Indianapolis Colts (4-3) at New York Giants (3-4)

Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J. – TV: ESPN

*TV announcers: Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters

*Keys to the game: The Colts will lean on a pair of long-time Giants, RB Ahmad Bradshaw and WR Hakeem Nicks, to get back to their formula of controlling the ball and forcing foes to play catch-up. While Indianapolis’ calling card is QB Andrew Luck leading the potent passing game, that attack is set up by Bradshaw and fellow RB Trent Richardson, returning from a hamstring injury, setting the table and helping the Colts to average 34:50 in time of possession. That also alleviates pressure on Luck and enables him to spread the ball to his deep group of receivers led by Nicks, T.Y. Hilton and Reggie Wayne, who is expected to return from an elbow injury.

The Giants don’t want to engage in a primetime shootout against Luck’s gang, and will again turn to rookie Andre Williams (3.1 yards per carry) with Rashad Jennings still sidelined by a knee injury. The Colts defense leads the league in allowing just 31.1 percent conversions on third down, but ranks just 29th in red-zone defense. Indianapolis was dissected by Pittsburgh last week, but Giants QB Eli Manning doesn’t enjoy the same strong supporting cast and coach Tom Coughlin noted the Colts’ high percentage of pressure generated on nearly every down-and-distance situation.

*Matchup to watch – Colts WR T.Y. Hilton vs. Giants CB Jayron Hosley: The Giants’ secondary is thinned by injuries, including the uncertain status of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie due to hamstring and back injuries. Zach Bowman would likely get the start, with Hosley covering the slot, where the inconsistent third-year player will have to contain Hilton’s game-breaking speed.

*Player spotlight – Giants SLB Devon Kennard: The rookie moves into the starting lineup with Jameel McClain sliding to the middle to replace injured Jon Beason. Kennard acknowledged he is still getting up to speed after missing three games earlier this season due to a hamstring injury.

*Fast facts: The Colts led the NFL in 2013 with only 14 turnovers. They have 15 through eight games this season. … Manning will tie Phil Simms’ franchise record with his 159th career start. Manning is 88-70 (.557) while Simms was 95-64 (.597).

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

These teams aren’t as evenly matched as their records may indicate, and the Colts’ defense isn’t nearly as bad as last week’s showing against Pittsburgh. Luck pads his stat sheet against an undermanned defense that could be without multiple key veterans.

*Our pick: Colts 37-26