Redskins vs. Giants 2013, Week 17: Closing out disappointment

In a year in which he threw a career-high 27 picks, Eli’s first and last passes of the season were interceptions.

Here’s the saddest thing you’ll see all week: a soggy Eli being helped off the field with the burning wreckage of his 2013 season finally behind him.

The 6-9 Giants face the 3-12 Redskins in the regular season finale. It’s an electric atmosphere in MetLife Stadium...

...or maybe not.

UPDATE: Manning has been ruled out with an ankle sprain and will not return, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.

Manning appeared to hurt his ankle late in the second quarter when a defender rolled over his legs. Manning was limping after the play but stayed in. On the following play, his pass was tipped and intercepted and he left the field limping badly. He was promptly taken back into the locker room for further evaluation.

New York ranks in the bottom-third of the NFL in a number of key offensive categories, including yards per play (26th); first downs per play (23rd); and third down conversation rate (30th). The Giants haven’t been great defensively -- especially on third downs -- but the bigger issues lie on the offensive side of the ball. New York’s defense ranks near the bottom of the NFL in sack percentage, but the Giants have been better in recent weeks. The amount of pressure they are able to apply on Sunday could be a deciding factor.

Washington has had significant issues on both sides of the ball this season. It is dead last in defensive points per play allowed and 24th in offensive points per play. The Redskins struggle to score and are even worse at stopping the opponent from doing so. Not a good combination.