Fans Weigh In On Jets V. Giants In The Battle For MetLife Stadium

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The Jets and Giants will be hitting the field against each other on Saturday and while the battle for MetLife Stadium is huge in the standings, it may be even bigger for the fans in the stands.

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The battle clothes are laid out, the allegiances long-established. A win for the Jets or the Giants brings either team closer to the playoffs, but for the fans, there's much more at stake.

"Whoever wins is king of New York. I think the Giants have to win after losing last week to keep their self-respect," Giants fan Jared Banks told CBS 2's Lou Young.

"Jets is a better team. Giants are mediocre, straight up," said Jets fan Mike Shienkumar.

It is kind of strange. Both are New York teams that in New Jersey, but one has always sort of been the poor relation.

The Jets, after all, used to play in a baseball park and then in a stadium named after the other team. Now it seems they have a chance to even up the score with the roommate and maybe lay claim to the upper bunk.

"It's big brother versus little brother," said Jets fan Alex Klein, whose home is literally wallpapered with Jets memorabilia. "Going from Shea Stadium to play under the Giants banner all those years and see a little blue, red and white when you go in and now it's a green and white stadium and it's our home. It's huge! Absolutely huge!"

It's a game that goes far beyond stats and standings, although many insist the Jets have an easier path to the playoffs if they win.

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"As long as they play their defense good, the Jets are going to take it," said Jets fan Marcus Toxey.

Giants fans seem more circumspect about their playoff chances and are more inclined to see a win as a consolation prize during a season of setbacks.

"I would like us to win New York City rights," said Giants fan Ray Metcalf.

This is the 12th regular-season meeting between the clubs with the Giants holding a 7 to 4 edge. Big blue has won the past four matchups.

Meanwhile, Giants tight end Jake Ballard, defensive end Osi Umenyiora and linebacker Mark Herzlich will be missing Saturday's game.

Umenyiora and Herzlich have been out for weeks with ankle injuries. Ballard sprained a knee late in last weekend's loss to the Washington Redskins.

Bear Pascoe is expected to start for Ballard.

Mario Manningham, who had three catches for 57 yards against the Redskins, did not practice this week because of a recurring knee injury and is listed as doubtful.

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