Giants Could Face Depleted Steelers Squad on Sunday

Plaxico Burress is $45,000 poorer -- proof that his two-week suspension really sent a clear message -- but despite spending Thursday morning in the hospital for neck and shoulder pain, he will likely be on the field when the Giants take on the Steelers Sunday afternoon. That's welcome news to quarterback Eli Manning, even though New York trounced the Seahawks 44-6 during Burress' team-mandated absence.

Both teams are 5-1 and sit atop their respective divisions, but the Giants have looked inconsistent recently, including an embarrassing on-the-road Monday Night loss to the Browns. The Steelers, on the other hand, have looked sharp since getting manhandled by the Eagles in Week 3.

Vegas opened with Pittsburgh giving New York three points, but the Steelers will without four key starters. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes was busted Thursday for having marijuana in his SUV, running back Willie Parker is still recovering from a knee injury he suffered last month, left tackle Marvel Smith will miss his second straight game with back spasms, and arguably the team's best defensive player, lineman Aaron Smith, could be out because of personal reasons.

Ultimately, the game will come down to each offense's ability to protect its quarterback. Eli Manning, in general, has had time to find open receiver downfield, while Ben Roethlisberger has, until recently, struggled to stay upright.

Both defenses are known for their high-pressure tactics, which means things could be decided on a last-second field goal. Let's just hope neither Tom Coughlin or Mike Tomlin try to ice the kicker.

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