(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-11-09 15:16

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey - The New York Giants follow up their trip to London with a Sunday showdown against the Dallas Cowboys and linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka knows what is at stake.

"We understand if we want to get to the playoffs this is a game we've got to win," Kiwanuka told reporters on Thursday.

A victory would move New York (6-2) into a tie with the Cowboys (7-1) atop the NFC East.

The Giants have won six in a row including their 13-10 triumph over the Miami Dolphins in their last outing at Wembley Stadium two weeks ago.

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo produced four touchdown passes and averaged 23 yards a completion when Dallas beat New York 45-35 in the season-opener.

But the defense he will face at Giants Stadium is much changed from the one he scorched in Week One.

"Our confidence level is so much higher now," said Kiwanuka, converted from defensive end by new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

New York has used a fierce pass rush and a bruising running game to spark their winning streak.

Dallas though has been superb in stopping the run and in protecting Romo, whose scrambling ability makes the NFC's top-rated quarterback difficult to sack.

On offense, the Giants have relied more on the run in recent weeks than on quarterback Eli Manning's arm.

Power back Brandan Jacobs has had three 100-yard games in his last four outings and was named NFC offensive player of the month for October.

Dallas has yet to yield 100 yards to a rusher this season.

"Their strength is in their front group, they're tough to run against," said Giants guard Chris Snee.

"They are big and strong. They're tough to move off the ball.

"We want to run the ball. Their strength is run defense. It's a battle of two strengths. Usually the team that wins that battle wins the game."