NFC divisional round Giants (10-7) at Packers (15-1)
When » Sunday, 4:30 p.m. Where » Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis. TV » Fox
Storylines
1 Running in the opposite direction » The Giants averaged an NFL-worst 89.2 yards a game on the ground in the regular season, but they have had some recent success. During their current three-game winning streak, the Giants have averaged 131 yards a game, including 172 last week against the Falcons. The success of the running game helped make the Giants more efficient on third down; they convert eight of 15 attempts last week.
2 Defending a playmaking defense » The Packers had the worst-ranked defense in total yards this season, but that doesn’t mean they lack playmakers on that side of the ball. Led by Charles Woodson, who tied for the league lead with seven interceptions, the Packers had eight more picks than any other team in the NFL. And while Clay Matthews had just 6.0 sacks this season, he still remains a dangerous pass rusher. They allow yards, but they also force turnovers.
Key matchup
Giants DL vs. Packers OL
With Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck healthy, the Giants’ vaunted pass rush has returned. And Jason Pierre-Paul had 16.5 sacks and more tackles (86) than any other defensive lineman in the league. But the Giants had just two sacks against the Packers in Week 13. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers gets rid of the ball so quickly it often negates any pressure.
By the numbers
4 » Receivers on the Giants and Packers who ranked in the top 15 in yards per game — New York’s Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks and Green Bay’s Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings.
6 » Interceptions thrown by Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He had 45 touchdowns.
Last meeting
Packers 38, Giants 35 (Dec. 4) » After Giants quarterback Eli Manning led New York on a game-tying drive, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed passes of 24, 27 and 18 yards in under a minute to set up the game-winning field goal. Manning passed for 347 yards and three touchdowns, and Rodgers had 369 yards and four scores. A total of 17 points were scored in the final 3:34.
Examiner predicts …
Giants 27, Packers 24
The Giants will need that newly discovered running attack to continue to be successful in order to keep Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense off the field. With both teams having dynamic receivers, this game will be decided by which group makes more big plays. New York seems to be playing its best at the right time, much like Green Bay did last year.
