Thursday night at MetLife Stadium brings two NFC East teams to the same bright stage, but they arrive from very different places. The Giants are 5-2-1 after a tough 19-11 win over Philadelphia, and their surprising climb has turned this young season into a chance to prove they belong near the top. The Commanders are 2-5-1, yet their recent 27-10 win over the Eagles showed they can still punch back. Now Washington needs a road win to keep its comeback story moving.

New York’s offense faces its biggest question at quarterback. Jaxson Dart is on injured reserve after knee surgery, while J.J. McCarthy is questionable with a hip injury. Whoever starts will need to lean on a pair of pass catchers who can change the shape of a defense. Malik Nabers has 53 catches for 648 yards, using his speed and quick moves to find space all over the field. Isaiah Likely gives the Giants another problem for defenders to solve. The tight end has caught six touchdown passes, showing he is a favorite target near the goal line.

The Giants usually pass for more yards than they run, so Nabers and Likely may be the engines of the attack. But New York also needs a steady ground game, especially with Cam Skattebo listed out because of a hamstring injury. Skattebo’s powerful runs have helped the Giants control games, and his absence puts more pressure on the rest of the offense to stay on schedule.

Washington has its own injury challenge. Terry McLaurin, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Laremy Tunsil, Daron Payne and others are unavailable. That leaves Jayden Daniels as the team’s main spark. Daniels has thrown for 1,250 yards in six games and rushed for 252 more, which means defenders must watch both his arm and his legs. He can turn a crowded pocket into an escape route, then make a play downfield.

Rachaad White can help Daniels by running inside, catching short passes and turning simple plays into longer gains. Chig Okonkwo is another quick target who can create trouble after the catch. Washington showed its fighting spirit against the Rams last week, creating big defensive plays and pushing late for a tying drive. But a late lost ball ended that chance. Protecting the football will matter against a Giants defense that gives up only 301.4 yards per game, one of the better marks in this matchup.

New York has injury losses, too, especially pass rusher Brian Burns. Without him, the Giants must work together to keep Daniels from breaking free. Washington allows more yards and points than it scores, but its seven-takeaway edge shows a defense that can steal momentum.

The Commanders have enough speed to make this tight, especially if Daniels finds room to run. Still, the Giants have been steadier all season, and their home crowd should help a shorthanded offense settle in. Prediction: The Giants win.

Giants and Commanders Bring Different Comebacks to MetLife