The New York Giants—along with the other 31 teams—are entering the final week of the preseason. All 32 teams will have their games on Thursday. The NFL wants to give teams time to evaluate their rosters ahead of Saturday's deadline of deciding the 53-man roster.

In the final week of the preseason, teams tend to rest their starters and allow the players who are trying to earn a roster spot to receive more snaps. The Giants will use that same tactic this week — they have already stated that Eli Manning will be absent from the game.

The Giants will be traveling to Foxborough to square off against the reigning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Both teams have gone unbeaten in the preseason, so something has to give.

Despite it being the preseason, New York has pleasantly surprised in its exhibition contests. Pat Shurmur would love to begin the regular season with the same energy the team has shown in the preseason.

When the Giants take on the Patriots on Thursday night, there will be plenty of players who are trying to make their final case to crack the 53-man roster. Here are three key players to watch in the Giants' preseason finale.

3. Corey Ballentine

With the Giants electing to rest their starters this week, Corey Ballentine may be given extended time on the field. As many know, Ballentine made headlines this offseason when he and his college teammate were shot at after the cornerback was drafted by the Giants.

Tragically, Ballentine's friend, Dwane Simmons, was killed in the shooting. The Giants' cornerback was wounded but ended up making a recovery ahead of training camp.

Since the dreadful event, the rookie defensive back has played with a heavy heart. The Washburn product has turned some heads with his remarkable play so far.

Through three preseason games, Ballentine has amassed nine tackles, two deflections, and an interception. The Giants' sixth-round pick could solidify his role on the team with another impressive performance on Thursday.

2. Paul Perkins

New York seems to be set at running back with a guy named Saquon Barkley, but it could use someone to step up behind him. Currently, Wayne Gallman has the edge for the backup role but the others could still make their case this week.

With Rod Smith exiting last week's game with a groin injury, Paul Perkins may get a large share of the workload against the Patriots. Perkins is entering his fourth season with the franchise but missed the entire 2018 season.

So far, the 24-year-old rusher has gained 46 yards on 13 carries this preseason. The UCLA product also has managed to catch seven passes for a total of 65 yards.

Perkins enters the final week of the preseason with a chance to remain on the active roster with a productive outing versus New England.

1. Daniel Jones

As Jerry Jones would say: Eli who? Daniel Jones has silenced the critics (for now) with a successful preseason. Despite the lack of a quarterback controversy, Jones has absolutely exceeded expectations.

The Giants drafted Jones with the sixth pick in this year's draft to the dismay of fans in New York. Throughout the draft process, the team liked the Duke quarterback and believed he could develop behind a veteran like Manning.

The rookie signal-caller has completed 25 of his 30 throws for 368 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly, Jones has avoided throwing an interception, which rookies are accustomed to doing. However, he has fumbled the ball twice this preseason.

Jones will have one last chance to amplify the murmurs around New York on why he should be the starter in Week 1. After three games in the preseason, Jones has been tested by many in the media, but so far he is acing it.