With Some Help, Giants Back in It

The New York Giants are right back in the wild-card playoff race.

Tiki Barber scored on a one-yard run and set up another touchdown with a 60-yard run in a season-best 21-point first quarter for the Giants in their 37-7 victory over the Cowboys on Sunday.

The Giants (8-6) picked up a game on New Orleans (9-5) and Atlanta (8-5-1) in the wild-card race.

“This game was huge,” Barber said. “Our playoff hopes are still alive. We have to win out, otherwise all the talk about sneaking into the playoffs is null and void.”

The Giants got plenty of help just minutes before the opening kickoff against Dallas (5-9).

Minnesota defeated New Orleans, 32-31, on a two-point conversion in the closing seconds of regulation. Seattle then beat Atlanta, 30-27, in overtime after the Falcons missed a potential game-winning field goal.

Giant Coach Jim Fassel told his team immediately.

“At some point in time when you set your goals, you better be able to grab the carrot when it’s sitting right there,” Fassel said.

New York has the toughest schedule remaining, playing at Indianapolis (9-5) and at home against Philadelphia (11-3). The Eagles won the NFC East on Sunday.

Atlanta will play Detroit (3-11) at home and at Cleveland (7-7). New Orleans will play at Cincinnati (1-13) and at home against Carolina (5-9).

Mike Barrow led a Giant defense that limited Dallas to 241 total yards, forced three turnovers and held Chad Hutchinson to 16 for 40 passing for 161 yards.