New York won despite career-best stats for Dallas tight end Jason Witten and quarterback Tony Romo

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Brandon Jacobs had the Giants' longest play of the season for just a few minutes, then Domenik Hixon topped it, lifting New York past Dallas 31-24 Sunday.

The Giants (7-5) tightened the NFC East with their win, dropping Dallas (8-4) into a tie with Philadelphia for the lead. New York has swept Dallas this season and plays Philadelphia here next Sunday night.

Jacobs covered 74 yards after taking a short pass from Eli Manning, his touchdown putting the Giants ahead 21-17 in the third quarter. Not to be outdone, Hixon went 79 yards with a punt return for a 31-17 lead in the final period.

New York won despite career-best stats for Dallas tight end Jason Witten and quarterback Tony Romo, who is 5-9 in December games.