Quick Take: Panthers/Giants

In Brief

» Last meeting: New York gained an overtime 34-28 win over Carolina in Week 16 last season.
» Streaks: The Giants have won two straight, but are still behind 3-2 in the overall series.
» Last week: Going to Washington on Monday night resulted in a 45-12 blowout win for the Giants. ... The Panthers knocked off the favored Vikings, 26-7.

Keep your eye on ...Which Steve Smith does better: For years, saying Steve Smith in regards to the NFL meant you were talking about the Panthers' Pro Bowl receiver. Not so, anymore. While Carolina's Steve Smith is still playing well (as evidenced by his 157-yard, two-touchdown performance last week), New York's Steve Smith has surpassed him statistically. Whoever performs better this Sunday may get his team the win.

Eli Manning's hot streak: Since the calendar turned to December, Manning has played lights out. He has 900 passing yards in three games this month, with eight touchdowns and only one interception. If he plays that well against the Panthers, it could be tough for Carolina to overcome.

Matt Moore's audition: Carolina's third-year signal-caller has a golden opportunity to show the league, if not the Panthers, that he is a legitimate quarterback prospect. He had his best game as a pro against the Vikings last week, and another outstanding performance against the Giants could enhance his reputation even further.

Did you know?

After recording the most 100-yard receiving games in the league from 2004-08, Panthers WR Steve Smith has only two this year. ... Carolina coach John Fox has never had back-to-back winning seasons. ... The Giants are playing the Panthers at home in Week 16 for the second consecutive season. New York won last season's meeting to clinch homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs ... If the playoffs started today, the Giants would be on the outside looking in (the Panthers are eliminated). Get an updated look at the postseason picture.