win column when they host the New Orleans Saints (1-4) at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
New York is coming off a 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders, while the Saints have lost three consecutive games.
The Giants have an opportunity to pick up their fourth win of the season, but they'll need to take advantage of several key matchups to get the job done.
Here are three matchups to watch in Sunday's game.
1. Giants WR Malik Nabers vs. Saints CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
Nabers is coming off one of his best performances of the season, recording 11 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown against Washington.
The third-year wide receiver has quickly established himself as a focal point of the Giants' offense, and he'll have an opportunity to make another
impact against a Saints defense that has struggled to contain opposing offenses.
New Orleans ranks 25th in total defense, allowing 361 yards per game, and has given up 30.2 points per contest this season.
McKinstry will be an important piece of the Saints' efforts to slow down Nabers. The cornerback recorded two interceptions in the teams' most recent meeting last season, making him a player the Giants will need to account for in the passing game.
If Nabers can win his matchups and create separation downfield, it could open things up for the rest of New York's offense.
2. Giants pass rush vs. Saints QB Tyler Shough
The Giants' defense will have an opportunity to put pressure on Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who struggled in New Orleans' 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Shough completed 16 of 25 passes for just 96 yards and threw two interceptions in that game to go along with a 98.1 passer rating. The Giants will look to replicate Minnesota's success by making him uncomfortable in the pocket and forcing him into difficult decisions.
New York's pass rush has shown the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, particularly when defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson increases the pressure.
Outside linebacker Abdul Carter's status is worth monitoring, however, after he missed Wednesday's practice with a calf injury. His availability could have an impact on the Giants' ability to generate pressure off the edge.
If the Giants can consistently pressure Shough, they could force turnovers and put their offense in favorable field position.
3. Giants offensive line vs. Saints pass rush
The Giants' offensive line will have its hands full against a New Orleans front featuring veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan and edge rusher Chase Young.
New York has dealt with injuries along the offensive line, with right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and left tackle Andrew Thomas both missing Wednesday's practice, though the latter has been playing through his injury.
That creates a potential problem against a Saints defense that will look to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the Giants' offensive rhythm. Jameis Winston helped lead New York's second-half comeback against Washington, but the Giants need to give him time to operate if they want to avoid another slow start.
Protecting Winston will be especially important against a Saints defense that can create problems when its pass rush gets home. If the Giants can hold up in pass protection and establish some consistency on the ground, they'll have a much better chance of controlling the game.
New York has shown plenty of resilience through the first five weeks, but it will need to win these key matchups to secure another home victory.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 6
