5 storylines to watch in the Seattle Seahawks' Week 5 game against the New York Giants

Detroit dismantled Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald's struggling defense in Week 4. Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 18 of 18 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns. He caught another touchdown. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for 158 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns.

Even though Goff was perfect through the air, it was because the Lions established the run so quickly and effectively. This allowed Detroit to do whatever it wanted. Compared to the Giants, the Seahawks don't have that luxury for Daniel Jones. Seattle needs to apply immediate pressure by stopping the Giants' running game. Several defensive starters will be back in the lineup, so injuries are no excuse.

Additionally, Seattle's pass coverage has been excellent all season until Week 4. This group needs to bounce back and make things difficult for Jones.

On the other hand, Jones has a chance to get a decisive win against the Seahawks. He's still an NFL quarterback. Seattle, which had a far worse defense last season, sacked Jones 11 times and intercepted him twice in a 24-3 win at Metlife Stadium. This year's group should make things even more difficult for Jones.

Jones will be without his best offensive weapons, so it will be up to him to drive the Giants' offensive performance. That hasn't been his strength in the past, but then again, he's an NFL quarterback. Jones completed 29 of 40 passes for 281 yards and one interception in a 20-15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last week.

Edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu will make his season debut for Seattle. He'll have to come up big to chase the Giants' signal-caller.

New York's defense is a solid unit. The front seven includes Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, who are difference-makers on the edges, and Dexter Lawrence in the middle. At inside linebacker, the Giants made Bobby Okereke the 10th highest-paid player at the position this offseason for a reason.

Even if the Giants can pressure Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, that's when he'll be at his best. No matter what unit Smith has faced this season, he has found a way to split it up. Wide receiver DK Metcalf was third in the NFL in receiving yards (366) entering Week 5 and has reached triple-digit receiving yards in three straight games.

Seattle's running game is back in full swing. Running back Kenneth Walker III keeps the offense balanced. The offense should stay hot against New York.

This is the second of three games for Seattle in 11 days. The Seahawks had to travel to Detroit for a Monday night game in Week 4, played in a 42-29 run, and then had their first practice of the week on Wednesday to prepare for New York. After this game they host the San Francisco 49ers Thursday Night Football in week 6.

It's one of the unfortunate realities of the NFL, but it's beyond Seattle's control. The tight schedule came at a bad time given all of the Seahawks' injuries. You'll get healthier, but recovery from a sport as physical as football isn't always quick.

The real risk is having a close game against the Giants and being exhausted before the 49ers game. That's much more important for Seattle, but they still need a win over New York to maintain their sole lead in the NFC West.

As mentioned, San Francisco (2-2) remains close in the NFC West race. If the 49ers beat the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and Seattle loses to the Giants, they will be tied at the top of the standings.

With Seattle and San Francisco playing their first of two meetings this season in Week 6, the Seahawks will need to maintain a one-game lead – especially given the tight schedule and potential fatigue in this rivalry game.

After the loss to Detroit, the Seahawks could also use a confidence boost. Seattle would risk losing three straight if they were upset by New York.