Falcons vs Giants: 3 Predictions for Sunday's Wild Card Matchup

The matchup between the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons isn't as intriguing offensively as the New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions showdown in the Superdome, but it's close. 

There will be a higher amount of receiving talent and poise at the quarterback position inside MetLife Stadium than normal. 

These are my three predictions for the NFC Wild Card battle. 

Eli Manning and Matt Ryan Throw for Over 300 Yards

A bold prediction. Kind of. These two guys were extremely reliable for their clubs down the stretch and pieced together the best statistical seasons of their careers. 

Neither the Giants nor the Falcons' secondary are especially stingy. Both have finished the year in the bottom half of the league in terms of passing yards per game. 

Even if it's a cold night in New Jersey, these teams will not go away from what they love to do—pass the football. 

Why should they? 

With Julio Jones, Roddy White, Hakeem Nicks, Tony Gonzalez, Victor Cruz and even Harry Douglas, we're bound to see some major yardage racked up. 

Ahmad Bradshaw Scores Two Touchdowns

Definitely a little more bold, don't you think.

With Atlanta focusing on stopping New York's spread system and shutting down Cruz, Bradshaw will be an integral facet of the Giants' offense. 

He hasn't exploded for a 100-yard game over the last month, but he's revitalized the league's worst running team and has scored four touchdowns. 

Precisely when you think the Giants will take a shot in the end zone from the 15-yard line, Bradshaw will spring loose on a draw play and lunge over the goal line. 

The Game Is Decided by a Field Goal 

These teams are pretty evenly matched, although I'd obviously give the edge to the Giants in terms of pass-rushing. But the Falcons are a more balanced club.

Both have great quarterbacks, dynamic receiving corps and decent defenses.  

With a handful of big plays in the passing game and a few turnovers, this contest will be tightly contested. 

Whichever team makes the critical mistake late will lose, but it will only be by a field goal.