Giants vs. Packers: Predicting Stats, Stars and Score for Sunday's Game

Of all of the games this weekend, the matchup between the Packers and the Giants is probably the most difficult to predict. 

The Packers were the best team in the regular season by a wide margin, but they have cooled off a bit and have not been operating at 100 percent in about a month. On the other hand, the Giants have experienced a rejuvenation that has propelled them deep into the playoffs. 

Here are projections for stats, stars and the score for Sunday's showdown in Titletown. 

Projected Stats

Packers

Passing

Aaron Rodgers: 310 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT

Running

James Starks: 60 yards rushing, 10 receiving

Ryan Grant: 35 yards rushing

John Kuhn: 8 yards, 1 TD

Receiving

Greg Jennings: 120 Yards, 2 TD

Jordy Nelson: 80 yards

Jermichael Finley: 65 yards, 1 TD

James Jones: 55 yards, 1 TD

Giants

Passing

Eli Manning: 340 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT

Running

Ahmad Bradshaw: 65 yards rushing, 20 receiving, 1 TD

Brandon Jacobs: 45 yards rushing

Receiving

Hakeem Nicks: 110 Yards, 1 TD

Victor Cruz: 120 yards, 2 TD

Mario Manningham: 40 Yards

Jake Ballard: 35 yards

Score Prediction

These teams match up very well against each other. The Giants get explosive passing plays on offense, and the Packers have given up a lot of big plays on defense. The Giants have a great pass rush, but Aaron Rodgers is as good as anyone negating a rush with his pocket movement. 

Ultimately, this game may come down to whoever has the ball last, and as good as Eli Manning has been late in games, I can't bet against Rodgers. 

Prediction: Green Bay Packers 35, New York Giants 28

Projected Star: Clay Matthews

The Packers defense has taken a nosedive this season, but Clay Matthews is still a very dynamic player. Sunday, he gets a favorable matchup against Kareem McKenzie, and he should have an opportunity to wreak havoc and help create turnovers. 

I can certainly see Matthews getting a couple of sacks to seal the game for the Packers. 

Projected Star: Victor Cruz

Victor Cruz has emerged as the most explosive player on the Giants this season, accounting for several game-breaking plays that propelled the Giants into the playoffs. 

Meanwhile, the Packers have struggled to prevent big passing plays, and I expect Cruz to take full advantage of this matchup. 

Projected Star: Justin Tuck

With Jason Pierre-Paul getting all of the attention in a season in which Justin Tuck has battled injuries, it will open up more one-on-one opportunities for Tuck to get his sacks and apply pressure Saturday. 

Tuck says he is finally back to being healthy, and it has shown on the field. With him, Osi Umenyiora, and JPP in the rotation, he can stay fresh and be a big test for Bryan Bulaga.

Projected Star: Jermichael Finley

With Greg Jennings back in the lineup, the Giants are going to have their hands full covering the Packers' deep receiving corps. As a result, I would expect the Packers to try to get Jermichael Finley involved, especially in the red zone.