The Week 8 matchup between the New York Giants and the New York Jets certainly lost some of its juice after the way both teams started their season.
However, with the Jets becoming more competitive by the week and the Giants suddenly, somehow, just a game and a half out of a wild card spot, the matchup has suddenly become a key game for both teams.
The Jets are coming off a big win against the Philadelphia Eagles prior to their bye week.
Meanwhile, the Giants are coming off their second victory of the season against their division rival Washington Commanders.
Here are three causes of concern ahead of the Week 8 matchup.
Jets are hot and rested
After starting off 1-3, the Jets are riding a two-game winning streak.
Not only that, their last loss was against the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, where they went toe-to-toe with Kansas City on Sunday Night Football.
The Jets started the season with a win against the Buffalo Bills as well.
Between the Jets’ wins against the Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as their respectable loss against the Chiefs, they certainly have some impressive performances under their belt given their 3-3 start.
The Jets are not just coming off two straight wins, they are also well-rested after having a bye week last week.
The turnover battle
One of the reasons the Giants have been playing better the last two games is that their defense has improved drastically and they have protected the football on the offensive side of the ball.
The Jets defense is elite and poses a major threat to the Giants. Gang Green has 13 takeaways on the season which is tied for the third-most in the league.
The Giants’ offense had eight turnovers in the first four games of the season. But, over the last three games, they had just two.
In a game where many expect points to be hard to come by, winning the turnover battle may be a key and the Jets certainly pose a threat to force turnovers.
The Jets red zone defense
The Jets rank fourth in red zone defense. This may very well be the biggest concern for Big Blue given their offensive struggles and inability to put points on the board all season long.
Last week, the Giants scored two touchdowns in the first half and then were shut out in the second half.
In the three games prior to that, the Giants did not score an offensive touchdown.
With points expected to be at a premium, the Jets red zone defense is going to make things even more difficult for the Giants offense.
