Giants vs. Packers: What Green Bay Must Do to Avoid an Upset

Despite the Green Bay Packers' 15-1 season, everyone's favorite upset pick this week is the New York Giants. 

I can see why.

The Giants are playing their best football right now; they are solid on both sides of the ball and they've actually played better on the road this season.

Still though, let's not forget the Packers have a little weapon that goes by the name of Aaron Rodgers, and he's proved that he's decently good in the playoffs. The No. 1 seed isn't exactly going to roll over at home. 

With that being said, here's a look at what Green Bay needs to do to avoid the popular upset pick. 

Get the Ball out Quick

It's no secret that the Giants are good at getting pressure on the opposing quarterback. They are ninth in the NFL in sack percentage and almost always have one of their talented lineman in the backfield. 

Because of that, Aaron Rodgers will have to get the ball out quickly to be effective. Jordy Nelson on quick crossing routes and even Ryan Grant or James Starks in the flats seem like a good way to counter New York's pressure.

If Rodgers continually beats the pressure, NY might ease off, and that will leave things open for a big play.

Pressure Eli Manning

Conversely, the Packers have been atrocious at getting pressure in the backfield as they rank dead last in sack percentage.

If Eli Manning gets time in the pocket, he can pick apart defenses as well as any quarterback in the league (that surprises me, too). He's still decent when he's on the run, but clearly not as good.

The Packers might have to change up their scheme and take a few more risks by sending the linebackers on blitzes a little bit more, but it should be worth it.

After all, they gave up 35 points last time they played New York. It can't get any worse, right?

Force Turnovers

Last time these two teams met, the final score was 38-35. If this week's battle doesn't produce a similar, high-scoring battle, I would be surprised.

When high-scoring teams like this meet, it often comes down to who gets the ball last (which is what happened in Week 11) or who can force a turnover.

The Packers can't rely on getting the ball last, so they will have to force a costly turnover or two. That's what made them so dangerous in the playoffs last year.