NFL Playoff Bracket 2012: Why Green Bay Packers Still Have Best Road to Indy

It's definitely a solid argument to say that the New York Giants are entering their divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers with confidence.

However, the Packers still have the best road to Indianapolis, as the two best defenses left in the postseason reside in the AFC (Houston and Baltimore).

Teams like the Giants and Saints play to Green Bay's strength, which is the aerial assault to run up the score.

New York's pass rush has significantly improved now that they've gotten healthier, but Aaron Rodgers also has great pass protection and is a much more agile/mobile quarterback than Matt Ryan.

There's no doubt that Eli Manning will have success against the Packers' vulnerable pass defense. The concern for New York is Green Bay's ability to cause turnovers. On the year, the Giants have a turnover differential of plus-seven, which is solid.

However, the Packers are plus-24 in turnover differential, as Rodgers rarely makes mistakes, and if a shootout occurs, Manning is more likely to turn it over. Therefore, expect the Giants to run more than normal but expect Green Bay to blitz relentlessly.

The only way to prevent New York from repeating what happened in the 2007 NFC title game is to get pressure on Manning while stopping the run. And Green Bay can do that since they are so great at finding the football.

Provided that Green Bay does oust the Giants, next would be the New Orleans Saints or San Francisco 49ers.

As for the potential NFC title game opponent, we know Green Bay is capable of defeating New Orleans, as they've done just that this season.

Back in Week 1, the Packers beat the Saints 42-34 at home, the difference between then and now though is the weather.

New Orleans may have finished 5-3 on the road and have an excellent matchup in facing the 49ers.

The only problem with that, however, is that the Saints' previous two playoff losses were on the road (Chicago 2006, Seattle 2010).

What's helping them in San Francisco is that it's a warmer climate than the Windy City or the Great Northwest.

Still, New Orleans must prove they can win on the road in the postseason and do so in cold weather cities. As we know, Titletown will not be warm in late January, which plays against the Saints' odds.

Now, to be fair, it's not like the Packers have much of an advantage, being that they too are a pass-oriented offense. However, it is favorable to be the host city in such a game than play on the road. In addition, the Packers defense (as mentioned) knows how to force turnovers.

In bad weather, turnovers will happen, and the Saints are simply awful, bringing in a minus-three differential.

So what about about San Francisco?

Well, this is the matchup the Packers would least likely want to face, however, it is still a favorable one.

San Francisco's running attack will have some success in harsh weather conditions but that's not going to slow down Aaron Rodgers and Co. either. Expect Green Bay to attack the cold just like the opposing defense.

If Green Bay matches up with the 49ers, they will stack the box all day and force Alex Smith to out-play Rodgers.

In short, advantage Green Bay.

San Francisco is not an explosive offense and even if the Packers don't score 30-plus, they'll still outscore the 49ers.

Barring Rodgers turning the ball over numerous times, San Francisco would have to control the clock for roughly 40 minutes to win.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter