Kickoff: The Patriots host the struggling New York Giants on Monday Night Football. The G-Men have been competitive this season but have struggled with consistency and finishing games. Their play ultimately cost Head Coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen their jobs.

Despite their struggles, this Giants team has been in a lot of close games this season and I would expect them to play the Patriots tough.

Here are four keys to the game:

1st Down: Ground and pound: The Giants have the worst run defense in the NFL. The Patriots should be able to run the football effectively all game long. As long as they stay committed to the run game, they should be fine. There will be plenty of plays to be made on the ground. Josh McDaniels has to stay patient and stick with the running game.

2nd Down: Help the left side of the offensive line: Both Vedarian Lowe and Ben Brown are making their first starts together on the left side of the offensive line tonight. A tall task against Brian Burns and one of the most talented pass rush units in the NFL. McDaniels may have to help both guys from a protection scheme standpoint. They will be under pressure all night long and keeping Drake Maye on his feet is paramount.

3rd Down: Pressure Dart: The rookie quarterback is back after missing three games with a concussion. Expect defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr to will him back with a heavy dose of pressure as the Patriots try to rattle the young quarterback and throw him off his spot.

4th Down: Take care of business: The Giants have been competitive despite their 2-10 record. The Patriots need to come to play tonight and take care of business. They cannot take this team lightly. If they do, they will lose. A strong start will be key.

Extra Points: The New England Patriots and the New York Giants will meet for the 13th time in the regular season and for the first time since Nov. 26, 2023, when the Giants won, 10-7, at MetLife Stadium. Overall, the Patriots claim a 7-5 edge in the regular season play (Courtesy of patriots.com)

Final Drive: The Patriots are on fumes. They need next week’s bye week desperately. Before they get there however, they need to take care of business against a bad football team that is talented and dangerous. The Patriots need to start fast and pull away early. If they do that, they should win this game.