Monday night the struggling Giants head to Landover, MD to take on the Washington Redskins in an NFC East match-up that they need to win to stay in the hunt for a wild-card berth. With both the Cowboys and Packers sitting at 9-5, the 7-6 Giants can't afford another loss if they want to see the post-season.

Washington may be just 4-9, but lately they haven't been an easy opponent for anyone, and they could provide a major test for the visiting Giants and their reeling defense as the division rivals clash on Monday night.

NFL odds makers see this one being pretty close as the line in Vegas is sitting at just a field goal. The spread is at, New York -3 with the total in the contest set at 43.5.

The Giants' defense, which was the league's best during New York's 5-0 start, has been uncharacteristically soft lately, but that didn't stop coach Tom Coughlin from giving first-year defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan a vote of confidence this week.

"I let him know my support for him and I also let him know it has to be better," Coughlin said. "We've got to do a better job. We're here for one reason. The inconsistency part of it is disturbing, let's face it. Six big play passes and three big play runs against Philadelphia. You're not going to beat anybody like that."

The Redskins are a very dangerous opponent for anyone running into them right now. After showing some major improvement the last five weeks, they may be just 2/3 in that stretch, however they nearly pulled off upsets against Dallas, Philadelphia and New Orleans.

Washington is not laying down for anybody these days. Look for their good play to continue this week against the Giants.

Take the Redskins in the upset getting the 3 points at home.