NFL Playoff Predictions: Why the Packers Will Thump the Giants

The Green Bay Packers were the NFL's best team all season long. They finished the year with a 15-1 record and have won a ridiculous 21 of their last 22 games. This weekend, they open their playoff run by hosting the New York Giants, a team they beat 38-35 in Week 13.

While the Giants have stepped up and played well as of late, the Packers look unstoppable right now. This matchup is far too favorable for the Packers to fall this weekend. I think quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his offense will pour it on New York and cruise to the NFC title game.

Rodgers has been absolutely fantastic this season, finishing the campaign having completed 343 of 502 passes (68.3 percent) for 4,643 yards, with 45 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He led the NFL in yards per attempt (9.25) and his quarterback rating of 122.5 set the single-season NFL record. What's more, he did all of that despite sitting out the final week of the regular season.

The Packers didn't finish the season with the league's top-ranked offense, but it's hard to argue they weren't the league's most efficient team offensively. Green Bay averaged 405.1 yards per game, which was third in the league, but led the NFL in scoring at 35.0 points per game.

While the Giants have an excellent pass rush that totaled 48 sacks during the regular season, they also ranked 29th in passing yards allowed (255.1 yards per game). That will be their doom this weekend. Rodgers is one of the best in the league at getting rid of the ball quickly, which should negate some of the impact New York's pass rush will have.

In addition to their offensive advantages, the Packers also led the NFL in interceptions on defense with an astounding 31. Giants quarterback Eli Manning can be prone to throwing errant passes. He tossed 16 picks this year after throwing 25 last season. 

While Green Bay's defense has given up a ton of yards this season, it has employed a bend but don't break philosophy that has worked well. The Packers cause enough turnovers to make up for the yardage allowed.

Meanwhile Rodgers and the offense should be able to pick the Giants apart and rack up a ton of yards and points.

Sunday's game could be a long one for Manning and company.