Key matchups: Falcons at Giants

Falcons CB Robert Alford vs. Giants WR Victor Cruz: Alford must be on top of his game against a savvy route-runner. Previously, there was the miscue against Cincinnati, and Alford was beaten deep by Jairus Wright in the Minnesota game. Alford, a second-year player, has 15 tackles and leads the teams with four pass breakups. Cruz has 18 catches for 299 yards and one touchdown. He has averaged 16.6 yards per catch.

Falcons FS Dwight Lowery vs. Giants TE Larry Donnell: Lowery was ravaged in the season opener by New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham, who caught eight passes for 82 yards. Lowery has been steady since. Donnell, a former quarterback at Grambling State, has 25 catches for 236 yards and four touchdowns.

Falcons' run defense vs. Giants RB Rashad Jennings: There is nowhere to go but up after giving up 241 yards to the Minnesota Vikings. The Falcons have yielded 153.5 yards per game rushing, which ranks 30th in the NFL. Jennings has been a great free-agent addition. He has 81 carries for 341 yards and two touchdowns. "He's a very, very good example to everyone in terms of how he works, how hard he works, how he prepares and the way he takes care of himself," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "He's given us some outstanding performances."