NFC wild-card round Falcons (10-6) at Giants (9-7)
When » Sunday. 1 p.m.
Where » MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
TV » Fox
Storylines
1 Feeling the pressure » The Giants were tied for third in the NFL with 48 sacks this season, but they were inconsistent. They had 32 sacks in their nine wins, including 11 the last two weeks. But during their four-game losing streak, they had just five. With a passing defense that ranks 29th in the league, allowing 255.1 yards a game, even more emphasis is placed on being able to pressure the opposing quarterback.
2 A balancing act » While the Giants rely heavily on their passing game, the Falcons have a much more balanced attack. Atlanta features running back Michael Turner, who led the NFC in rushing (1,340 yards); receiver Roddy White, who led the NFC in receptions (100); deep-threat Julio Jones, who was fourth in the NFC in yards per catch (17.8); and future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, who was third in receptions among NFC tight ends.
Key matchup
Giants WR Victor Cruz vs. Falcons secondary
In the last two games, Cruz has 342 yards receiving, including touchdowns of 99 and 74 yards. The Falcons must not allow Cruz to get into open space. He was second among NFL receivers with 508 yards after the catch. The Falcons haven’t allowed a pass play over 70 yards, while Cruz has four at least that long this season. Atlanta ranks 20th against the pass, allowing 236.6 yards a game.
Last meeting
Giants 34, Falcons 31, OT (Nov. 22, 2009) » New York ended a four-game skid after Lawrence Tynes hit a 36-yard field goal in overtime. Giants quarterback Eli Manning threw for a then-career-high 384 yards and three touchdowns. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan threw two late touchdowns to force overtime. Both teams went on to miss the playoffs that year.
By the numbers
2 » Times a Giants running back ran for more than 100 yards in a game this season. New York has the worst rushing attack in the league (89.2 yards a game).
181 » Receiving targets for Falcons wideout Roddy White, the most in the NFL.
Examiner predicts …
Giants 28, Falcons 24
Manning has been clutch in the fourth quarter, engineering six late comebacks this season. The Giants have a little momentum, coming off two straight must-wins, and their pass rush will give Matt Ryan problems. But it will still come down to the final drive, and the Giants will pull it out.
