2011 NFL NFC Playoffs Preview and Prediction: Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles

In order to get into the playoffs, the Green Bay Packers had to win tough games against the New York Giants and playoff-bound Chicago Bears. After blowing out the Giants and winning a close one against the Bears, now the Packers have to turn their sights to winning a road game against the Philadelphia Eagles, who clinched the NFC East (and the three seed in the NFC) a couple of weeks ago.

Green Bay Packers 2011 NFL Playoffs Preview

The Packers had a tumultuous 2010 NFL season. They came into the season as a potential NFC Super Bowl contender, seemed to be falling out of the playoff race after a slew of key injuries, and then came through with two huge wins at the end of the season to sneak into the playoffs ahead of the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The biggest question for the Packers going into the playoffs is whether they'll be able to get their offense going. They've been necessarily pass-heavy this season with an early season injury to running back Ryan Grant, and at times have looked stagnant because of this. They do have one of the best defenses in the league, however, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been amazing this season, throwing for 28 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions.

Philadelphia Eagles 2011 NFL Playoffs Preview

It's impossible to talk about the Eagles' season without talking about the resurgence of Michael Vick. After spending two years in prison and then spending last season as Donovan McNabb's backup, Vick entered the 2010 season as the backup to quarterback Kevin Kolb. When given an opportunity to play in Week 1, however, Vick took full advantage of the opportunity and hasn't looked back. Regardless of what one thinks about Vick as a person and the actions he's made, it can't be denied that he's had a tremendous season and is a Top 5 quarterback entering the playoffs.

Everything hasn't been rosy for the Eagles, however. They're only 3-3 in their last six games, and Vick has been getting increasingly banged up as the season has gone on. He's still playing extremely well, but the Michael Vick we've seen the past four or five weeks isn't the same Vick that we saw over the first half of the season. The Eagles' defense also hasn't been terrific this season, as the Eagles have allowed 24 or more points 11 times this season, although they've managed to go 8-3 in those games.

Packers (10-6) at Eagles (10-6) Conclusion

In a Week 1 matchup between these two teams in Philadelphia, the Packers came away with a 27-20 win. Unfortunately for Green Bay, however, they struggled to contain Vick once he came into the game to replace an injured Kolb. I think this game will be close, but I think the Eagles will be able to avenge their loss in the season opener and advance to the second round of the playoffs.

2011 NFL Playoffs Prediction: Eagles defeat Packers, 24-21

Source:

All stats and standings from espn.com