NFL

Giants-Cowboys matchups

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When the Giants schedule was announced in April, it did not take long to scan the list of ames, spot the NewYear’s Day meeting with the Cowboys in the regular- season finale and think this: No way that game doesn’t mean something to someone involved.

As it turns out, it means everything to all involved.

Given the strengths and weaknesses of the NFC East rivals, the expectation is high for another tight, tense, high-scoring affair, similar to the first time the teams tangled. It took a near-miracle, Eli Manning-inspired comeback from a 12-point late-fourth-quarter deficit threeweeks agofor the Giants to escape Dallas with a 37-34 victory, not secured until Jason Pierre-Paul blocked a potential overtime-forcing field goal in the final second.

A repeat could be in the works in the high-stakes rematch, with first place in the NFC East and a playoff berth on the line.

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A look inside the matchups:

GIANTS PASS OFFENSE vs. COWBOYS PASS DEFENSE

This was no contest three weeks ago, with Eli Manning throwing for 400 yards and experiencing no problem finding Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Victor Cruz downfield. CB Terence Newman has four interceptions, but isn’t much of a ball-hawk and is not the player he once was. CB Mike Jenkins can be a force, but he hasn’t been completely healthy. Cowboys give up a ton of big plays and safeties can be exploited, just as long as Manning can avoid the hot breath of LB DeMarcus Ware (181⁄2 sacks) on his neck. TE Jake Ballard came up huge in first meeting, but he’s out and his absence will be felt here, unless Bear Pascoe or Travis Beckum pulls a surprise. Manning has not been sharp the past two games and must prove he’s not fading down the stretch. Nicks (hamstring) and Manningham (knee) both hobbled a bit, putting onus on Cruz to get deep, though Manningham always gives the Cowboys fits. Edge: Giants.

GIANTS RUN OFFENSE vs. COWBOYS RUN DEFENSE

The night of Dec. 11 was Brandon Jacobs’ finest moment of this season as he rushed for 101 yards and two TDs inside Cowboys Stadium. It took a while for Ahmad Bradshaw and the ground game to get going last week against the Jets and return of C David Baas was not an immediate success. Still haven’t seen vintage Bradshaw-Jacobs 1-2 punch, a big reason why Giants are last in the NFL in rushing. Keys will be how healthy active LB Sean Lee is and if Baas can move Pro Bowl NT Jay Ratliff off the mark. Cowboys often give Giants trouble with their multiple fronts, leading to bunch of negative-yardage plays. LBs Bradie James and Keith Brooking can be out-muscled. Edge: Cowboys.

COWBOYS PASS OFFENSE vs. GIANTS PASS DEFENSE

The status of Tony Romo’s bruised right hand figures to be revealed as soon as he unloads his first pass. Romo fired four TDs and no interceptions three weeks ago, finding huge gaps and glaring gaffes in Giants secondary. Dangerous possession TE Jason Witten was held in check last time around, but Laurent Robinson and Miles Austin were tough to deal with and Dez Bryant is a big play waiting to happen. Giants come up one short in coverage with either S Deon Grant or struggling rookie Prince Amukamara. The defensive backfield has cleaned up some of the bonehead breakdowns, but CBs Corey Webster and Aaron Ross are going to have to get jams in at the line and give pass rush an extra second or two. Romo has evolved into a low-mistake passer and is remarkably clever in the pocket. LT Doug Free couldn’t handle DE Jason Pierre-Paul in the first meeting, and if JPP moves inside to get Osi Umenyiora on the field he could exploit shaky C Phil Costa. Edge: Cowboys.

COWBOYS RUN OFFENSE vs.GIANTS RUN DEFENSE

RB Felix Jones came off the bench three weeks ago and ripped off 106 rushing yards, but he’s dealing with a hamstring issue that is likely to limit his effectiveness. That means veteran Sammy Morris might have to handle a bigger load than desired. Cowboys offensive line must make do without valuable run-blocking LG Montrae Holland, who was put on IR and replaced by veteran (and longtime Redskin) Derrick Dockery. Jason Pierre-Paul could move inside to apply pressure. Return to form of DE Justin Tuck is major plus in run-stopping, which has not been consistent all season. Would help Giants if LB Michael Boley gets back on track. DT Chris Canty is finishing with a flourish and big gains have been reduced, but Giants still not exactly vice-grip strong in this department. Edge: Giants.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Expect to see Dez Bryant get most or all of the work on punt returns, presenting a constant test to a coverage unit that has usually been up to the challenge. Felix Jones is a dangerous kickoff returner, but his ailing hamstring probably takes him out of this assignment. Giants rookie Jerrel Jernigan almost broke one or two kickoff returns last week against the Jets, and his legs are a threat as long as he holds onto the ball. Will Blackmon has some elusiveness back on punts. Edge: Cowboys.

KICKING GAME

The Cowboys have to deal with an unexpected shuffle after Pro Bowl punter Mat McBriar was put on injured reserve yesterday with ongoing problems with his left foot. McBriar’s replacement is Chris Jones, an undrafted rookie who appeared in one game earlier this season and could be a big dropoff. McBriar also is the Cowboys’ holder, and if Jones has to step in — don’t think Romo and that bruised hand will get the nod — it could mess up rookie kicker Dan Bailey, who hit 32 of 36 field goals this season but got one blocked at the final gun the last time these teams met. Steve Weatherford has been solid all year for the Giants, but he put a strain on the coverage last week with too many punts in the center of the field. Lawrence Tynes had a career-high six touchbacks in Dallas, but this game is outdoors where the ball won’t carry as far. Edge: Giants.

COACHING

Tom Coughlin and his staff have been in these high-stakes games before, and can use a victory after too many recent late-season swoons. Coughlin has not been able to cajole a consistent fervor from his team week after week and has a history of home-field flops. Jason Garrett is a stoic leader who always has owner Jerry Jones looking over his shoulder, at times actually from the sideline. Rob Ryan talks a big game as defensive coordinator, but his unit has been susceptible to big plays down the field. Edge: Giants.

INTANGIBLES

Giants are at home, playing in front of their towel-waving fans, but that surge of emotion can last as long as the first three-and-out on offense or busted coverage on defense. Giants are coming off the high of beating the Jets, while Cowboys tanked a meaningless game last week against the Eagles. Could be simplified down to this: Does Eli Manning or Tony Romo stand taller at the end? Edge: Giants.

paul.schwartz@nypost.com