NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: 3 Reasons Why Packers-Giants Is Weekend's Best Game

Here are three reasons why the Divisional Round matchup between the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants is the weekend's best game:

1. QB Dominated

Say what you want about Tim Tebow vs. Tom Brady, but Packers-Giants is the only game this weekend that features two elite quarterbacks. In Eli Manning and Aaron Rodgers, one could argue that two of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL will be on the same field Sunday afternoon. 

Each quarterback had a career season in 2011, too. Eli Manning broke the NFL record for fourth-quarter touchdown passes, which helped him complete six comebacks in the final quarter this season. No quarterback had a higher passer rating over the final 15 minutes of games, either.

Rodgers, on the other hand, was fantastic for the Packers in almost every game he played. His yardage and touchdown totals (4,643 yards, 45 TDs) were both franchise records, and the 122.5 passer rating he posted broke Peyton Manning's NFL record.    

2. Rematch

The Packers' 38-35 win over the Giants in Week 13 was one of the top games of the 2011 season. It featured five lead changes and three ties, plus Rodgers' final drive with under a minute remaining that set up a 38-yard Mason Crosby field goal for the win.

No one would complain if a similar script played out on Sunday. Despite the records, these two teams are more evenly matched than any other game the Divisional Round schedule can offer. A blowout either way doesn't seem likely.   

3. Heavy hearts, running mouths

The Packers have had a tough couple of days internally, as left guard T.J. Lang's father passed away last Thursday and offensive coordinator Joe Philbin's son tragically died last weekend. There will be some heavy hearts, to say the least, at Lambeau Field on Sunday. The Packers can only hope they're able to channel some of those emotions into an inspired performance.

The Giants, on the other hand, have talked a confident game in the aftermath of their 24-2 win over the Falcons last Sunday. And why not? The Giants have won three straight elimination games, including two in the regular season to get into the postseason. There won't be any "fear" present in these Giants as they attempt to knock the Packers out of the playoffs for the second time in five years.