Sneak Preview Look: NFC Championship Game Packers Vs Giants

On Sunday, The New York Giants football team will hold to Green Bay and Lambeau Field to play the Packers in the NFC Championship game for the right to play in the Super Bowl against the AFC winner. This past weekend, the Giants stunned the football world as they beat the Cowboys on the road in Dallas, 21-17. Meanwhile, the Packers continued their dominance at home, beating the Seattle Seahawks 42-20. Despite a previous meeting between these two teams at the Meadowlands in which the Packers beat the Giants 35-13, this NFC championship looks to be a much different game.

The quarterbacks: It tough to compare a 3 time 38 year old gunslinger in Brett Favre to fourth year player Eli Manning but that's exactly what is required for this match-up. The Packers can put up a lot of points of offense as evidenced by their win against the Seahawks. Eli Manning has gained newfound confidence ever since his last regular season game against the Patriots in which he put up big numbers and almost led his team t o victory. While his playoff numbers against the Buccaneers and Cowboys haven't been spectacular, he has managed the game very well and has led his team when needed. Plus, he hasn't been turning over the ball which is a good sign.
Advantage: Brett Favre

Road Warriors vs. Home Field Advantage: The Giants had only 1 road loss all season and that was to the Dallas Cowboys which they avenged over the weekend. Clearly the Giants play better on the road than at home and they have won both their playoff games on the road. Meanwhile, the Packers only had 1 loss at home and Brett Favre loves playing in the snowy conditions at home.
Advantage: Even

The Running Backs: Ryan Grant vs. Brandon Jacobs & Ahmad Bradshaw. This is a great match-up of two very good running teams. The Giants two headed running attack of Jacobs and Bradshaw have carried the load for much of the year when Eli Manning was struggling. Jacobs is very tough to bring down and Bradshaw is very quick and once he finds a whole he will blow right by the defense for a touchdown. However, Grant did have 200 yards rushing in his playoff game against the Seahawks despite his 2 fumbles. The Giants defense struggled mightily against Cowboys running back Marion Jones during the first half as he had almost 100 yards rushing by the end of the first half. However, in the second half the Giants defense limited Barber to less than 30 yards. In the game against Dallas, Jacobs and Bradshaw combined for 88 yards rushing against a tough Dallas Defense which is much better than Seattle's defense. Both Jacobs and Grant finished the season with more than 1,000 yards rushing
Advantage: Giants

Giants Defensive line vs. Packers offensive line: This will be a key match-up in the game because if the Giants defensive line can get pressure to Brett Favre then the Giants can keep this game close. The Giants led the league in sacks with their passing rushing specialists Michael Straham, Osi Uminyora, and Justin Tuck. The Packers offensive line is very good but the Giants have just too much talent.
Advantage: Giants

Packers wide receivers vs. Giants secondary: In this match-up, the Giants will have the toughest time. Brett Favre is an excellent quarterback who can pick apart defenses. Giants cornerback Sam Madison and rookie Aaron Ross will likely be out for the game, leaving Cory Webster and R.W. McQuarters to cover the Packers' best wide receivers. Webster and McQuarters played well against Dallas but that was also due in large part to dropped passes and pressure from the Giants' defensive line. During the Dallas game, a pass was thrown directly to Cory Webster that he dropped and I just don't have too much confidence in the Giants' secondary, especially with their injuries. The Packers wide receivers are very talented with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver.
Advantage: Packers

Prediction: This game will be closer than people think but it is time for the Giants team to go home. They pulled off a stunning upset against the Cowboys who are their divisional rival but I can't see them doing the same against Green Bay. Brett Favre seems destined to win another championship this year.
Score: 24-17 Packers