WEEK 11: Atlanta Falcons (5-4) at NY Giants (5-4)

This Sunday at 1:00 ET the NY Giants look to right the ship against the struggling Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are coming off a painful loss to the surging Carolina Panthers. Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan has struggled over his last six games. Ryan is in the midst of the most disastrous stretch of his young career. He has thrown 11 picks in his last six games — he threw 11 picks in 16 starts last year. While Ryan's issues are a significant concern, an injury suffered by RB Michael Turner was the most troubling development for Atlanta on this past Sunday. Turner was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain, according to multiple reports, after injuring the ankle in the second quarter vs. the Panthers. He had to leave the game and did not return. He's expected to miss the Week 11 game vs. the Giants. This has turned one of Atlanta’s strengths into its greatest weakness; the Falcon’s running game will have a tough day against the Giants’ defense.


The Giants however, are returning from a two week break in which they have focused on getting healthier and improving the communication and intensity on the field. After starting the season on a hot streak winning five straight games, the Giants have lost the last four games played. Despite the slump, the Giants’ offense remains fifth in the NFL with 377.7 yards per game. The New Orleans Saints lead the league at 426.1.The Giants’ defense is ranked even better, allowing a league-low 274.4 yards per game. The worst of the 32 teams is Cleveland, at 409.1. The Giants will play two games in five days, the second on Thanksgiving night at Denver. But they may be facing the Falcons and the Broncos at the right time. Atlanta has lost three of its last four games and Denver (6-3) has lost three straight.

The Cowboys remain atop the N.F.C. East at 6-3. The Eagles and the Giants are tied for second. The Giants, who won at Dallas and lost at Philadelphia, will face them at home on consecutive weeks in December. The return from the bye week marks the potential for a turning point in the 2009 Giants season. Can the G-men find the winning ways that they began the season with?