NFL Playoffs 2012: Eli Manning Will Lead Giants to Big Win Against Falcons

Behind a strong performance by Eli Manning, the New York Giants will beat the Atlanta Falcons on Wild Card Sunday.

Manning was excellent this season, throwing for 4,933 yards and an NFL-record 15 fourth-quarter touchdown passes.

In a do-or-die Week 17 game against Dallas, Manning stepped up and proved that he's one the NFL's top pressure performers. The Super Bowl-tested QB shredded Dallas for 346 yards and 3 touchdowns while completing 72.7 percent of his passes.

Against the Falcons, Manning should post similar numbers. Atlanta is ranked 20th in the league in both passing yards allowed (236.6 per game) and touchdown passes allowed (25 this season).

I like Matt Ryan and all his weapons, but the Falcons won't be able to keep up with New York.

Atlanta's 10-6 record looks impressive, but they only have one win over a team that finished with a winning record. That came in Week 7 against Detroit. Since then, they've padded their record by beating up on bad teams like Indianapolis, Minnesota, Jacksonville, and Carolina (twice).

The Falcons are averaging 262 passing yards per game, which is eighth most in the NFL. However, Matt Ryan will struggle against the Giants' fearsome pass rush.

With Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka breathing down his neck, Ryan will feel the pressure and force a few throws he shouldn't attempt.

It will be a close game and turnovers will ultimately be the difference. In the end, I trust Manning more than Ryan. He's got a championship ring because of his poise and ability to take care of the ball in crucial situations.

When Ryan falters, Manning will turn around and make the Falcons pay.

Prediction: Giants 27, Falcons 20