Giants keep their season alive

American Football: The New York Giants returned to their imposing early-season form and flattened the Washington Redskins 45…

American Football:The New York Giants returned to their imposing early-season form and flattened the Washington Redskins 45-12 on Monday night, keeping alive their fragile hopes for a wildcard berth into the play-offs.

Eli Manning led the Giants' charge, completing 19-of-26 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. He led the Giants on a key 16-play, 80-yard scoring drive to open the game.

"It was important to get off fast and set the tempo," said Manning, who has thrown for a career-high 26 touchdowns this season. "We set the mood for the night very early."

Washington (4-10) lost to the Giants for the seventh time in their last eight meetings, falling behind 24-0 at the half amid a slew of defensive coverage lapses and poor tackling.

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Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell completed 15 of 28 passes for 192 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. But much of his success came with the outcome already decided.

The Giants (8-6) are a game behind the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in the battle for a wildcard berth with two games remaining. Two of those teams will grab wildcard slots.