Eli Manning and the New York Giants make their return to the playoffs after a three year absence against the Green Bay Packers. The game will be played at Lambeau Field and is scheduled to start at 4:40 PM. ET.
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Giants vs Packers Odds
- New York Giants +4.5
- Green Bay Packers -4.5
- Over/Under 44.5
My Pick
The Giants and Packers met during the regular season, in a game Green Bay won 23-16. After the loss, the Giants nine of their next 11 games, and will be trying to avenge the regular season loss.
After an offseason in which they tried fixing their defense through free agency, the Giants now have one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Giants help opponents to 17.8 points per game, which was the second best mark in the league this year.
Rodgers and the Packers offense has been clicking of late.
Offensively, the Giants were once again led by Eli Manning, who threw for 4,027 yards, 26 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, making it his third consecutive season throwing for more than 4,000 yards. However, the Giants still don’t have a consistent running game and finished 29th in the league, averaging 88.3 rushing yards per game.
The Packers came in with high expectations, but after a 4-6 start to the season, they were written off by most NFL experts. Once again, Aaron Rodgers showed why he is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league and led his team to six straight wins to end the season and win the NFC North.
Despite losing Eddie Lacy for the season, the Packers running game has remained consistent thanks to Ty Montgomery, who finished the season with 457 yards and three touchdowns.
With a healthy offense that is playing extremely well, the Packers have a chance to make it back to the Super Bowl, but they have to avoid making costly mistakes against the opportunistic Giants defense.
The Packers are hoping the crowd noise and the fact that the game will be played in extremely cold weather works in their favor, but they Giants have defeated the Packers under similar conditions in the past, and likely won’t be intimidated.
If the Packers can get pressure to Manning, they will be able to force him into making a costly mistake or two, which might be the difference maker in a game like this. However, the last time the Giants were in the playoffs, Manning was very surgical throwing the ball and led his team to a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots.
If the Giants can shut down Green Bay’s running game, they will be able to get some pressure on Aaron Rodgers. However, Rodgers is very careful with the ball, and can make a big play if the defense is too aggressive.
Final word….
The Giants will keep this one close but will ultimately fall short against the Packers who will cover the spread.
Play: Packers -4.5 @ Bovada.lv
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