Giants vs. Packers: 3 Things Giants Must Do to Guarantee an Upset of Packers

The New York Giants are not overmatched in their Divisional playoff battle with the Green Bay Packers.

They have the personnel to pull the upset. The question is, will they perform as they did last week in the Wild Card victory over the Atlanta Falcons, or as they did in rougher times during the season?

Here are the three key and specific benchmarks the Giants must reach to upset the Packers:

Rush for 150 Yards as a Team

The Giants dual-threat rushing attack is healthy and was hugely effective against the Falcons. Atlanta had been sixth in the NFL against the run, but the Giants pounded their way to 172 yards on the ground, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. They will need a similar performance on the ground to beat the Packers

Tempo is important, as is time of possession. The best way to control both is to run the ball effectively.

Record at Least 12 Pressures on Aaron Rodgers

It is a judgement statistic, but it is still important. The Giants have the ability to get pressures with their defensive line. Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora provide depth and explosiveness.

This will allow them to commit linebackers to coverage.

The Giants defense only had two sacks last week, but they set up shop in the backfield. They must disturb Rodgers' rhythm with the rush.

65 Percent Third Down Conversion Rate

This is all about Eli Manning and effectiveness on the ground. A potent running game will produce the third-and-short situations that Brandon Jacobs and the O-line can convert.

In passing situations, Eli must be efficient and limit mistakes. Manning will take his shots down the field, but his most crucial plays will come on intermediate and short passes.

If the Giants accomplish these three things, they will play in the NFC Championship Game.

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