Coming off an injury-riddled debut season as a starter, Brandon Jacobs entered his 2008 contract year with one main mission: last 16 games. While that goal will go unrealized after he was shut down in Week 12 due to a knee sprain, Jacobs can now set his sights on maximizing his market value with a strong close to the season.

You see, Derrick Ward is also in a contract year and didn't show much (69 yards on 20 carries) in last Sunday's spot start against the same Arizona defense that served up 130 total yards and four touchdowns to a banged-up Brian Westbrook on Thanksgiving. The Giants must decide after the season whether to roll with Ward or Jacobs as their starter in 2009. Jacobs can resume showing Giants GM Jerry Reese that he more deserves the megabucks Sunday in D.C.

A Redskins run defense that normally is considered stout is in disarray. Ideally, the Skins would stand eight in the box against the NFL's far and away best rushing attack and try to make Eli Manning beat them. But Washington's defense is crippled by so many injuries to key starters that defensive coordinator Greg Blache may have to employ a nickel alignment for most of the game to get what's left of his best personnel on the field.

Starting RE Andre Carter (foot), NT Kedric Golston (ankle, bone spur), and MLB London Fletcher (foot) are game-time decisions. None of them practiced at all this week, and coach Jim Zorn doesn't typically use players on game day that haven't taken any reps. SLB Marcus Washington (high ankle sprain) has been ruled out. Jason Taylor is on track to be an every-down player despite being a serious liability against the run early in the season. DTs Cornelius Griffin (shoulder) and Anthony Montgomery (Achilles) are expected to play, but not at 100 percent.

Employing a nickel set consisting of five defensive backs, a lot of DeAngelo Hall, and only six men to guard against the run could be suicide against Jacobs and the Jints. With Plaxico Burress (hamstring) already ruled out, the Giants' game plan is almost certain to be run heavy.

Jacobs (knee) is "questionable" on the injury report himself, but it's thought to be a more precautionary listing in light of last week's surprise deactivation after he was deemed "probable." Fantasy owners should have Jacobs handcuffed with Ward and check the noon inactives to be safe, but all indications point to The Train getting back on the tracks this Sunday.

Important Game-Time Decisions for Week 13

Arms
Matt Schaub - Recovering quickly, but likely needs another week to play.
David Garrard - Sneaky bet for big yardage on MNF against the Texans.
Marc Bulger - Orlando Pace's return helps, but still isn't a QB1 option.

Wides
Roddy White - "Questionable" on injury report, but he will start Sunday.
Greg Jennings - Do-it-all wideout will start Sunday against the Panthers.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh - One of few Bengals that hasn't packed it in yet.
Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery - They will start against Broncos.
Eddie Royal - He's an all-out game time call against the Jets at 4:15ET.
Domenik Hixon - His value on the rise, Hixon will start @ Washington.
Mark Bradley - Iffy to face Raiders; not worth waiting for in late game.
Derrick Mason - Upgraded to probable; has strong matchup @ Cincy.
Mark Clayton - Expected to play, but has only 23 catches all season.
Jason Hill, Arnaz Battle, Josh Morgan - Hill expected to play, others not.
Marty Booker - A third receiver at best if he's in uniform @ Minnesota.
James Jones - Probable, but has lost third receiver job to Jordy Nelson.

Backs
Clinton Portis - Coaches say he's 50-50, but hasn't missed a game yet.
Brandon Jacobs - The Train should play, have strong game @ Redskins.
Steven Jackson - Those covering the Rams believe S-Jax is ready to play.
Reggie Bush - Sean Payton fully expects Bush back to face Tampa Bay.
Willie Parker - Practiced fully Thursday and Friday; he should face Pats.
Steve Slaton - With Ahman Green on IR, Slaton is a feature back again.
Selvin Young - Hasn't made much progress so don't be counting on him.
LeRon McClain - Will be in pads, but role highly uncertain @ Cincinnati.
Jerious Norwood - He'll play after taking part in most of week's practice.
Jerome Harrison - He'll be available to back up Jamal Lewis versus IND.
Ahmad Bradshaw - Hamstring injury appears likely to keep him inactive.
LaMont Jordan - Impending return clouds the Patriots' RB pecking order.

Ends
Kellen Winslow - Listed as questionable, but Winslow is slated to start.
Zach Miller - Toolsy tight end is expected to start against Kansas City.
Desmond Clark - Expected to face Vikings despite sitting out practices.
Todd Heap - Will start @ Bengals, but Ravens likely to feature the run.
Alex Smith - Scheduled to return this week, which helps Warrick Dunn.

Legs
Jason Elam - Despite questionable tag, Elam will kick against Chargers.
Mike Nugent - Jay Feely probably will kick again, but not worth the risk.

Already Ruled Out for Week 13

Arms
Carson Palmer - Will resume throwing on Dec. 7; may return Week 15.
Brady Quinn - Derek Anderson to finish out the season as Browns QB.

Wides
Plaxico Burress - Shot himself Friday; grab Domenik Hixon in all leagues.
Greg Camarillo - On IR with torn ACL; rookie Davone Bess now starting.
Laurent Robinson - Michael Jenkins' extension hurts Robinson's outlook.

Backs
Ahman Green - Done for year; Ryan Moats backing up Steve Slaton now.

Ends
Robert Royal - Derek Schouman, Derek Fine to share TE work vs. Niners.

Legs
None of significance.

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