Packers vs Giants

By Scott Burgess
Kickoff: Sun, Jan, 20, 2008 6:30 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers(-7) play host to the N.Y. Giants(+7), at Lambeau Field, for a chance to be crowned NFC Champions and play in Super Bowl XLII.

The Green Bay Packers(14-3) got a snow filled win over the Seattle Seahawks, 42-20. The Seahawks had a 14-0 lead four minutes in after they recovered two fumbles, by RB Ryan Grant, and capitalized on them. RB Ryan Grant, 1st year rookie, rebounded with 3 TD for 201 YDS. He broke a Packers playoff RUSH record surpassing Amman Green by 45 YDS. QB Bret Favre had an excellent game completing 18/23 for 173 YDS with 3 TD. He completed 7/10 3rd down conversions. The Packers once again will use their deadly 2nd ranked PASS game against the Giants 11th ranked PASS defense. The Giants managed to hold the Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo to 201 PASS YDS, but they allowed 154 RUSH YDS. This is great news for the Packers , where a snowy Lambeau Field, can wreak havoc on throwing the ball. But it's Bret Favre , he excels in the cold at Lambeau. The Packers are 43-5 when the temp is below freezing.

The N.Y. Giants(12-6) got another road win after beating the Dallas Cowboys 21-17. The Giants put major pressure on QB Tony Romo, he was sacked twice and didn't have time to find open receivers. They held WR Terrell Owens to 4 REC for 49 YDS. QB Eli Manning was 12/18 for 163 YDS with 2 TD. He didn't look great but rather played averagely. The Giants defense and the Cowboys penalties won the game for the Giants. The Cowboys were penalized 11 times for 89 YDS. The Giants will have to use their PASS RUSH defense against the wicked arm of Bret Favre. On offense the Giants 4th ranked RUSH game can take advantage of the Packers 14th ranked RUSH defense. But can they keep up with the scoring pace of the Packers. The Giants average 23 PPG while the Packers average 27 PPG. The Giants are 8-1 on the road and they know how to play in the cold.

Bottom Line: With the Packers playing at home and after they beat the Giants, in Week 2, you have to go with the Packers. Their may be destiny for all time leading QB Bret Favre. They will have to watch out for the superb defense of the Giants and the Packers offensive line will need to create time for Favre to find open receivers. The Packers are going to Super Bowl XLII.