Giants vs. Packers: Why New York Can Pull off Major Upset in Green Bay

Anyone else think this New York Giants team looks eerily similar to the club that went on a magical run to win the Super Bowl in 2008?

I do. 

Remember, that team upset a heavily-favored Green Bay Packers team in Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game to reach the Super Bowl.

While there are obviously some differences between the situation in 2008 and the teams we'll see on Sunday at Lambeau, these are the reasons why the G-Men can pull off another major upset. 

I've got to start with Eli Manning. 

Not only is he a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, but he's playing his best football of the season right now. Momentum and confidence are extremely important 

In an earlier matchup with the Packers, he threw for 347 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. 

Manning's receiving corps has quickly become one of the more threatening vertical units in the NFL. They demonstrated their depth in the opening round against the Atlanta Falcons when Victor Cruz was held to only two catches and 28 yards. 

Hakeem Nicks reminded everyone of what he's capable of, with a dominant six-catch, 115-yard, two-touchdown performance. 

They have the potency in their passing game to stick with the high-powered Packers. 

No team allowed more yards through the air than Green Bay in the regular season. 

Along with the Giants' threatening aerial attack, is their revitalized running back duo. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs combined for 155 yards last week against a Falcons team that came into the game as the sixth-best run defense. 

New York's offensive balance can create a multitude of problems for a inferior Packers defense that's mainly relied on turnovers in this year. 

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, is the recently improved play of the Giants defense, most specifically, the pass rush. 

Flustering the opposing quarterback is the greatest equalizer in the game of football. New York can consistently get pressure with their four defensive lineman, allowing their seven secondary members to clog throwing lanes. 

Ask Matt Ryan, who was pressured repeatedly and failed to throw for 200 yards against the Giants defense. 

Getting Aaron Rodgers out of his comfort zone would go a long way in a New York victory. 

It's not a lock to happen, but the combination of a premier vertical passing game, a steady rushing attack and a terrorizing pass-rush could lead the Giants to another improbable playoff victory on Lambeau Field. 

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