The New York Giants are out of playoff contention, but they'll get a little taste of the post-season when the Seattle Seahawks come to town Sunday.
The Seahawks are the No. 1 seed in the NFC and are arguably the best team in the entire field. Though the Giants are playing for nothing more than pride and perhaps spots on the roster in 2014, don't count them out of at least attempting to give the Seahawks their best effort.
Here's five things we're keying in on when the Seahawks face the Giants:
Russell Wilson out of the pocket
Wilson is arguably the most the dangerous quarterback the Giants have or will face this season because of his ability to make plays both in and outside of the pocket. A threat to throw or run at any time, Wilson presents a unique challenge for the Giants defense.
Wilson has tallied 23 passing touchdowns this season and has turned Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse and a bunch of unknowns into major receiving threats. The play is never over with him, which means all levels of the Giants defense cannot give up on plays. The line must continue to force the issue with Wilson, the linebackers must force him to make decisions and prevent him from taking off, and the defensive backs must maintain coverage throughout plays.
A lot easier said than done.
Jon Beason vs. Marshawn Lynch
Beason's presence among the Giants' front seven has made a noticeable improvement, as we've eluded to time and time again. Since being thrust into the starting role, the Giants have held opposing rushing attacks to 90 yards per game.
The defense has been less stellar of late, though, as four of the last five opponents have topped the century mark against the G-Men. Seattle's offensive line is among -- if not, the best -- unit in the entire league and will present a true challenge for the Giants up front. Only four times have the Seahawks failed to rush for more than 100 yards.
Richard Sherman vs. Giants' receivers
Sherman is arguably the top cornerback in the NFL these days, and "Sherman Island" has restricted some of the league's best wide receivers throughout the year.
In addition to his four interceptions on the year, Sherman has held the likes of Steve Smith, Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin in check. Victor Cruz is on the verge of surpassing the 1,000-yard mark on the season, but it'll be an uphill climb should he see Sherman lining up in front of him.
Seahawks ends vs. Will Beatty, Justin Pugh
The Giants used to have a reputation for the most physical pass rush in the NFL, but that title certainly belongs to the Seahawks these days. Seattle is tied in 11th for most sacks generated this season with 36, compared to the Giants who rank 31st with 25.
Beatty and Pugh will certainly have their hands full with the plethora of Seattle pass-rushers. Red Bryant and Michael Bennett will look to take advantage of their matchup with the rookie, while Chris Clemons and Cliff Avril will look to feast on the struggling Beatty.
Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers
During the Giants' win streak, the defense forced 11 turnovers. In their past three games, though, they've forced just three, so it's not surprising the team owns a 1-2 mark in that stretch.
Seattle rarely gives the ball away, as the team has turned it over just once in the past four contests. But if the Giants can force the issue with Wilson like the San Francisco 49ers did, they have a chance.