NFL Playoff Predictions: Why Eli Manning, New York Giants Will Make Deep Run

The New York Giants, a somewhat inconsistent team this season, have snuck into the 2011 NFL playoffs and are now primed to make a deep run in January. 

Why? 

Many reasons. 

Momentum is the most important thing a team can possess as they head into the postseason and the Giants most certainly have it. 

They're coming off arguably two of the biggest regular season wins in the last 10 years, having beat the rival New York Jets and arch nemesis Dallas Cowboys in consecutive weeks to win the NFC East. 

These games weren't flukes, either. 

The offense and defense are playing their best football of the season at the perfect time. 

On offense, Eli Manning has been outstanding, but the protection he's received to stand in the pocket may be even more vital. 

When they won the Super Bowl in 2008, New York had the best offensive line in the game. They've gone through some rough stretches this season, but the tackles, guards and center are now playing as a cohesive unit, which will go a long way in determining their playoff fate. 

Thanks to the dominance of their offensive line, the passing game has flourished. 

Manning pieced together the greatest statistical season of his career, throwing for 4,933 yards with 29 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. 

In order to even advance to the Super Bowl, it's likely the Giants will have to emerge victorious in at least one high-scoring affair. 

They've certainly got the ammunition to do so. 

Outside of Calvin Johnson, Victor Cruz has been the most electric receiver in football over the last two weeks, and Hakeem Nicks cannot be ignored, either. 

The 6'7'' tight end Jake Ballard returns this weekend, too, which gives Manning another reliable target, especially down the middle of the field and in the red zone.

While they finished the year as the 32nd-ranked running offense in football, Ahmad Bradshaw has provided a desperately needed spark to the ground game. He scored five total touchdowns in the final three weeks of the year.  

The G-Men aren't as explosive as the New Orleans Saints or Green Bay Packers, but they might not have to be.

Their pass-rush is the X-factor.

The best way to stop Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford, Matt Ryan and even Alex Smith is by driving them out of their comfort zone.

New York can get pressure by only sending four guys—what a luxury for defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. 

Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Osu Umenyiora and Chris Canty have all been playing out of their minds of late and certainly strike fear into opposing offensive lineman and quarterbacks.

Remember, their pass rush was the key in their Super Bowl triumph over the "unstoppable" New England Patriots in 2007.

Don't overlook the fact that New York played the Packers, 49ers and Saints in 2011. They lost all three games against those clubs, but they won't necessarily be walking into a buzzsaw playing any of those top teams and are aware of the adjustments they must make to win.  

The Giants have a signal-caller that's won a Super Bowl, an extremely threatening, big-play receiving corps, a revitalized running game and the most intimidating pass-rush of the 12 teams in the postseason. 

Why wouldn't they make a deep playoff run?