Preview: New York Giants at Denver Broncos, Thursday, 8:20 p.m., TV: NFLN

BY SAM HITCHCOCK

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

The Giants (6-4) may have narrowly escaped with a win against the Falcons last week, but the victory helped to free them of their losing funk and reposition them back into the playoff picture. While Eli Manning and the offense looked impressive against a scrappy Falcons defense, the Giants defense revealed once again that their quarterback will have to continue to have career days if they want to secure a wild card spot.

The Giants defense acted as a sieve in the fourth quarter, letting up 14 points (and 31 overall) to a depleted Falcons offense. Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez remain among the few healthy impact players; Roddy White is battling injuries and the Falcons were without running back Michael Turner (their best player) and even his backup, Jerious Norwood. It was the Falcons' third back option, Jason Snelling, who made a noticeable impression on the Giants, running for 76 yards and two touchdowns.

Matt Ryan, who has struggled all season, found his touch against the Giants secondary, throwing for two touchdowns. Ryan did get some assistance from the Giants' injury bug since just when cornerback Aaron Ross returned to the lineup after missing nine games, linebacker Antonio Pierce is out indefinitely with a neck injury. To make matters worse, the game got forced into overtime due to the Giants defense crumbling and offense folding. Up 31-17 in the fourth quarter, the Giants conceded two touchdowns in the final six minutes, putting pressure on them to win the coin toss in overtime.

Fortunately, lady luck finally was on their side, as they won the toss and marched down the field to kick a field goal. Now 6-4, tomorrow's game against the Broncos is another one they must win.

The season is spiraling out of control for the Denver Broncos (6-4), and a shortened week only makes matters worse. Chris Simms made it abundantly clear after a few snaps last Sunday that with him under center, the Broncos have no chance to win. The injured Kyle Orton was substituted into the game in the late second quarter. Down 13-0, Coach Josh McDaniels hoped Orton could provide the spark that would swing the momentum of the game and possibly the direction of the season (with the Broncos having lost their last three).

Orton was efficient in his first drive, charging the Broncos to the goal line, but it was there that Rookie Knowshon Moreno fumbled, giving momentum back to the Chargers, which they never relinquished as they went on to drub the hurting Broncos 32-3. The Broncos' loss proved that the NFL can be a cruel sport, as the team went from being the toast of the league, to one fighting mightily for a wildcard spot.

The Broncos share many similarities to the Falcons: injured key players, a vulnerable defense, and the need to fight for a wildcard position because they are not leading in their division. If the Giants want to win this week, they cannot take their foot off the gas pedal like last week. This week, Manningham, Smith, and Boss all need to contribute in a big way, as last weekend, Boss alone was sensational, overpowering and outmaneuvering linebackers and safeties for two touchdowns. Brandon Jacobs is expected to play, but will share carries with Ahmad Bradshaw.

When given the ball, Broncos' receiver Brandon Marshall can dominate like few in the league. A physical specimen with that much talent against the troubled Giants secondary spells trouble, but Orton needs to be healthy for Marshall to be effective. With the Giants being so poor against the run of late, some would argue that this is a perfect opportunity for the Broncos to control the ball and run it down the Giants' throats. While Moreno is talented, elusive, and possesses a nice combination of breakaway speed and surprising power, I have not seen him dominate a game once this season.

The Giants defense may not be much, but with Orton playing hurt and the passing game virtually extinguished from their offense, a dominate performance is called for from Moreno if the Broncos want to steal this game. Moreno needs to prove he can be that running back who can take over. On a big stage like Thanksgiving Day, experience counts over youth.

Prediction: Giants 20, Broncos 13