NFC Championship Prediction: New York Giants at Green Bay Packers

The NFC Championship game between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers is one of the more difficult games to give a prediction for in recent memory. Both teams have a variety of important factors working for and against them that cloud judgment on these teams.

Offensively the Packers have been near the top of the National Football League. They have scored an impressive 27 points per game this season with stalwart Brett Favre under center. Despite a lack of a top name running back the team has been able to run the ball successfully with Ryan Grant. Grant has been one of the best backs in football over the last several weeks. He proved himself playoff worthy last week in Green Bay's impressive victory over Seattle. With 271 passing yards and 100 yards rushing per game the Packers are a formidable offense lead by playoff tested, and Super Bowl winner Brett Favre.

The New York Giants defense has been mediocre at best. They have allowed 22 points per game which places them in the middle of the pack for NFL defenses. Additionally, injuries have further hampered the struggling unit. Three corner backs including Ross, Dockery, and Madison are listed on their injury report. The lack of depth in the secondary, coupled with injuries will give Favre an easy passing day as he carves up the Giant's defense. The team has been strong against the run allowing only 95 yards per game, but that will not compensate for a lack of pass defense. It will take a superb day from the incredible defensive line of the Giants to slow down the passing attack.

In the past several weeks the Giants offense has looked impressive under the leadership of Eli Manning. Manning appears to have finally grasped the NFL game and has started to minimize his costly errors. However, the fact remains that Eli made many errors over the course of the season and these shortcomings can return at any time. Green Bay had 19 interceptions in the regular season and look for them to have several on Sunday. The passing attack will also be hurt by the nagging injury to star receiver Burress. New York lacks receiving corps depth, and this could hurt the team. The Jacobs, Bradshaw duo at running back should have another strong performance. Green Bay is 102 yards rushing per game while the Giants are rushing for 134 yards per game. Green Bay will struggle to stop the rush.

Look for grizzled veteran Favre to find a way to conjure up some Lambeau magic and lead the Packers to another win over the Giants in a close game. I predict that the home field advantage will be enough to push the Packers over the edge in an otherwise even game.

Final Score:

Green Bay Packers: 24

New York Giants: 17

Sources:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/bycategory

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/gnb

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/nyg